Special Education MI Multi-Grade 6-8

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; to facilitate student success and growth in academic and interpersonal skills through implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; addressing specific educational needs of individual students and by creating a flexible, safe and optimal learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc.

Essential Functions

• Self-contained teacher for students in special education with Mild Intellectual Disabilities in grades 6-8
• Collaborate with General Education Teachers & Paraprofessionals to transition students to build inclusion in the general education setting
• Work and plan with Behavior Specialists to support student needs to successfully transition to general education
• Develops and administers school elementary curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives.
• Develops Individual Educational Plans ("IEP") for students.
• Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEP's and behavior management plans.
• Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences so as to best utilize the available time for instruction
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
• Instructs students in the principles of responsible citizenship and other subject matters specified in applicable laws, as well as administrative regulations and procedures of the school system.
• 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.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms with the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Coordinates with other elementary professional staff members, especially within grade level, to evaluate and assess curriculum, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
• Supervises students in activities that take place out of the classroom during the school day, including activities involving school transportation.
• Administers standardized tests in accordance with District testing programs.

Additional Duties

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment

Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements

Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of mild and moderate disability characteristics, strategies, and educational supports
• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as ability to differentiate instruction based upon student learning styles.
• 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 elementary school curriculum and concepts.
• Knowledge of behaviour intervention strategies, Functional Behaviour Analyses and Behaviour Intervention Plans
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding special 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.

Qualifications Profile

• Certification/License: Georgia State Certification as a Special Education Teacher. Special Education Adaptive Curriculum. Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation. Mindset Trained, or willing to attend Mindset Training provided by the district.
• Education: Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.