SY 26-27 Special Education Secondary Grades 9-12 Teacher - Science

About the Role

The Special Education Teacher is a state-certified educator who provides daily instruction and support in a virtual academic environment. This role involves creating strategies to engage and facilitate student learning, serving as a case manager and point of contact for students and parents, and monitoring academic progress to prioritize student learning objectives.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, develop, and facilitate IEP and eligibility consideration meetings
• Collaborate with instructional teachers to review student academic data
• Track and communicate all IEP service changes (e.g., setting, accommodations, eligibility changes, related services, AT needs, etc.)
• Serve as point of contact regarding academic needs, accommodations, and IEP services for families and teachers
• Receive progress reports and information from related services providers
• Provide special education documents to parent/guardian and required team members prior to and following meetings
• Administer assessments (e.g., performance, informal, or formal) to monitor student progress
• Monitor student engagement and attendance data
• Input testing accommodations into school database after each IEP meeting; verify accommodations prior to state testing
• In collaboration with school counselor, verify student class schedules for alignment with IEP services and FTE reporting
• Document communication with families via contact logs in Infinite Campus
• Maintain lesson plans, artifacts, and materials used to facilitate student instruction
• Comply with all written policies and procedures in teacher, district, and school-based handbooks
• Establish a virtual classroom environment conducive to learning
• Implement all IEP services and accommodations within classroom and testing environments with fidelity
• Utilize research-based strategies and differentiation to engage and nurture student learning and relationships based on individual strengths and needs
• Complete all case management and instructional duties as assigned throughout the school year
• Maintain special education records compliance, including timelines, reporting, and open records requests as outlined by IDEA and the GADOE

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree(s) in Special Education or related field AND 1 year of experience as a special education teacher, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong data-collection, differentiation, and specialized instructional strategy skills
• Ability to adapt learning plans to meet various needs and learning styles
• Ability to create an engaging class culture and manage the classroom environment
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Strong time-management, organizational, and decision-making skills
• Understanding of the GADOE Implementation Manual guidelines for Special Education
• Ability to write IEPs and Special Education Eligibility reports
• Ability to learn new technology tools quickly (e.g., database and web-based tools)
• Demonstrate prompt and regular attendance
• Microsoft Office/Google Suite; Web proficiency
• Ability to pass required background check
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time within and between assigned geographic areas to support students, attend meetings, and participate in school activities

Certifications and Licenses

• Elementary Special Education Teacher (P-5): Minimum of SRT4 Certification in General Curriculum Special Education AND the Special Education Academic Content Areas (Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading, and English)
• Special Education Teacher (4-8): Minimum of SRT4 Certification in General Curriculum Special Education and ALL of the Special Education Academic Content Areas 4-8 (Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading, and English) required; OR passed the GACE Program Admissions Assessment or have exemption eligibility (ACT/SAT scores) AND passed the GACE in General Curriculum Special Education and ALL of the Special Education Academic Content Areas 4-8
• Middle School Special Education Teacher (4-8 or 6-12): Minimum of SRT4 Certification in General Curriculum Special Education and ALL of the Special Education Academic Content Areas 4-8 or 6-12 (Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading, and English) required; OR passed the GACE Program Admissions Assessment or have exemption eligibility (ACT/SAT scores) AND passed the GACE in General Curriculum Special Education and ALL of the Special Education Academic Content Areas 4-8 or 6-12
• High School Special Education Teacher: Minimum of SRT4 Certification in Special Education General Curriculum Consultative (P-12) and the (6-12) English, or Math, or Science, or Social Science core academic content; OR passed the GACE Program Admissions Assessment or have exemption eligibility (ACT/SAT scores) AND passed the GACE in Special Education General Curriculum Consultative (P-12) and have passed the core academic content test (6-12), AND GACE Educator Ethics Program Entry

Skills

• Adaptability/Flexibility: Adapts to change, is open to new ideas, takes on new responsibilities, handles pressure, and adjusts plans to meet changing needs
• Integrity/Ethics: Deals with others in a straightforward and honest manner, is accountable for actions, maintains confidentiality, supports company values, and conveys good news and bad
• Teamwork: Meets all team deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, helps team leader to meet goals, welcomes newcomers, and promotes a team atmosphere

Desired Experience

• Virtual Education Experience
• Special Education Teacher Experience
• Familiarity with Zoom, Jigsaw, Canvas, Clever, or other online platforms
• Experience supporting adults and children in the use of technology
• Knowledge of principles, theories, practices, methods, and techniques used in special education instruction

Work Environment

• This is a home-based position
• Ability to travel by vehicle to state testing and professional development sites
• Minor lifting/carrying of academic materials