High School Special Education Teacher School Year

Special Education Teacher

Performs complex professional work, providing teaching and/or training services to students in general instruction or in a specialized subject or assigned group of subjects; motivates students to develop skills in assigned subject matters; performs related work as required. Works with general supervision; limited supervision may be exercised over assigned paraprofessionals.

Essential duties and typical tasks include:

Maintains and respects confidentiality of student and school personnel information

Meets and instructs the students in assigned locations and at the designated times

Designs coherent instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, current instructional practices, students, the community, and curriculum goals

Prepares for classes assigned and shows evidence of lesson preparation upon request of the building administrator(s)

Diagnoses individual, group, and program needs and plans for the appropriate use of time, materials, and resources to match the ability and needs of all students

Evaluates students' progress; provides students with specific evaluative feedback; maintains appropriate records and prepares progress reports

Uses a variety of assessment strategies and instruments to make both short-term and long-range instructional decisions to improve student learning

Administers standardized tests in accordance with established procedures

Identifies and communicates specific student performance expectations; documents student learning gains using appropriate assessment instruments

Demonstrates an understanding of curriculum, subject, and current instructional practices

Creates learning experiences that make the subject matter meaningful for all students

Understands that students differ in their learning styles and differentiates instruction to meet diverse student needs

Uses appropriate materials, technology, and resources in a manner that promotes the development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills

Selects, evaluates, and refines a variety of teaching methods and instructional strategies for the active engagement of students and improvement of student learning

Implements a classroom management policy that fosters a safe and positive environment for all students and staff

Ensures the adequate and safe supervision of students

Manages classroom procedures to maximize academic learning time

Establishes and maintains positive rapport with students

Motivates students to achieve maximum potential

Creates a supportive learning environment for all students that encourages social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation

Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities

Uses effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster positive interactions in the classroom

Works collaboratively with staff, families, and community resources to support the success of a diverse student population

Models professional, moral, and ethical standards as well as personal integrity in all interactions

Takes responsibility for and participates in a meaningful and continuous process of professional development

Maintains licensure at the state and/or national level; assumes responsibility for professional growth and keeps materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date

Works in a collegial and collaborative manner with peers, school personnel, and the community to promote and support student learning

Provides service to the profession, the division, and the community

Complies with and supports school and division regulations and policies

Communicates with students, student counselors and parents through conferences and other means

Participates in curriculum development, faculty committees, and student activity sponsorship, as requested

Assumes responsibilities outside the classroom as they relate to school

Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities

Performs related duties as assigned by the building administrator(s) in accordance with the school/division policies and practices

Knowledge, skills and abilities include:

Thorough knowledge of subject(s) taught

Thorough knowledge of elementary, secondary or special education principles, practices and procedures

Thorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of effective teaching

Thorough knowledge of school division rules, regulations and procedures

Ability to establish and maintain standards of behavior

Ability to deliver articulate oral presentations and written reports

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, administration, and parents

Education and/or experience include:

Graduate of an accredited college or university

Possess or be eligible to acquire appropriate license(s) and/or endorsement(s) for position as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia and School Board

Special requirements include:

Demonstrated qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, staff, administrators, and parents

Must possess good moral character

Physical demands/requirements include:

Frequent walking, standing, stooping, lifting, up to approximately 30 pounds, and occasional lifting of equipment and/or materials weighing up to approximately 40 pounds may be required

Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise and hazards

Regular contact with staff members, school administrators, students and members of the community is required

Occasional movement of students by wheelchairs and other mechanical devices may be required

Regular instruction to special needs children may be necessary

Daily personal and close contact with children to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required

Regular contact with staff members, administration, and parents is required

Frequent contact with parents by phone and in person is necessary

Occasional contact with medical professionals may be required

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Terms of employment: Teacher pay scale, 10 months

Evaluation: The building administrator(s) will evaluate performance on the ability and effectiveness in carrying out the above responsibilities.