Rainier - 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, to evaluate 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 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); and attending or participating in all required staff meetings and other activities deemed necessary by the District and/or building principal.

Required knowledge includes subject areas appropriate to assignment; effective behavior management techniques; effective instructional techniques; rules and procedures for student safety; and rules and regulations governing special education. Required skills include 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 having a wide range of achievement;

and adapting curricula and programs to meet the intellectual, social, physical and emotional needs of a population of special education students. Required abilities include dealing with students in a positive and confident manner; being fair and consistent when working with a culturally, racially and economically diverse student population; adapting to change and remaining flexible; organizing activities; managing student behavior; using good judgment to maintain a safe learning environment;

providing instruction and demonstrating techniques; using necessary equipment, computers, machinery, tools, or software; directing assistants; administering first aid and CPR; using non-a mal or non-verbal means of communication such as sign language; using non-visual instructional techniques such as Braille; dealing with specific physical or emotional disabilities and associated conditions; attending to various physical and hygienic needs; and establishing and maintaining effective, positive working relationships with students, parents or guardians, specialists, staff and administrators.