Special Education Teacher - Pre-Kindergarten

About the Role

Coordinates and provides direct instructional programs for special education students and their Individual Education Programs (IEPs). Monitors and evaluates programs for students with disabilities, maintains confidentiality, and ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, guidelines, and procedures related to the special education program district-wide. Maintains an environment conducive to learning.

Responsibilities

• Develops IEPs for students with disabilities; implements the IEP; and uses diagnostic information from tests and assessments to update IEPs as needed.
• Implements instructional strategies and progress monitoring tools to provide specially designed instruction.
• Assists students in completing curriculum tasks and achieving IEP goals.
• Employs a variety of teaching methods, strategies, accommodations, and modifications to meet student needs; adapts and develops materials as required.
• Monitors student behavior; maintains classroom discipline; de-escalates inappropriate behaviors; teaches students appropriate behavioral strategies.
• Evaluates student work and progress, adjusts instruction to address concerns or educational needs, and coordinates progress report and report card grades.
• Attends student IEP meetings and serves as a collaborative team member.
• Stays current on trends, research, and best practices for instruction through professional development, social media, and communication with other professionals.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university.
• Hold or be eligible for a North Carolina Professional Educator’s License in an Exceptional Children’s teaching area (excluding Academically or Intellectually Gifted licenses).
• Must hold and maintain a valid North Carolina motor vehicle operator’s license.

Skills

• Extensive knowledge of instructional practices and delivery related to specially designed instruction.
• Extensive knowledge of general content curriculum standards and age-appropriate developmental expectations.
• Considerable knowledge of state and federal policies overseeing services for students with disabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Apps.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to protect confidentiality under FERPA and other applicable laws.
• Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate effectively.
• Ability to motivate students and support diverse learning needs, backgrounds, and abilities.
• Ability to constantly monitor and supervise student safety and well-being.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, parents, and the community.

Preferred Qualifications

• First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification.

Working Conditions

Physical Environment: Must be able to use office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. Requires effective communication. May occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds; frequently up to 25 pounds; and constantly up to 10 pounds. Physical requirements align with medium work standards. Assistance from the school’s Physical Therapist is available for proper lifting techniques.

Work Environment: Works in classroom and office settings, with direct contact with staff, students, parents, and the community.