Elementary Special Education Teacher 2026-27 School Year

Special Education Teacher

Performs complex professional work, providing teaching and/or training services to students in general instruction or in a specialized subject or assigned group of subjects; motivates students to develop skills in assigned subject matters; performs related work as required. Works with general supervision; limited supervision may be exercised over assigned paraprofessionals.

The minimum performance expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintains and respects confidentiality of student and school personnel information
• Meets and instructs the students in assigned locations and at the designated times
• Designs coherent instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, current instructional practices, students, the community, and curriculum goals
• Prepares for classes assigned and shows evidence of lesson preparation upon request of the building administrator(s)
• Diagnoses individual, group, and program needs and plans for the appropriate use of time, materials, and resources to match the ability and needs of all students
• Evaluates students' progress; provides students with specific evaluative feedback; maintains appropriate records and prepares progress reports
• Uses a variety of assessment strategies and instruments to make both short-term and long-range instructional decisions to improve student learning
• Administers standardized tests in accordance with established procedures
• Identifies and communicates specific student performance expectations; documents student learning gains using appropriate assessment instruments
• Demonstrates an understanding of curriculum, subject, and current instructional practices
• Creates learning experiences that make the subject matter meaningful for all students
• Understands that students differ in their learning styles and differentiates instruction to meet diverse student needs
• Uses appropriate materials, technology, and resources in a manner that promotes the development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills
• Selects, evaluates, and refines a variety of teaching methods and instructional strategies for the active engagement of students and improvement of student learning
• Implements a classroom management policy that fosters a safe and positive environment for all students and staff
• Ensures the adequate and safe supervision of students
• Manages classroom procedures to maximize academic learning time
• Establishes and maintains positive rapport with students
• Motivates students to achieve maximum potential
• Creates a supportive learning environment for all students that encourages social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Reports any pertinent information to the building administrators in case of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse
• Uses effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster positive interactions in the classroom
• Works collaboratively with staff, families, and community resources to support the success of a diverse student population
• Models professional, moral, and ethical standards as well as personal integrity in all interactions
• Takes responsibility for and participates in a meaningful and continuous process of professional development
• Maintains licensure at the state and/or national level; assumes responsibility for professional growth and keeps materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date
• Works in a collegial and collaborative manner with peers, school personnel, and the community to promote and support student learning
• Provides service to the profession, the division, and the community
• Complies with and supports school and division regulations and policies
• Communicates with students, student counselors and parents through conferences and other means
• Participates in curriculum development, faculty committees, and student activity sponsorship, as requested
• Assumes responsibilities outside the classroom as they relate to school
• Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities
• Performs related duties as assigned by the building administrator(s) in accordance with the school/division policies and practices

Thorough knowledge of subject(s) taught; thorough knowledge of elementary, secondary or special education principles, practices and procedures; thorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of effective teaching; thorough knowledge of school division rules, regulations and procedures; ability to establish and maintain standards of behavior; ability to deliver articulate oral presentations and written reports; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, administration, and parents.

Candidate must be a graduate of an accredited college or university and possess or be eligible to acquire appropriate license(s) and/or endorsement(s) for position as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia and School Board.

Demonstrated qualities and…