SPECIAL EDUCATION STRAT I: MILD/MODERATE

Endorsement Required: [261] 5-12 Instructional Strategist I: Mild/Moderate

Responsibilities

• Attend all required trainings by the special education department and/or District, whether occurring in summer, evenings, or during the school year.
• Accept feedback regarding implementation and use feedback to implement changes in instruction.
• Provide instruction based upon the Iowa Core Standards.
• Regularly use data to drive instruction and make educational decisions.
• Complete all paperwork appropriately and in a timely manner, including updating progress monitoring.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure students are progressing towards grade-level skills and/or standards.
• Implement services outlined in each individual's IEP with fidelity.
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and effectively communicate those objectives to students.
• Identify students' needs and make appropriate referrals, developing strategies for individual education plans.
• Effectively communicate with parents via newsletters, email, notes, phone calls, and individual parent conferences.
• Discuss student problems, behavior incidents, positive developments, and progress with parents in an honest, sensitive, and confidential manner.
• Promote parent participation and involvement in education activities provided for their children.
• Confer and cooperate with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting student learning, following approved curricula.
• Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve student behavioral and academic problems.
• Engage in collaborative work and contribute to team planning.
• Participate in the co-teaching process with general education teachers in a variety of core curricular areas.
• Support instruction through an Individual Education Plan for students with special needs, aligning with District-adopted curriculum.
• Provide individual and small group research-based instruction designed to meet individual needs of students based on data that promotes academic, social, and emotional growth.
• Develop and use instructional materials suitable for verbal or visual instruction of students with a wide range of mental, physical, and emotional maturity.
• Instruct students in citizenship and basic subject matter specified in state law and regulations and procedures of the District.
• Develop lesson plans and instructional materials, providing individualized and small group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student.
• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
• Translate lesson plans and activities into developmentally appropriate learning experiences to best utilize available time for instruction.
• Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor.
• Develop individualized educational plans that meet State and Federal Guidelines.
• Foster cooperative social behavior through activities and group projects to assist children in forming satisfying relationships with other children and adults.
• Develop in each student an awareness of their worth as an individual and their role in their family and community.
• Utilize technology, including computers and audiovisual aids, in the delivery of instruction.
• Utilize research-based teaching strategies.
• Evaluate students' academic and social growth by monitoring individualized education plans and progress reports.
• Utilize assessment materials and make appropriate classroom student assessments.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records and prepare reports on students and activities as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
• Establish, implement, and enforce rules and procedures for appropriate classroom behavior to maintain a positive learning environment.
• Model and maintain standards of responsible student behavior.
• Implement effective individualized behavior management strategies and curriculum accommodations.
• Demonstrate substantial ability in interpreting behavior assessments, Functional Behavior Assessments, and Behavior Intervention Plans and data for the purpose of creating Behavior Plans.
• Attend professional in-service activities and teacher training workshops provided by the District as well as self-selected professional growth activities to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Effectively communicate, collaborate, and cooperate with parents, colleagues, supervisors, and students.
• Plan and coordinate the work of educational assistants and other professional support staff, parents, and AEA support staff.
• Supervise students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned workday.
• Participate in faculty committees and sponsorship of student activities.
• Supervise students and/or educational assistants as assigned and/or required to maintain a safe and orderly environment conducive to learning.
• Manage the online learning environment for students with IEPs.
• Facilitate multiple online learning courses simultaneously through a given platform.
• Conduct home visits with the online team as needed.
• Hold scheduled office hours at the building.
• Support and implement Davenport's multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) for both behavior and academics.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• B.A. or B.S. degree in Education.
• Cross-cultural experience preferred.
• Special education teaching experience desired.
• Willingness to accept supervisory duties conducive to a positive building environment.
• Understanding of the need for confidentiality with respect to student and parental rights.
• Experience with Project Lead the Way (PLTW) or willingness to be trained.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven record of building rapport with culturally diverse students.
• Good attendance and punctuality.
• Must pass the Medicaid Fraud background check prior to hire, successfully bidding, and/or transferring to a special education position.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Ability to assess the strengths, needs, interests, and aspirations of students; hold high expectations for student academic performance and behavior.
• Ability to set achievable instructional goals, monitor and evaluate student progress, and respond resourcefully to changing needs.
• Ability to listen, speak, write, read, and respond clearly to students, parents, community members, and colleagues.
• Ability to use a variety of media and technology to enhance communications.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, speak, hear, see, and walk to carry out routine duties.
• Must be able to occasionally lift, move, or push items of 50 lbs, such as assisting children or moving/rearranging furniture.
• Must be able to supervise students in all types of weather.
• Must be able to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.
• Must be able to implement Crisis Prevention Intervention strategies, including appropriate physical restraint procedures and escorting.

Work Environment

• Noise level is quiet to loud.
• Work may be indoors and/or outdoors.
• Work may be in non-air-conditioned rooms.
• Substance-free environment.
• Fast-paced atmosphere with constant contact with students, staff, or the public.
• Direct responsibility for the safety, well-being, and work output of students.