Teacher - Early Childhood Special Education 2026-2027

About the role

The Special Education Teacher supports student learning by practicing and promoting positive interactions with and among students, encouraging self-direction and self-motivation. They adapt and adjust instructional presentations to meet individual needs and interests, maintain organized programs of instruction, utilize various materials and resources, communicate lesson objectives, and employ diverse teaching techniques and learning activities.

Responsibilities

• Supports student learning by practicing and promoting positive interactions with and among students, encouraging self-direction and self-motivation.
• Maintains an organized program of instruction based on effective long-range plans with evidence of effective lesson planning.
• Utilizes a variety of appropriate materials and resources.
• Communicates the lesson objective and its importance to students.
• Utilizes appropriate and varied teaching techniques and learning activities both in class and out of class.
• Maintains an effective system of monitoring student progress and informs appropriate persons of such progress.
• Completes required reports promptly and accurately.
• Accepts responsibilities outside the classroom as they relate to the school.
• Assumes responsibility for a neat, safe environment for students committed to the teacher's care.

Requirements

• Holds or is eligible for a valid teaching license meeting Commonwealth of Virginia requirements with a specific endorsement in Special Education.
• Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of the subject being taught to special needs students; Classroom management strategies appropriate to the learning situation.
• Skills: Relate positively to parents and other community representatives; Assess individual needs and performance; Address criticism in an appropriate manner and develop constructive outcomes; Work cooperatively in a team environment to meet goals; Organize and perform work independently; Meet deadlines for all work even when working on multiple projects; Show sustained effort and enthusiasm in quality and quantity of work.
• Physical Requirements: Work environment is inside a classroom but could include outside activities, with moderate noise, temperatures that are controlled but can be subject to outside temperatures, and no exposure to chemicals or other negative air quality elements. The work is light work, requiring exertion of up to 20 pounds of force to move or lift objects. The following physical and mental abilities are representative of those expected to complete the essential functions of the job: standing for prolonged periods; sitting for prolonged periods; moving the hands, wrists, or fingers repetitively; moving with force on the back or lower body repetitively; feeling, grasping, or holding objects by hand; identifying colors visually; identifying objects in low light or distant conditions; communicating via spoken language; communicating via written language; perceiving sounds; making decisions using logic and rational thinking.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or education related to specific special education area to which assigned.