City-Wide Special Education Teacher, Stafford

Stafford Department – Teacher
Reports to: Director of Pupil Personnel Services / Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services

About the role

To provide an innovative and creative learning environment which fosters students' individual growth and development in all program areas.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement academic and clinical IEP goals through continuous assessment of each student.
• Apply a developmentally focused classroom structure.
• Develop and implement an integrated curriculum by sharing ideas, materials, and methods with professional colleagues.
• Demonstrate knowledge and application of subject matter in areas of specialization.
• Assess students' abilities and craft teaching plans; plan daily lessons to provide a variety of learning experiences.
• Find engaging activities to teach skills (e.g., drawing and theater drama).
• Vary instructional material and activities through a multi-modality approach.
• Develop and implement an effective behavior management program that meets the overall goals of the program.
• Manage classroom crises and resolve conflict.
• Monitor children's behavioral patterns and arrange appropriate interventions if needed.
• Maintain appropriate student records and submit required reports within a designated time period.
• Work with teachers in various disciplines.
• Work cooperatively with parents to maintain ongoing communication and provide support and resources when necessary.
• Adapt learning materials to students' needs.
• Keep track of and reflect on students' needs.
• Perform educational testing and evaluations to assess students' needs.
• Actively participate in a transdisciplinary model and demonstrate strong collaboration skills.
• Integrate the clinical group goals and objectives into the educational curricula.
• Actively participate in staff development activities to foster professional and personal growth.
• Develop student awareness and self-respect by fostering experiences that encourage students to achieve realistic and personal goals.
• Prepare students for transition to the next grade.
• Inform parents about their children's performance and potential problems.
• Participate in ongoing performance evaluations.
• Maintain professional competence through in-service education provided by the district and self-selected professional growth activities.
• Serve on faculty and curriculum committees.
• Implement individual education programs for special needs students.
• Supervise classroom and students (aides, volunteers, and parent helpers where appropriate).
• Perform general supervisory duties as scheduled.
• Coach/mentor other professionals who work with children with disabilities.
• Collaborate with support staff (e.g., school counselors and speech therapists) to create holistic intervention plans.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Special Education Teacher or relevant role.
• Good knowledge of current special education topics and methodologies.
• Experience working with children with a wide range of disabilities.
• Ability to create IEPs.
• A patient, resourceful, and resilient personality.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• BS in Special Education; MS is a plus.
• Valid Connecticut Teaching Certificate, 165 Comprehensive Special Education, K-12.
• Additional credits required for completion of certification requirements.
• PMT training will be required and provided by the district.

Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Ability to write memos, reports, and correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of administrators, staff, parents, and the general public.
• Mathematical skills including the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Basic knowledge and experience with standard hardware and software applications.
• Ability to use a computer for email, word processing, accounting, databases, and presentations.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and teaching competencies to the instructional program.
• Ability to plan and implement lessons based on school objectives and the needs and abilities of students.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers, and parents.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements, Board of Education policies, and the code of professional responsibility for teachers.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to stand, talk, or hear, and sometimes walk and sit.
• May occasionally push or lift up to fifty (50) pounds, such as boxes of books and AV/VCR carts.
• Directly responsible for the safety, well-being, or work output of other people.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.

Work Environment

• Moderate to loud noise level.
• Duties are performed indoors and occasionally outdoors.

Pay

As per negotiated contract (BFT Contract).