SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSROOM TEACHER

Specific Responsibilities

• Directly assist in the development and implementation of individualized educational programming for students.
• Attend and participate in annual review/CSE meetings for students.
• Supervise students and maintain a consistent engaging classroom routine.
• Create an organized structured classroom environment conducive to student learning.
• Write and submit weekly lesson plans that are differentiated to meet individual student needs.
• Create IEP goals, submit progress reports, and Family team conference reports as needed.
• Conduct educational evaluations, vocational assessments, and other required evaluations (e.g., NYSAA).
• Work cooperatively with the interdisciplinary team to conduct needed testing and evaluations.
• Maintain student records such as attendance, IEPs, Behavior intervention plans, and corresponding data using the data management system (Catalyst).
• Oversight, supervision, and constructive feedback of classroom staff (including staff evaluations).
• Assign and direct duties to teacher assistants in the classroom.
• Consult with related service providers regarding student progress, schedules of services, and recommendations for classroom integration (e.g., sensory activities, communication programs).
• Plan appropriate educational field trips and community experiences for students.
• Develop programming to build ADL (Activities of Daily Living) and vocational skills in students as appropriate.
• Assist students with ADLs throughout the school day (e.g., feeding, grooming, toileting).
• Implement program initiatives such as PBIS (Positive behavior interventions and supports) and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System).
• Drive agency vehicles for outings as appropriate (with valid NYS license and approval).
• Perform other duties as designated by the Principal or Assistant Principal.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Education, Special Education, or a related field.
• NYS Teacher Certification, with preference for Students with Disabilities certification.
• Adequate acceptable background clearance from NY State Central Registrar.
• Experience working with the DD population.

Relationship with Others

• Be a team player.
• Show strong sensitivity to cultural differences among staff and students within the organization.
• Possess a strong belief in people's ability to grow and change; forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons and families served.
• Ability to set limits and maintain a helping role within the school community and intervene appropriately.

Working Conditions

• Arrive on time for the school day and utilize UKG Pro software to punch in/out and manage timecards.
• Set-up and break down the classroom daily.
• Follow school hours of 8:15-3:15, with occasional changes within a reasonable limit.
• Avoid frequent absences and tardiness.
• Take one 30-minute lunch break per day.
• Pick up and drop off students from RTC childcare team upon arrival and departure.
• Always accompany students when traveling within the school building, campus, outside on grounds, and in the community.
• Attend and participate in all assigned trainings and meetings.
• Obtain an annual physical and PPD as per requirement.
• Adhere to SCO agency policies and procedures, as well as program-specific policies and procedures (e.g., TLC program manual/orientation manual).

Scope of Responsibility

• Relate to students, families, and colleagues in a friendly and cooperative manner.
• Welcome and assist new staff members in learning school-wide and student-specific programs/curricula.
• Focus on creating positive outcomes and have a clear understanding of the complex needs of the student population.
• Complete situation reports, restraint forms, accident/incident reports, etc., in a timely manner.
• Follow guidelines for building security and parking regulations.
• Participate in fire drills and other emergency drills, ensuring student supervision and oversight at all times.
• Care for the equipment and supplies used by the students, including securing electronic devices, keeping materials organized and stored appropriately, and recommending purchases of supplies as per purchasing and ordering procedures.

Organizational Structure

See Organizational Chart*