2026-2027 Special Education: General and Adaptive Teacher K-12

About the Role

This position is responsible for creating a classroom environment favorable to learning and personal growth of every student; establishing effective rapport with students; motivating students to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed to provide a strong foundation for becoming a responsible citizen in accordance with each pupil’s ability; and establishing good relationships with parents and other staff members.

Responsibilities

• Instructs students in a program of study which meets stated objectives and provides transfer of knowledge.
• Instructs students in citizenship and basic subject matter specified in state law and administrative regulations and procedures of Newport News Public Schools.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials, providing individualized and small group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student.
• Translates lesson plans into learning experiences to best utilize available time for instruction.
• Guides the learning process toward achievement of all IEP’s and in harmony with established goals, setting clear objectives for students.
• Serves as liaison between classroom and specialty groups.
• Evaluates academic and social growth of students, prepares report cards, and maintains appropriate records including attendance reports, checklists, census forms, and other recordkeeping activities.
• Assesses student accomplishments regularly, seeking assistance from specialists to provide accurate and objective statements on student progress in a timely manner.
• Communicates regularly with parents or guardians through conferences and other means to discuss student progress.
• Supervises and monitors student movement, escorting students to resources, bathrooms, buses, cafeteria, room changes, and other activities in the building.
• Serves as a member of a multidisciplinary team as appropriate.
• Administers standardized testing in accordance with division testing practices.
• Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities.

Other Duties

• Maintains professional competence by attending staff development programs, curriculum development meetings, and other professional activities.
• Participates in various student and parent activities including PTA, student clubs, and after-school activities.
• Creates an effective learning environment through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and activity/learning centers.
• Performs any other related duties as assigned by the Principal or other appropriate administrator.

Requirements

• Must possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in education or a related field.
• Must be eligible for or possess a Virginia Collegiate Professional License or Postgraduate Professional License with appropriate endorsement in Special Education.
• Must possess the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and the public.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Must exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone and enter data into a computer.
• Must be able to hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels, outdoors, and on the telephone.
• Must speak in audible tones so others may understand clearly in normal classrooms, outdoors, and on the telephone.
• Must have the physical agility to lift up to 25 pounds; bend, stoop, sit on the floor, climb stairs, walk, and reach overhead.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment.
• Duties may occasionally be performed on field trips away from school.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Supervision

• May supervise instructional assistants, volunteers, and tutors.
• Supervision received from the Principal.

If you are interested in teaching but do not currently have a teaching license, you may be eligible for our Associate Teacher program. To learn more, visit the Associate Teacher job description. If interested in being an Associate Teacher for Special Education, apply to this posting. Human Resources can assist with licensure questions.