Special Education Instructional Teacher

Overview

Special Education Resource Teacher –
Date Available
: SY26-27 –
Department
:
Core Instruction –
Level
:
Elementary Grades 4-5 –
FLSA Status
:
Non-exempt –
Reports To
:
Core Instruction Administration –
Primary Reporting Location
:
Whittier Elementary School

Position Type
:
Perm/contract –
Bargaining Unit & Classification
: OPTA & Certified

Location
:
Oak Park Elementary School District 97

In the role of a Special Education Teacher, your commitment to evidence-based instructional strategies and program planning will be pivotal in fostering the comprehensive development of students with diverse needs. You will adapt the general education curriculum to address students’ needs, create a balanced instructional program tailored to individual needs, and use assessment, progress monitoring, and adherence to IEPs to track student development.

Effective communication and collaboration with parents, administrators, and fellow educators will be essential, as will meticulous record-keeping and compliance with state and federal regulations.

Responding to inquiries from parents or guardians regarding instructional programs and student progress in support of the district’s equity commitments as expressed in Board Policy 7:12:
Ensuring Racial and Educational Equity.

• Instruction and Program Planning
• Employ special educational strategies, including evidence-based instruction, to develop sensory and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.
• Modify and/or accommodate the general education curriculum based on identified best practices.
• Plan activities that create a balanced program of instruction.
• Demonstrate knowledge of child guidance principles and practices for students with special needs.
• Manage classroom procedures and student conduct appropriate for special education needs.
• Coordinate integration of students with special needs into the general education environment.
• Assessment and Progress Monitoring
• Establish and follow each student’s IEP to support development across educational, physical, social, and emotional domains.
• Prepare progress reports and report cards as appropriate; maintain accurate records and prepare progress reports.
• Observe, evaluate, collect, and analyze data of students’ performance (academic, behavioral, communication) and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Administer district and state assessments and interpret performance data.
• Communication and Collaboration
• Collaborate with parents, administrators, general education teachers, related service providers, and other school professionals.
• Serve as an informational resource for students, parents, and district personnel.
• Respond to inquiries and provide information and interpretation of student needs.
• Attend team meetings to discuss individual students’ needs and progress; participate in problem-solving for interventions.
• Develop individual educational plans to promote students’ development with educational teams.
• Administrative Responsibilities
• Prepare and maintain records and reports related to activities, student progress and behavior.
• Provide official records for parents and district personnel as requested.
• Coordinate and conduct team meetings and implement recommendations.
• Maintain accurate data collection and reporting techniques.
• Professional Development and Compliance
• Provide instruction that meets state and federal laws, district policies, and regulations.
• Prepare data for local, state, and federal reports.
• Attend professional meetings and trainings to maintain instructional best practices as a special education teacher.
• Supervision and Training
• Train and provide work direction to assigned personnel.
• Organize and conduct trainings for parents or staff as directed.
• Operational Duties
• Operate office and classroom equipment, including computers and software.
• Monitor department expenditures as appropriate.
• Additional Responsibilities
• May assist students with toileting and hygiene needs.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Familiarity with applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures in special education.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• In…