Special Education - to Transition Academy; High School

Job Classification Title

Teacher (Special Education-High School-Work to Transition Academy at Wilby High School)

Special Education

Waterbury Teachers' Association CEA-NEA

Building Principal or District Level Administrator

Exempt

The 18-22 Transition Teacher is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring individualized, community-based instructional programs for students ages 18-22 with disabilities. This role supports students in achieving meaningful postsecondary transition outcomes aligned with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), with a focus on employment, independent living, community engagement, and continued education and/or training. Instruction and support are provided across a variety of settings, including the classroom, community environments, and work-based learning sites.

• EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• CREDENTIALS:
• LICENSURES, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
• Employment in this class is conditional upon possession of a valid Connecticut State Board of Education teaching certificate/endorsement(s) appropriate to the teaching assignment.
• Comprehensive Special Education, K-12 165 endorsement.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess a current Motor Vehicle Class D Operator License.
• CONTINUING
  
  EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
• Teachers in this job class must complete all State CEU requirements for re-certification.
• KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Considerable knowledge of current best practices, laws, including due process and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and interventions regarding the education of special needs students;
• Considerable knowledge of specific disabilities and familiarity with common children's mental health disorders, as well as specific strategies/interventions to use in the classroom;
• Knowledge of child development;
• Knowledge of educational philosophy, teaching methods and approaches, and currently researched best practices and strategies;
• Knowledge of educational testing;
• Knowledge of learning theory, and students' learning styles and needs, both academic and affective;
• Knowledge of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Scientific Research Based Interventions (SRBI);
• Skill in accommodations and adaptations for visual impairments, including reading and writing Braille, using low-vision devices, and utilizing assistive technology for vision impairments is required for some positions;
• Skill in classroom and behavior management;
• Skill in interpersonal relations, especially regarding working as a member of a team;
• Skill in interpersonal relationships, and the ability to work with students and staff in stressful situations;
• Skill in organization, and in verbal and written communications;
• Skill in signing, cued speech, and auditory-verbal areas is required for some positions;
• Skill in the five real-life transition areas is required for some positions;
• Skill in transitional service planning and remedial instruction;
• Skill in utilizing computer technology for educational purposes, including word processing;
• Skill in working with students having a wide range of disabilities;
• Ability to apply the principles of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Scientific Research Based Intervention (SRBI);
• Ability to be flexible regarding meeting the changing needs of students, as well as the varying modifications to District and State mandates;
• Ability to create a structured and efficient working environment for students;
• Ability to develop and update curriculum, lesson plans and associated materials necessary to meet the unique needs of the special education students;
• Ability to develop relevant assessment tools, and integrate the results of the assessments into instructional units;
• Ability to teach a variety of students, with varying disabilities, a variety of classes;
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• May provide work direction to paraprofessionals and clericals as assigned.

• Attends various meetings, such as staff, building, parent, team and case management;
• Communicates and provides consultation with team members, parents and guardians, and other outside agencies, regarding students, their interventions, medications, and programmatic needs;
• Develops data collection and data management systems; entering data into proprietary and other computer databases; analyzing data, identifying student needs, and recommending quarterly classes based upon individual student needs;
• Develops or utilizes assessment tools and progress reports, including the Illinois Interactive report cards;
• Develops positive and trusting relationships with students; counseling students and reviewing transition activities with students; and providing job coaching for students regarding their community job…