Position Type: Special Education/Special Education Teacher

Date Posted: 4/15/2025

Location: District Wide Title: Special Education Teacher

Reports To: Building Principal

Job Summary

To render diagnostic, prescriptive and educational services and assistance in a variety of instructional settings to the professional team and to students with one or more disabilities who require specially designed instruction pursuant to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) (exceptional student); to create or assist in creating a flexible, age and grade-appropriate instructional program and a class environment favorable to learning, personal growth; to establish appropriate effective rapport with students; to motivate students to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for further education, in accordance with each student's ability; and to establish appropriate, effective relationships with parents and with other staff members.

Essential Functions Attends Evaluation Report and Re-evaluation Report (ER) and IEP meetings, writes or assists with the development of ERs and IEPs for exceptional students. Facilitates securing of information needed for such meetings or as a result of such meetings. Continually monitors and assesses the progress of each student to evaluate the student's progress toward achieving the educational goals and objectives set forth in the student's IEP and progress in the general curriculum. Uses appropriate diagnostic and evaluative methods to ascertain the effectiveness of an exceptional student's IEP. Identifies when modifications may be required to the IEP, additional evaluation may be warranted or further modifications to curriculum and teaching strategies could be used to address concerns about a student's progress. Promptly addresses or initiates contact with the individuals required to address such concerns and monitors progress and results. Assists with or provides appropriate modification to the general curriculum pursuant to each student's IEP. Assists with developing or develops lesson plans, instructional materials; assists with or provides individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the general curriculum to the needs of each student and to meet the requirements of the student's IEP. Assists with ways to use and uses technology, research based instructional methods, effective strategies techniques and learning materials to enhance each student's progress toward meeting the goals and objectives of the IEP and to progress in the general curriculum. Provides support to regular education teachers and instructional and non-instructional assistants working with exceptional students. Identifies student needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping exceptional students solve social, emotional, behavioral, and academic issues. Participates in case conferences about exceptional students. Communicates with parents through conferences and other means to discuss their child's progress and to interpret the school program and the student's IEP. Demonstrates understanding of and abides by federal, state, and local school laws and regulations; mandated programs; District policies and administrative regulations. Reviews and abides by Pennsylvania Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators. Ensures all documentation related to a student's special education is complete, up to date and properly filed in accordance with District policies and practices. Maintains professional competence and keeps abreast of new developments in the field through professional development education activities provided by the District or through self-selected activities. Provides vocational and pre-vocational services and assessments in connection with transition planning and students' transition programs. Participates in curriculum development programs as required, faculty committees, and the sponsorship of student activities. Performs other duties as assigned. Performs in accordance with school policy, administrative regulations, state and federal laws. Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

Bachelor's Degree with applicable certification required, Master's Degree with applicable content area or education in general preferred.

Work Experience

3-5 years experience preferred.

Licenses/Certifications Special Education teaching certificate in Pre K-8 or 7-12, depending on assignment, required. Valid Driver's License Travel Requirements

Could be necessary depending on assignment.

Analytical Demands

Recurring analytical demands. Analysis involves gathering and interpreting data to resolve problems of moderate complexity (e.g., diagnosing equipment malfunctions to determine probable cause for breakdown and/or most appropriate means of correction).

Supervision

Immediate supervision of less than three (3) employees where more than 40% of time is spent assigning, reviewing and checking work and eliminating normal operational problems

Sensory Abilities Visual acuity and auditory acuity. Ability to communicate effectively in all aspects of the job. Temperament Must possess excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to make judgments and work under high level of stress. Must be cooperative, congenial, and service oriented. Able to make judgments and work in situations that may be stressful. Ability to work as a coordinator and a member of a team. Must be courteous and able to effectively manage job responsibilities. Must be cooperative, congenial, service oriented, and promote these qualities. Ability to work in an environment with frequent interruptions. Ability to be respectful and empathetic. Specific Skills Demonstrates effective classroom management skills. Must possess active listening skills. Must possess conflict mediation skills. Plans and prioritizes assignments effectively. Able to handle several ongoing tasks and projects at once. Able to adjust to changes in the work environment. Reports to work on time, gives a full day's work and makes effective use of time while on the job. Maintains a good attitude toward administration, fellow employees and the public. Demonstrates the ability to acquire the skill required to operate new and existing software and hardware. Proofreads work for grammar and spelling accuracy. Ability to compose clear, concise sentences and paragraphs. Other Specific Skills

Meets all requirements appropriate to grade and age level assignment and the disabilities of the students served by this position.

Workplace Expectations Acknowledges individuals' request and handles them in a friendly and courteous manner. Promotes a positive team environment through active cooperation with others. Maintains awareness of the School District's policies and procedures. Follows the chain of command. Shows initiative and works with minimal supervision. When appropriate, incorporates progressive ideas/concepts into daily responsibilities. Responds appropriately to supervision and direction. Dresses appropriately for job environment. Ability to follow directions and give direction to others. Ability to work independently and make work-related decisions. Ability to exercise good judgment in prioritizing tasks. Ability to communicate effectively to all organizational levels. Ability to use computer technology efficiently including word processing, presentation/webpage software, IEP Writer,PowerPoint and Excel software applications. Ability to appropriately handle confidential information in accordance with District policies. Standard ADA Settings

Classroom

Physical Demands Sitting Standing Walking Talking: On the phone; person-to-person, and in groups Hearing: On the phone; person-to-person, and in groups Vision: Near, midrange, far, peripheral, depth and color Machines or tools used: Computer and Telephone Pushing/Pulling/Lifting 35 lbs. Working Conditions Subject to inside environmental conditions Typical classroom environment FLSA Status: Exempt