Special Education CDC/Modified Teacher K-3

Education: Bachelor's degree required.

Valid license with appropriate endorsement acceptable to the state of Tennessee Department of Education; First Aid and CPR certification preferred; must have or be willing to obtain Conflict Resolution/Restraint Training.

Position Type: Full Time | Certified | Exempt

Purpose

The Special Education Teacher coordinates and provides developmentally appropriate educational services for students with diverse abilities. They adapt programming to address the cognitive, physical, social-emotional, behavioral, and communication needs of students with identified disabilities, while maintaining required documents and conducting all necessary actions as outlined through federal and state regulations.

Responsibilities

• Assumes responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the classroom, which may include a general education classroom in conjunction with the general classroom teacher.
• Provides direct instruction within the classroom, small group, and/or 1:1 setting.
• Develops and maintains student IEPs in the Educational Management System and conducts parent meetings with fidelity to articulate student progress toward IEP goals.
• Cooperatively designs and implements IEPs that focus on improving areas of skill deficits and celebrates student achievements and successes.
• Plans curriculum and prepares lessons and materials, considering individual needs, abilities, learning levels, and physical limitations of students.
• Employs special education strategies or techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory.
• Follows de-escalation and isolation/restraint strategies.
• Utilizes special teaching tools, techniques, and equipment, including active teaching strategies incorporating cooperative learning, audio-visual/technological advances, and other leading-edge techniques.
• Uses formative/summative assessment data and progress monitoring data to drive instruction.
• Fosters cooperative social behavior through activities and group projects to assist students in forming satisfying relationships with peers and adults.
• Collaborates with school staff to provide guidance on appropriate accommodations, modifications, and assessment of curriculum and instruction for students.
• Models instruction using effective strategies and methodologies for students with academic, behavioral, and social challenges.
• Maintains effective, developmentally appropriate student management techniques in all settings.
• Discusses students' areas in need of support and progress with students, parents, and administration, suggesting corrective action as needed.
• Accurately maintains and prepares, in a timely manner, all reports/data required by federal and state law (IDEA) and the Board of Education.
• Administers diagnostic tests and monitors students' progress on a regular basis.
• Seeks a variety of services through community resources and agencies to meet the needs of exceptional students.
• Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g., grades, attendance, anecdotal records).
• Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress.
• Directs student teachers, instructional assistants, volunteers, and/or student workers.
• Participates in a variety of meetings and trainings.
• Collaborates with instructional staff, school personnel, parents, and community resources for the benefit of students in academic areas, athletics, special programs, and extracurricular activities.
• Follows all board policies, school system rules, and administrative regulations, and adheres to the Employee Code of Conduct.
• Reports incidents of actual or suspected child abuse, child sexual abuse, unlawful student possession of weapons or drugs, or fighting on school property as required by law or school policy.
• Responds promptly and professionally to inquiries from various sources (e.g., teachers, students, parents, administrators).
• Responds to emergency situations and safety concerns as necessary.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

• Physical Demands: The role involves heavy lifting over 60 lbs. occasionally (over 15% and up to 40% of the time). Other physical demands include:
  • Pushing, pulling
  • Climbing
  • Stooping, kneeling
  • Reaching
  • Talking
  • Hearing
  • Seeing
  • Assisting students who may require extra support with their physical needs
• Personal Traits:
  • Adaptability to performing a variety of duties, often changing tasks without loss of efficiency or composure.
  • Ability to accept responsibility for direction, control, or planning of activities.
  • Adaptability to working with students, faculty, administration, and community staff.
  • Ability to make generalizations, evaluations, or decisions based on sensory or judgmental criteria.

Continuing Education & Training

• Maintain state license requirements.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training related to RTI2A & B, special education referrals and eligibility, assessment protocols, and procedures.