Teacher - Early Childhood Special Education

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 student needs and interests, maintain an organized program 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.
• Adapts and adjusts instructional presentation of subject content to students' needs and interests.
• Maintains and organizes a 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.
• Engages in ongoing professional development relevant to position.
• Responds promptly and thoroughly to written and oral requests for information.
• Maintains a clean, neat appearance, appropriate to position.
• Maintains a record of appropriate attendance and punctuality.
• Serves as a role model for students, colleagues, and the general public.
• Works in close harmony with colleagues, supervisors, and co-workers.
• Complies with all District and School policies and regulations, including but not limited to guidelines for confidentiality.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

Requirements

• Holds or is eligible for a valid teaching license which meets Commonwealth of Virginia requirements with specific endorsement in Special Education.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or education related to specific special education area to which assigned.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Abilities: Identify colors visually; identify objects in low light or distant conditions; communicate via spoken and written language; perceive sounds; make decisions using logic and rational thinking.