Job Summary

Special Education teachers oversee the education and training of students who meet the criteria of a student with a disability under the guidelines of IDEA. They design and deliver lessons geared towards the individual needs and capabilities of the students under their supervision. Create and/or support classroom environments conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.

Essential Job Functions

• Assess students’ skills to determine their needs and to develop teaching plans
• Adapt lessons to meet the needs of students
• Develop and maintain Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student within the timelines required through IDEA
• Plan, organize, and assign activities that are specific to each student’s abilities
• Teach and mentor students as a class, in small groups, and one-on-one
• Implement IEPs, assess students’ performance, and track their progress
• Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect students’ progress and goals
• Supervise and mentor teacher assistants who work with students with disabilities
• Prepare and help students progress from grade to grade, including planning for transition services post-high school if applicable to the needs of the student Manage student behavior.This may include intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences to discuss student’s progress with parents, teachers, counselors, principals, and administrators.
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly

Other Duties

• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills
• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers
• Compile, organize, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required
• Maintain confidentiality

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Special Ed Certified K-12
• Valid Pennsylvania teaching certificate with required special education endorsements

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Demonstrated competency in the subject area(s) assigned
• Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD)
• Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment. May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non ambulatory students. Exposure to biological hazards

Required Clearances

Act 34: PA Criminal History Check (File online), FBI Fingerprints (code 1KG6Q9) Act 151: Child Abuse Clearance (File online)