Teacher- Special Education

Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Oversees a classroom of school-aged children (ages 3 – 21) with brain-based disabilities and/or with other intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
• Prepares lessons and teaches students, providing instructional and behavioral management support to students, both individually and in small groups.
• Incorporates social skills into daily lesson plans and activities.
• Collaborates with each student’s school therapy team as necessary and appropriate, and implements therapy recommendations to support optimal treatment of the student.
• Prepares and appropriately documents annual academic goals for students and compiles quarterly progress reports; participates in Individualized Education Program (IEP) process including IEP meetings and team meetings, or legal hearings, when necessary and appropriate.
• Communicates and collaborates and/or meets with parents on a regular basis and involves parents in their child’s activities and progress.
• Provides direction, support and supervision to the paraprofessionals, teacher assistants and/or Associate Special Education Teachers in their classroom.
• Utilizes a multisensory approach incorporating art, music, and technology to design lessons to increase students’ literacy, numeracy, communication, social, and life skills.
• Performs all other duties, as assigned.
• Current certification and registration as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (grades B-2, 1-6, 7-12 and/or All Grades) or Permanent Special Education Certification, issued by the New York State Education Department; or
• Bachelor’s degree in education or closely related field and active pursuit of master’s level education in a New York State Registered Program for Special Education Teacher’s Certificate (or equivalent), with anticipated completion and receipt of certification as Teacher of Students with Disabilities within 5 (five) years of appointment; and two (2) years of experience in childcare, social services, healthcare and/or other school-based role.
• Exceptional interpersonal, problem solving, and communication skills
• Ability to take initiative, multi-task & meet deadlines
• Highly flexible personality type

• Master’s degree in special education strongly preferred
• Current NYS certification and registration as a teacher in special education (Students with Disabilities, Permanent in Special Education, etc.)
• Previous experience with school-aged children with special needs