Homebound Teacher

Position Purpose

The Homebound Teacher will serve school-aged children who have been excluded from school for various reasons, or are enrolled in the Virtual School in OPS. This position includes working with students in Douglas County Youth Center (DCYC) and other Rule 18 schools. The teacher will also work with the classroom teacher to provide instruction that attempts to keep the student with his/her class. These students are verified with a disability through the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) process, while in the Homebound program.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Provide specialized instruction as outlined on the IEPC
• Collaborate with the traditional school to maintain progress in general education courses
• Maintains compliance on all special education procedures, timelines, and documents such as Individual Education Program (IEP), progress reporting, parent notification, consents, evaluation process, etc.
• Continuous assessment and evaluation of progress toward Individual Education Program (IEP) goals
• Plans for and guides the learning process to help students achieve their program objectives
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences so as to best utilize the available time for instruction
• Establishes a cooperative relationship with all assigned students
• Maintains open lines of communications with parents, guardians and staff
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and lesson planning and student progress toward IEP goals as required by district procedures and applicable laws
• Develops students’ cognitive, emotional and social capacities for learning
• Positively fosters students’ self-esteem
• Selects and uses effective instructional methods and learning materials
• Engages in professional growth activities through an ongoing program of job-related knowledge and skill development
• Works collaboratively to achieve the overall purpose of the program and support the District’s vision, aims and goals

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid NE Teaching Certificate with endorsement in Special Education, required
• A minimum of five (5) years successful teaching experience in a special education are preferred
• Professional verification of successful teacher performance and/or student teaching experience
• Evidence of the willingness and ability to comply with standards for ethical and professional performance established by the State Board of Education
• Skills pertinent to foster positive human relationships and the ability to work effectively with students, staff, parents and the community
• Skill in organization, time management, communication, and positive interpersonal skills
• Excellent attendance record
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance
• Excellent skills in verbal and written communication
• Demonstrated philosophy that all students can and will learn
• Ability to understand the individual needs of each student
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Outlook and the student information system
• Displays a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality
• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and special education students
• Knowledge of OPS’s mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them

Additional Duties

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Central Office Administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment

This position may require the ability to use assistive technology in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel

Travel will be required daily to locations to serve students (ie: hospitals and homes).

Physical And Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Work in school building environments
• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave. Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator. All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.

Terms Of Employment

• This position is treated as a full-time exempt certified position.
• The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment or teaching in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time, and the Teacher Contract.
• If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.