Cleveland - Special Education Teacher; Resource - FTE

Overview of Position

This position is assigned to the Resource Service pathway. A special education classroom teacher works under the general direction of the building principal or program manager and with assistance from appropriate staff personnel. The teacher fosters and enhances an effective learning environment; establishes and adapts learning objectives and standards for special education students based on district guidelines and the rules and regulations governing special education;

provides instruction, counsels, disciplines, and supervises to meet the individual needs of assigned students; and evaluates student performance and progress.

• 40% Fosters an educational environment conducive to the learning and maturation of assigned special education students; plans instructional programs designed to meet individual student needs; prepares individual lesson plans; adapts and modifies programs and plans as necessary.
• 15% Uses appropriate instructional methods and materials; implements established program or curriculum objectives; attends in‑service training and continues professional growth.
• 10% Establishes and implements classroom policies and procedures governing student behavior; provides guidance, counseling, and discipline; makes referrals for assistance.
• 5% Confers with students, parents or guardians, specialists and other staff to maintain supportive relationships and encourage student achievement.
• 10% Establishes classroom goals and objectives appropriate to the special education population; evaluates and records student progress; prepares reports for parents.
• 5% Directs activities of assigned non‑certificated personnel; attends to students’ physical, emotional, behavioral, medical, or hygienic needs; monitors conditions and behaviors.
• 10% Collects and interprets data; develops, implements and evaluates individual education plans (IEPs); provides reports for administrative purposes; amends documents where appropriate.
• 5% Attends or participates in required staff meetings and other activities deemed necessary by the district or building principal.

• Serves on staff committees as required.
• Participates in a variety of activities to enhance personal and professional skills.
• Performs related tasks consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position.
• Attends at least one of two annual Special Education Compliance Professional Development days.

Reports to the building principal.

Knowledge of appropriate subject areas, effective behavior management techniques, effective instructional techniques, rules and procedures for student safety, and regulations governing special education.

Skills:

Proficiency in reading, writing, and oral communications; effective communication with parents or guardians in a culturally, racially, and economically diverse community; designing and implementing lesson plans for students with a wide range of achievement; adapting curricula and programs to meet diverse students’ needs.

Abilities:
Deal positively with students; be fair and consistent; adapt to change; organize activities; manage behavior; use good judgment; provide instruction; use necessary equipment, computers, machinery, tools, or software; direct assistants; administer first aid and CPR (when required); use alternative communication methods such as sign language or Braille (when applicable); maintain positive relationships with students, parents, specialists, staff, and administrators.

Required to handle a wide range of student achievement and behavior; handle students with disabilities; prioritize tasks; may experience frequent interruptions; occasionally deal with distressed students; may be exposed to infectious diseases or bodily fluids; may need to move or lift students or equipment; may teach in a classroom without telephone communication.

Bachelor’s degree; academic preparation or experience in teaching a culturally, racially, and economically diverse student population in an urban school system; and teaching reading and adapting…