SPECIAL EDUCATION STRAT II: BD/LD

Duties & Responsibilities

• MUST attend all required trainings by special education department and/or District, whether occurring in summer, evenings, or during school year.
• MUST be willing to 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 student is 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 and develop strategies for individual education plans.
• Effectively communicate with parents by means of newsletters, e-mail, 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 upon 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 and provide individualized and small group instruction in order 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 the 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 his/her worth as an individual and his/her role in his family and community.
• Utilize technology - computers, audiovisual aids, and other equipment 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 in order 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, AEA support staff.
• Supervise students in out of classroom activities during the assigned workday.
• Supervise students and/or educational assistants as assigned and/or required to maintain a safe and orderly environment which is conducive to learning.

Special Qualification Desired

• B.A. or B.S. degree in Education.
• Cross-cultural experience preferred.
• Special education teaching experience desired.
• Willingness to accept supervisory duties that are conducive to a positive building environment.
• Understanding of the need for confidentiality with respect to student and parental rights and for conversations and hard copy information.
• 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 to ensure each child reaches his/her full potential.