Special Education Teacher

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (K4-8) SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.  Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Position Goal

Provide quality services to special education students through a commitment to team participation in planning and implementation of student programs including special instruction, tutorial assistance, and consultation to general education staff.

Reports To 

Principal

Supervises

None

Terms of Employment

Exempt Employment;  10 Month Employee; Full-Time

Essential Function Statements

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Prepare student education plans in consultation with parents and IEP team members.
2. Design instruction, through individual, classroom, and small group instruction, which parallels the general education curriculum.
3. Act as coordinator of IEP implementation with general education staff.
4. Monitor student progress, participates in review and revision of IEP, as appropriate.
5. Assist other professional staff in diagnosis of learning disorders, development of planned remediation and evaluation of student progress.
6. Maintain appropriate student data and other records and submit reports as required.
7. Articulate curriculum between and among student levels.
8. Manage classroom organization. 
9. Collaborating with the classroom teacher to define appropriate activities for the pupils in relation to the curriculum. 
10. Working with other members of staff within a school to identify individual pupils' special needs - testing, target setting, monitoring children and writing individual education plans. 
11. Liaising with parents and other agencies, such as the medical profession, social workers, speech and language therapists and educational psychologists. 
12. Assisting in pupils' personal care needs. 
13. Working with schools to develop school action plans, policies and strategies relating to special needs issues and delivering learning support. 
14. Delivering in-service training to mainstream teachers.
15. Strives to implement by instruction and action the school’s mission and educational and instructional goals and objectives.
16. Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional medial, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.
17. Assists the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct, and for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, and maintains order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
18. Makes 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.
19. Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.
20. Attends staff meetings, serves on staff committees and participates in in-service activities provided by the school and in self-selected growth activities.
21. Works productively with colleagues, parents, and community members.
22. Participates in and organizes extracurricular activities.
23. Acts as a role model for students.
24. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Prescribed curriculum.
• Current research. 
• Related technology and software.  
• Varied learning styles. 
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices for effective teaching techniques and strategies in area of specialization. 
• Principles and practices for effective student learning techniques.
• Lesson planning. 
• Technology (computer, internet, smartboard, projector, etc.) to enhance instruction.
• Modern techniques for classroom assessment. 
• Effective interpersonal communications.  
• School rules and guidelines.
• Behavior management and positive discipline skills. 

Ability to:

• Diagnose learning disorders, prescribe remediation and evaluate student progress. 
• Function as a member of an educational team and collaborate with general education staff, support personnel, community agencies, and parents. 
• Be flexible and receptive to change.
• Perform a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure.
• Communicate effectively using written and oral communication skills.
• Manage the classroom and supervise students.
• Analyze, diagnosing and evaluating student progress and programs.
• Use effective, positive interpersonal skills.
• Develop lessons, units and projects consistent with district curriculum goals and objectives.
• Meet and instruct assigned classes.
• Work independently and handle multiple priorities.
• Assess the accomplishments of students.
• Develop fair and appropriate classroom management techniques.
• Supervise assignments for aides, volunteers and student teachers if applicable.
• Model good instructional, coaching and mentoring practices.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Meet deadlines.
• Maintain accurate, complete and correct records as required by law.
• Operate computer and gradebook software.
• Communicate enthusiasm, excitement and a strong feeling of commitment to the teaching profession.
• Maintain regular attendance.

Education and Experience Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required.
• Valid Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction teaching license in Special Education (appropriate to grade level and area of assignment) required or eligibility to obtain licensure through an approved pathway required. . 

Experience:

• Experience working with diverse student populations, including students with disabilities, in an urban school setting preferred.
• Experience developing and implementing IEPs, progress monitoring, and collaborating with general education staff strongly preferred. 

Special Conditions of Employment:  

• Must possess and maintain appropriate Wisconsin Special Education teaching certification.
• Ability to meet all licensing and compliance requirements established by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
• Successful completion of background check and all agency-required clearances.
• Ability to attend IEP meetings, professional development, and school-related events outside of regular school hours, as needed.
• Ability to travel between school sites (if applicable).

Working Conditions

Environmental Conditions:

• Work is performed primarily in a school environment with frequent interruptions and ongoing interaction with students, staff, and families. The role may include supporting students in a variety of settings, including general education classrooms and specialized instructional spaces. 
• The position regularly involves responding to sensitive and high-stress situations, including student crises (e.g., mental health concerns, mandated reporting).
• Exposure to confidential and sensitive information is routine and requires strict adherence to privacy standards.

Physical Conditions:  

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and movement throughout the school building
• Ability to lift and move up to 30 pounds as needed
• Ability to respond to student needs, including behavioral or emergency situations
• Regular use of technology, including computers and instructional equipment
• Ability to manage the physical and emotional demands associated with supporting students with diverse learning and behavioral needs