Middle School Special Education Teacher/ Sign on Bonus $1,500
Position Summary
Special Education Teachers support the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students with disabilities by creating individualized learning plans, collaborating with general education teachers and families, and ensuring compliance with all special education laws and guidelines. They provide direct educational services to the identified students according to their Individual Education Program using professionally and educationally acceptable methods and techniques.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Child Growth & Development: Implements a child-centered curriculum and learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation to promote development in all domains for children of all abilities. Addresses challenging behaviors by observing to determine possible causes of the behavior, implementing preventive measures, teaching the child new social and communication skills, and partnering with families to support the child at home.
Curriculum Development And Implementation: Develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities in collaboration with families, school staff, and other service providers that are aligned with each student’s IEP goals using evidence-based strategies and accommodations. Supports students with IEPs including curricular and behavioral needs. Demonstrates deep knowledge of content and pedagogy, and expertise in assigned subject area/grade level.
Student Assessment: Conducts regular assessments to evaluate students’ progress and understanding of the curriculum. Promotes student ownership of learning through goal-setting, self-assessment, and reflection. Implements accommodations, modifications, and provides other necessary support for students during assessments and school testing. Collects and analyzes student assessment data on an ongoing basis, and uses data to inform planning, groupings, and future instruction. Provides timely, specific, and constructive feedback to students and parents on academic performance and areas for improvement to support student growth. Identifies learning challenges and develops strategies to support students with diverse needs. Assumes responsibility for meeting student performance goals, IEP goals, etc. Demonstrates gains in student performance, achievement, and growth over time.
Classroom Management: Provides a positive, safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment in which students are encouraged to be actively engaged in the learning process. Establishes and maintains a positive and inclusive classroom environment conducive to learning with clear expectations, routines, and procedures for student behavior. Uses proactive, positive reinforcement strategies to encourage appropriate behavior. Recognizes and celebrates student successes to build confidence and motivation. Foster a classroom culture of mutual respect and high expectations, that is inclusive, equitable, and respectful of all students. Provide positive guidance and discipline supporting students as they acquire readiness for skills. Foster classroom productivity and maximize learning time, while engaging children with a variety of modalities and materials. Provide emotional support through establishing a positive climate, being aware of and responsive to children, and encouraging child expression and autonomy. Use strategies for behavior management, such as clear behavior expectations, being proactive, and redirecting misbehavior. Implement consistent classroom rules and behavior expectations, promoting respectful and responsible behavior. Foster a safe and supportive atmosphere where students feel valued and encouraged to participate. Maintain a well-organized, structured, inviting, and culturally responsive physical space. Maintain order of students and class in classroom, cafeteria, hallways, playground, and across the school environment. Provide supervision and ensure safety and security of children at all times.
Communication & Family Engagement: Communicates effectively both orally and in writing, with students, parents and other professionals on a regular basis regarding students’ progress, behavior, and upcoming events. Builds trust and rapport with students, families, and colleagues to effectively support student achievement and growth. Communicate with the teaching team and parents regarding student progress per IEP goals. Counsel’s pupils’ academic and behavioral attitudes and achievements with parents throughout the year. Conduct parent-teacher conferences to discuss individual student performance and set goals for improvement. Collaborate with parents to support students’ learning at home and encourage parental involvement in school activities. Models professional and ethical standards when dealing with students, parents, peers and community. Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with students, parents and other professionals. Share academic and behavioral updates in a clear, empathetic, and strengths-based manner. Collaborate with students, families, counselors, support staff, and school administrators when addressing student needs or concerns. Participate in family-teacher conferences and contribute to school events or family engagement opportunities.
Professional Development: Engages in continuous professional development to stay updated on the latest teaching methods, educational trends, and curriculum developments. Participates in staff meetings, workshops, and training sessions to enhance teaching skills and contribute to the school community. Participates in all required training and meetings, as well as school and UCC training, and meetings. Reflects on teaching practices and seeks opportunities for continuous improvement. Engages in professional learning communities and schoolwide initiatives. Upholds ethical practices and professional conduct. Collaborates with colleagues, support staff, and administration to support student success. Contributes to a positive school culture and shared leadership.
Collaboration And Teamwork: Works collaboratively with special education staff, teachers, pupil services staff, administrators, and support staff to create and enhance a cohesive and supportive educational environment and to provide inclusive and individualized support for students with special needs. Participates in IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and multidisciplinary team meetings. Provides supervision, direction, support and professional guidance to paraprofessionals and instructional aides working in the special education setting. Outlines and articulates daily schedule for paraprofessionals and instructional aides that align to student IEP and required support services. Works collaboratively with a teaching team to identify strategies and supports for each learner as indicated. Meets professional obligations through efficient work habits such as meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, collaborating with other staff, etc.
Records And Documentation: Maintains IEP in compliance according to district, state, and federal mandates and regulations regarding special education services. Monitors student progress, maintains accurate records, and reports on goal attainment regularly. Maintains accurate and up-to-date records of students' attendance, academic performance, and behavior incidents. Prepares progress reports, report cards, and other documentation in a timely manner, following school policies and procedures. Arranges classroom events and activities, and collects the appropriate documentation in advance of field trips and other school functions.
Social-Emotional Learning & Student Relationships: Models and teaches empathy, active listening, respect, conflict resolution, peer mediation, and restorative practices when appropriate. Foster a safe, supportive classroom environment where students feel valued, understood, and emotionally secure. Identify early signs of emotional, behavioral, or social challenges and collaborate with the school counselor, school administrator, and support team as needed. Model and reinforce emotional regulation, empathy, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making.
Intended Outcomes And Success Measures
Students with IEPs make measurable academic and/or behavioral progress based on their individual goals as evidenced through progress monitoring data.
IEPs are implemented with fidelity, and services are delivered as documented.
IEPs are developed, updated, and reviewed in accordance with timelines and legal standards.
Documentation is thorough, accurate, and submitted on time. (100% of IEPs completed by due dates)
IEPs include clear, measurable goals aligned to student needs.
Services and accommodations documented as being delivered.
Regular, productive communication with general education teachers, related service providers, and families.
Co-planning and support are evident in inclusive settings.
General education teachers report consistent support and communication with Special Education staff.
Instruction is tailored to student needs using individualized strategies, accommodations, modifications, and evidence-based strategies.
Evidence-based practices (e.g., direct instruction, scaffolding, differentiated instruction) are used consistently.