Position Type: Elementary School Teaching/Special Day Class Mild/Mod

Date Posted: 7/8/2025

Location: Tropico Middle School (High-Needs School)

Position Purpose

- Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to maximize the learning experience of students with special needs, in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment.

Essential Functions

- Conducts assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning issues, and recommending courses of action or corrective procedures to overcome issues and maximize learning.

- Participates in PPT's and assists in developing Individual Educational Plans ("IEP") for students.

- Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEP's and behavior management plans.

- Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed.

- Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with social work services.

- Serves as ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school.

- Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.

- Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.

- Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.

- Assists in the orientation of new teachers, and provides in-service training in guidance.

- Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities

- Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs.

- Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.

- Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.

- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.

- Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.

- Ability to organize and coordinate work.

- Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.

- Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.

- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

- Works in standard office and school building environments.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 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 Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment. Master's Degree in related area preferred. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Valid California Teaching Credential. Current Certificate of Freedom from Active Tuberculosis.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. The individuals currently holding this position perform additional duties and additional duties may be assigned.