Special Education Teacher - Dooley Middle School

Overview

Under the direction of the Principal, the Special Education Teacher is responsible for assessing students’ academic and grade-level needs; developing and implementing individualized, standards-based instruction; managing classroom dynamics and student behavior; monitoring student progress; and providing direct supervision and guidance to assigned Assistant Teachers and Counselors.

The Special Education Teacher provides instruction within a psycho-educational model and uses evidence-based, creative, and individualized teaching strategies to support students with special education and alternative education needs. This position collaborates with educational, clinical, behavioral, and residential staff to promote student academic achievement, behavioral development, life skills, and overall educational success.

All responsibilities are performed safely, ethically, and in accordance with applicable federal and Virginia regulations, licensing and accrediting standards, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), St. Joseph’s Villa policies, and the organization’s mission, values, and guiding principles.

• Maintains continuous sight and sound supervision of assigned students and ensures a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.
• Conducts ongoing academic and educational assessments to identify students’ grade-level, instructional, behavioral, and developmental needs.
• Administers and interprets standardized assessments, diagnostic instruments, and alternative assessment tools as appropriate.
• Develops and implements comprehensive lesson plans aligned with student needs, instructional objectives, Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL), Aligned Standards of Learning (ASOL), and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Provides individualized and differentiated instruction to students with special education and alternative education needs
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• Establishes measurable instructional objectives and uses appropriate assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress.
• Implements research-based and evidence-based instructional strategies
  , including appropriate use of educational technology, assistive technology, and digital learning resources.
• Continuously evaluates student mastery and modifies instructional methods, materials, pacing, and delivery strategies based on student performance and educational needs.
• Ensures appropriate instructional materials, classroom resources, adaptive equipment, and learning tools are available and accessible to students.
• Develops and maintains a structured classroom environment designed to maximize student engagement, academic achievement, independence, and learning.
• Provides instruction and support in life skills, functional skills, social skills, and independent living skills in collaboration with interdisciplinary team members.
• Uses approved behavior management, de-escalation, crisis intervention, and positive behavioral support techniques when addressing student behavioral needs or crisis situations.
• Implements approved physical intervention and restraint procedures when required and consistent with training, policy, and applicable regulations.
• Prepares and maintains accurate student records, including report cards, interim reports, IEP progress reports, attendance records, assessment data, and other required educational documentation.
• Monitors student attendance and promptly reports absences and attendance concerns.
• Completes required Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) documentation and assessments for applicable students.
• Participates in the development, implementation, monitoring, and revision of IEPs and other individualized educational plans.
• Collaborates with parents, guardians, school personnel, clinicians, behavioral…