Special Education Teacher

Responsibilities

The classroom teacher uses standardized and non-standardized assessment tools to determine the current level of performance of each student. The classroom teacher coordinates the planning and implementation of an instructional program that meets the individual age-appropriate educational needs of each student in the classroom. The classroom teacher writes IEPs, monthly progress notes, and weekly lesson plans. The classroom teacher organizes and maintains a neat and structured environment, which assists the facilitation of each student’s learning, including the use of space, selection of materials, scheduling, and behavior management. The classroom teacher coordinates classroom support staff, assessing, planning, and implementing each student’s IEP. The classroom teacher assists in the classroom according to staffing patterns and students’ needs (changing diapers, assisting with toileting, assisting with feeding), leading by example. The classroom teacher escorts and assists students to and from the bus, providing opportunities for students increased independence in orientation and mobility. The classroom teacher observes and arranges for staff to observe related services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and vision services to ensure the execution of those goals in the classroom. The classroom teacher should also encourage the push-in model of therapy within the classroom environment, when appropriate. The classroom teacher develops and maintains positive interpersonal communications with staff and other professionals, maintaining a good social-emotional climate, which serves to enhance the overall performance of the classroom staff, as well as creating the positive self-esteem of each student.

Requirements

• Masters Degree in Special Education with appropriate NYS Teaching Certification, or
• Bachelors Degree in Special Education or a related field, with graduate level coursework in Special Education with NYS Provisional Certification or Certificate of Qualification.

Skills

• Ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot, and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques), with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

• Valid NYS driver's license deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.

Pay

Salary Range: $52,000-$53,000 with a Bachelors Degree $57,000-$58,000 with a Masters Degree

Schedule

Monday Friday, 8:00am 3:30pm; 35 hours per week, 48 weeks per year. This position follows the school calendar (September June), with a 6-week summer program.