26-27 Special Education Life Skills Teacher

Position Summary

The Life Skills program is designed for students with Intellectual Impairments, Neurological Impairments, or Autism Spectrum Disorder. The program incorporates functional academics, developing community, life, self-advocacy and social skill development within a highly structured, safe, nurturing learning environment. Students’ needs in the areas of communication, self-care, social, recreation, leisure, and life skills are addressed within the school environment. Teaching techniques require direct, differentiated, specially designed instruction in a context-rich environment with a multi-sensory approach, students also have access to related services in accordance with their IEPs.

Instruction is provided both in small groups and on a one-to-one basis. The teacher-student ratio is small enough so that each student is able to have their unique and individual needs met to reach their personal goals.

The Life Skills program is designed for students with Intellectual Impairments, Neurological Impairments, or Autism Spectrum Disorder. The program incorporates functional academics, developing community, life, self-advocacy and social skill development within a highly structured, safe, nurturing learning environment. Students’ needs in the areas of communication, self-care, social, recreation, leisure, and life skills are addressed within the school environment. Teaching techniques require direct, differentiated, specially designed instruction in a context-rich environment with a multi-sensory approach, students also have access to related services in accordance with their IEPs.

Instruction is provided both in small groups and on a one-to-one basis. The teacher-student ratio is small enough so that each student is able to have their unique and individual needs met to reach their personal goals.

The teacher in SPS holds high expectations for every student and strives to know each student’s unique learning strengths and needs. The teacher uses differentiated instruction strategies to ensure equitable and meaningful access to the curriculum and learning for all students.

The essential functions or responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Plans units and lessons and delivers instruction aligned to State standards and district curriculum.
• Provides ongoing formative and summative assessments and analyzes assessment data in order to determine learning needs of students.
• Adapts curriculum and instruction to teach all students according to their varied learning strengths and needs.
• Establishes and maintains culturally responsive and two-way communication with parents, guardians, and caregivers.
• Collaborates with other educators for the delivery of specialized instruction and/or social and emotional support according to students’ needs.
• Follows the guidance and direction of the School Principal and other school and district administrators to maintain a safe, welcoming, culturally affirming, and equitable learning environment.
• Participates in professional growth opportunities, reflects on current practices, and incorporates new methodologies into instructional planning and delivery.
• Additional duties as assigned by the Principal/Supervisor and in accordance with the SEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.

• Appropriate Department of Elementary and Secondary Educator's license in the field or subject for this position
• DESE SEI endorsement Required
• Bilingual Educator Preferred