Preschool Special Education Teacher/Consultant (Birth to 5) - External Applicants Only

This posting is for external applicants only. If you have questions regarding this position, please contact Emily Ripko, Preschool Services Director, at (385) 646-4670 or email ecripko@graniteschools.org.

About the Role

Under the direction of the preschool director, the preschool special education teacher is responsible for creating a positive learning environment where students develop the skills to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, lifelong learners, and productive citizens. The teacher establishes rapport with students, parents, general education staff, and colleagues; motivates students to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for further education, in accordance with each student's ability. The teacher differentiates curriculum, implements appropriate accommodations and modifications, and uses effective research-based methods of instruction.

Responsibilities

• Teach the core content area(s) outlined in the Utah State Board of Education's Utah Core Standards for Early Learning.
• Develop lesson plans and instructional materials and provide individualized and small group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of the child.
• Plan instruction that involves adapting and modifying curriculum and instruction to accommodate individual student needs.
• Utilize effective teaching techniques, including explicit teaching, to implement lesson plans as productive student learning experiences which best utilize the time available for instruction.
• Establish and support standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom through organization and appropriate discipline strategies.
• Assess, monitor, and evaluate students' academic and social growth, progress on IEP goals, and growth in the Utah Core Standards for Early Learning.
• Create data collection systems, maintain appropriate records, and prepare student progress reports.
• Maintain file compliance and fulfill other special education compliance requirements.
• Administer assessments in accordance with state and district testing procedures.
• Learn and implement the Granite Preschool Services program requirements with fidelity.
• Be familiar with and willing to implement the Granite Way.
• Assist in creating/maintaining safe and effective learning environments.
• Communicate with parents through conferences, telephone calls, e-mails, and other appropriate means, to discuss students' progress.
• Communicate and cooperate with other professional staff regarding students' academic and personal growth areas.
• Maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, school staff, district staff, and members of the community.
• Maintain professional competence through professional development activities provided by the Preschool Services Department and self-selected professional growth activities.
• Participate in appropriate educator evaluation procedures as per district guidelines.
• Model professional and ethical standards when dealing with students, parents, colleagues, and members of the community as outlined by the Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission.
• Understand and adhere to laws, district policies, and procedures.
• Be a positive role model.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Requires a Utah State Board of Education (USBE) cleared criminal background check.
• Requires one of the following:
  • A valid Professional Educator License issued by the Utah State Board of Education with a Preschool Special Education (Birth to Age 5) License Area of Concentration;
  • An equivalent license in another state;
  • Verification of completion of an approved educator preparation program that will result in one of the licenses listed above prior to the date of hire;
  • Acceptance into a Utah State Board of Education (USBE) approved Preschool Special Education (Birth to Age 5) licensure program; or
  • A bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited university and willing to enroll in a USBE-approved Preschool Special Education (Birth to Age 5) licensure program within 6 months of hire.
• New program graduates who have not yet received their license may upload a conferral letter from their university program in lieu of their license. This letter must include the anticipated date of graduation and the specific areas in which the applicant will be licensed.
• Individuals that do not hold the Utah Professional Educator license listed above are required to obtain and maintain enrollment in a USBE-approved Preschool Special Education (Birth to Age 5) licensure program. Failure to do so within the time frame listed above may jeopardize continuing employment with Granite School District.

Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of special education requirements for preschool children including evaluation, eligibility, IEP development, placement, and service delivery in the least restrictive environment.
• Strong skills in positive behavioral supports, behavior management techniques, and embedding social skills into instruction.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong computer and educational technological skills.
• Ability to work independently with little direct supervision.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Self-motivated and accepts responsibility.
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive learning environment and handle classroom management issues in a calm manner.
• Effective multi-tasking and time management skills.

Pay

Teacher Salary Schedule, Lane Placement A-G (based on qualifications).

Schedule

9 months (189 days), 1.0 FTE.

Working Environment

• Work takes place in a typical school environment.
• Supervision of students requires both indoor and outdoor responsibilities (e.g., recess duty, gymnasium activities, etc.) in all types of weather and air quality.
• Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to speak and/or hear.
• Frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• Occasionally required to use hands to handle or feel objects and must occasionally climb or balance.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.