Special Education Teacher

SUMMARY:

Responsible for providing special education students instruction in settings that allow a continuum of services from self-contained instruction to full inclusion in the general classroom through consultation and/or collaboration and/or co-teaching, with assigned general education teachers, to provide modifications and accommodations per students’ Individual Education Plan Program  (IEP). Responsible for working effectively with a team comprised of paraprofessionals, teachers,administrators, parents and District office staff with the purpose of providing quality educational services for each and every student, each and every day, without exception. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develops and implements Individual Education Program (IEP) goals with students, assist with daily classroom or lab activities, including one on one and small group instruction, including supervision of students during non-classroom times.
• Completes in a timely, accurate manner, roster and caseload reports, as required.
• Completes documentation and charting required to measure progress on student IEPs
  per the schedule established by the District.
• Continually incorporates the use of technology in the presentation and delivery of
  instruction to students.
• Continually monitors and adjusts students’ instruction through the use of
  differentiation in such a manner as to enable the student to demonstrate proficiency
  toward state standards.
• Demonstrate effective use of oral and written communications in the completion of
  daily assigned duties.
• Routinely communicates with general education teachers in regards to specific IEP
  needs of students within general classroom environments.
• Confers frequently with parents and professional staff members regarding issues that impact school performance 
• Uses multiple measures to assess, evaluate and recommends placement of students in the
  school’s special education program 
• Helps all students develop competence and confidence simultaneously through a balance of acquiring basic skills and developing conceptual understanding. 
• Monitors, supervises, coordinates and enforces rules of conduct and behavior for assigned students, and reinforces positive student behaviors in accordance with school and District policy. 
• Observes, evaluates, reports and records students' performance, behavior, and social development.
• May need to teach literacy, math, language skills, behavioral skills, daily living skills, and/or adaptive skills.
• Provides daily living assistance (e.g., toileting, diapering, feeding, personal hygiene), following universal precautions and as trained and directed. 
• Lifts and transports students using appropriate equipment and lifting techniques. 
• Schedules para support and monitors paraprofessional duties.

• Supports the relationship between Garfield School District RE-2 and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and District staff.
• Supports Garfield School District RE-2 goals.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Previous experience working with young special needs students and their parents preferred.
• Preference for applicants who are NCLB highly qualified in the content areas of
  math, reading, language arts, science or social studies. To demonstrate highly
  qualified status, completed HOUSSE with documentation and/or certification in
  content area is required.
• Bilingual preferred

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a current Colorado Department of Education Teachers License with endorsement in Special Education Generalist or Special Education Specialist.
• First Aid & CPR Certification - American Heart Association preferred.
• Obtain and maintain certification in de-escalation techniques. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

• General office procedures, policies, and practices.
• Customer service techniques.
• Variable teaching/adaptation techniques.

Knowledge of (Class Standard):

• Professional and technical writing methods and practices.
• Project management principles, practices, and methods.

Skill in:

• Strong people and computer skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow directions and collaborate with team members.
• Self-motivation.
• Ability to remain calm and respond to student behaviors appropriately.
• Effective teaching skills.

Skill in (Class Standard):

• Supervising a classroom, and delegating tasks and authority.
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and/or stressful situations.
• Working efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
• Organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines.
• Developing, understanding, interpreting, and communicating policies and procedures.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:  

• Work is performed in a standard classroom setting with some work being performed at various District properties and off-site locations.
• Heavy lifting, bending, stooping, standing for long periods of time may be required.