Adams Elementary - Special Education Teacher; Focus - FTE

Overview Of Position

A special education classroom teacher performs under the general direction of the building principal or program manager 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 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. This position is assigned to the Focus service pathway.

• 40% Fosters an educational environment conducive to the learning and maturation process of assigned special education students; plans an instructional program designed to meet individual student needs; prepares individual student lesson plans; adapts and modifies programs and plans as necessary.
• 15% Uses necessary and appropriate instructional methods and materials suited to the students’ well-being and to the nature of the learning activities; implements adapted curriculum objectives; attends in‑service training to stay current in special education methods.
• 10% Establishes and implements classroom policies and procedures governing student behavior and conduct; provides guidance, counseling, and discipline to encourage achievement; makes referrals for assistance where appropriate.
• 5% Confers with students, parents, guardians, specialists, and other staff to maintain an open, positive relationship and encourage student achievement.
• 10% Establishes classroom goals and objectives appropriate to the student population, follows regulations, evaluates and records student progress, and prepares reports for parents or guardians.
• 5% Directs the activities of assigned non‑certificated personnel; attends to or directs staff regarding the physical, emotional, behavioral, medical, or hygienic needs of students.
• 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 all required staff meetings and activities deemed necessary by the District and/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: subject areas appropriate to the assignment; effective behavior management techniques; effective instructional techniques; rules and procedures for student safety; regulations governing special education.

Skill in: 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 intellectual, social, physical, and emotional needs.

Ability to: work positively and confidently with students; be fair and consistent with a diverse student population; adapt to change and remain flexible; organize activities; manage student behavior; use judgment to maintain a safe learning environment; provide instruction and demonstrate techniques; utilize necessary equipment, computers, machinery, tools, or software; direct assistants; administer first aid and CPR when required; use non‑verbal communication methods such as sign language or Braille where necessary;

address specific physical or emotional disabilities and associated conditions; attend to bodily and hygiene needs; maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, specialists, staff, and administrators.

The role requires dealing with a wide range of student achievement and behavior, including…