Special Education Teacher - Instructional Strategist II K-12

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The special education teacher is the educational leader in the classroom and will ensure that the Sioux City Community School District programs and curricula are implemented in a way that maximizes student-learning experiences. The teacher is responsible for the supervision and evaluation of all students within his/her teaching assignment. Consistent with the Department of Education and Sioux City Community School District policies, the teacher will work within an established framework for the delivery of educational services which support student learning for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

Working collaboratively with a team of educational professionals, the teacher will demonstrate a strong commitment to planning for the improvement of student achievement. Teaches students academic, social, and motor skills and plans, organizes and presents instruction in an environment which helps students learn the subject matter and skills that will contribute to their educational and social development.

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Develop and maintain long-range and daily instructional plans. Prepare course objectives and outlines by following curriculum guidelines for the Iowa Core Essential Elements aligned to requirements of the School Board or Department of Education.

Use a variety of teaching strategies such as group work, exploration, questioning, discussion, demonstrations, audiovisual aids, and cooperative teaching techniques.

Provide Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) based on identified student need, aligned with the goals documented in the Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Use a variety of assessment strategies and continually evaluate student's academic and social growth, readjusting the teaching procedure to stimulate continuous progress. Use of alternate assessment is required, which includes Dynamic Learning Maps and Early Literacy Alternate Assessment.

Maintain records for student attendance, evaluations, report cards, discipline records, and documents required by the School Board or Department of Education using prescribed formats.

Comply with Special Education Laws, regulations, and procedures. This includes development of Individualized Education Programs within the State developed system. This also includes regular progress monitoring documented within the State developed system.

Schedule and facilitate IEP meetings as required for caseload of approximately 7 students.

Implement IEPs and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) with fidelity.

Make provision for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.

Communicate with parents through a variety of methods or means to develop a positive reinforcement of interest in student's progress.

Attend scheduled in-service meetings and make use of materials and techniques that improve the educational program.

Participate in evaluating textbooks and other materials, curriculum, and other developmental programs by working with teams or sharing within the school or district.

Provide leadership to multiple Instructional Assistants assigned to the classroom or to individual students.

Demonstrate effective classroom management.

Perform other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, education, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies - To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies as defined and approved by the Iowa Department of Education.