Middle School Special Education Teacher - Cross Categorical

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 education needs of individual students by creating a flexible, safe and optimal learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations and goals as determined by the Superintendent of Schools.

Reports To: School Principal

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Elementary Education or a related discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Illinois State Certification as a Special Education Teacher.
• Prior experience teaching in a special education classroom in the past five years.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Illinois State Board of Education Professional Educator Licensure is appropriate to the assignment.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the IEP writing process, including developing appropriate goals, documenting present levels of performance, and ensuring alignment with student needs and legal compliance.
• Expertise in positive behavior supports, problem-solving, and inclusive practices.
• Expertise in working with students with social/emotional and behavioral needs.
• Experience in crisis prevention (CPI) strategies and training.
• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning needs and styles.
• Maintain accurate and consistent data collection and documentation to monitor student progress toward IEP goals, inform instructional decisions, and support ongoing communication with families and team members.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding special education.
• Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Essential Performance Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary instructor providing direct service for students with identified learning/behavioral needs in an Instructional setting.
• Develop lessons that address students' academic, interpersonal, social, and emotional needs.
• Completes required documentation/IEP case management responsibilities and record keeping in the specified time and manner for identified students.
• Provide coaching and technical assistance regarding behavior management and instructional strategies to build capacity across a continuum of services.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms to 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.
• Designs and implements personalized instruction effectively.
• Collaborate with all stakeholders to develop and implement evidence-based programming that improves student outcomes.
• Support team members in the development and implementation of functional assessments and behavior intervention plans.
• Collaborate regularly with general education teachers to support students from the self-contained classroom during push-in opportunities, ensuring accommodations, modifications, and IEP goals are implemented effectively in inclusive settings.
• Serve as the case manager for students, coordinating IEP development and implementation, collaborating with related service providers and families, and ensuring compliance with all state and federal special education regulations.
• Conduct ongoing assessment of student learning and progress, collects data, monitors student progress, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual students' needs.
• Maintains familiarity with district, state, and national standardized assessments to maximize student individual growth targets.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending workshops and professional meetings.
• 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.
• Communicates and collaborates effectively with other staff members and participates in staff meetings and workshops.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee regularly is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee has no or very limited exposure to physical risk.

Term of Employment: 181 days. Salary established based upon years of experience and level of education as defined in the salary schedule of ARTICLE XVII Section 17.1 of the AGREEMENT between the Board of Education School District #72 and the Fairview Teachers' Association Local 1274, IFT/AFT, AFL-CIO.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of ARTICLE III, Teacher Evaluation, Sections 3.1-3.15 of the AGREEMENT between the Board of Education School District #72 and the Fairview Teachers' Association Local 1274, IFT/AFT, AFL-CIO.

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by (an) individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities related to the position. This job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity and School Board Policy and procedures. Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification.