Garfield - Special Education Teacher; Resource - FTE

Special Education Classroom Teacher

This position is assigned to the Resource service pathway. A special education classroom teacher performs under the general direction of the building principal or program manager and with assistance from appropriate staff personnel. A classroom teacher fosters and enhances an effective learning environment; establishes and adapts learning objectives and standards for special education students based upon general 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.

Essential functions include fostering an educational environment conducive to the learning and maturation process of assigned special education students; planning an instructional program designed to meet individual student needs; using necessary and appropriate instructional methods and materials; establishing and implementing, in a positive and supportive manner, classroom policies and procedures governing student behavior and conduct; conferring with students, parents or guardians, specialists and other staff;

establishing classroom goals and objectives appropriate to the special education student population and their individual education programs; directing the activities of assigned non-certificated personnel; collecting and interpreting a variety of data; developing, implementing and evaluating individual education plans (IEP's); attending or participating in all required staff meetings and other activities deemed necessary by the District and/or building principal.

Typical qualifications include a bachelor's degree; academic preparation for or experience in teaching a culturally, racially and economically diverse student population in an urban school system, and teaching reading and adapting instructional techniques and practices for special education students. Specific programs may require additional academic preparation or professional experience, including working with bilingual students and assisting them in the transition to regular classrooms;

implementing programs designed to prevent the dropout of "at risk" students; and teaching multi-level, open-concept, and mainstreamed classes; and establishing and implementing behavior change programs. Licenses/special requirements include a valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with Special Education Endorsement; some positions may require valid first aid and CPR certification; some positions may require a valid Washington State driver's license or a class II driver's license.