CASEY COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Teacher, Special Education

Department: Instruction

Reports To: Principal/Director of Special Education

Approved By: Casey County Board of Education Date: February, 2016

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the Director of Special Education, the special education teacher plans and provides for appropriate learning experiences for students with disabilities in a variety of educational settings. The person in this position is responsible for creating a flexible program and learning environment that provides specialized instruction for students with disabilities, such that the students benefit from the general education curriculum to the greatest extent possible when supported with supplemental aides, accommodations, and other needed supports as identified in state and federal law related to IDEA.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Provide direct and indirect instructional support to students in a positive teaching and learning environment.
• Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve and promote the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.
• Instruct students in academic subjects using a variety of techniques such as phonetics, multi-sensory learning, and repetition to reinforce learning and to meet students' varying needs and interests.
• Teach social competency skills, as determined by the students’ individualized education programs (lEPs) by employing social competency curriculum in an positive behavioral support system that supports and reinforces appropriate behaviors as well as the generalization of skills across settings.
• Modify and individualize the general education curriculum for students with disabilities based upon a variety of instructional techniques and assistive technology that utilizes differentiation as directed by the I EP.
• Plan and conduct rigorous instruction that promotes student engagement and high levels of learning and is aligned to grade-level standards.
• Use formative and summative data sources to guide/refine instruction that is responsive to student needs.
• Establish and implement classroom rules for behavior and procedures that support a safe and efficient environment conducive to learning for all students.
• Communicate with parents to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their individualized educational needs.
• Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and other professionals to develop individualized education programs (lEPs) designed to promote students' educational, physical, and social/emotional development.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records and progress monitoring as dictated by the IEP based on district policies, state law and administrative regulations.
• Establish and communicate clear learning targets for all lessons/units as directed by student IEP and grade level standards.
• Develop plans for effective communication, monitoring, and follow-up of students receiving services in the general education setting.
• Assist in collection of data for providing appropriate classroom interventions.
• Serve as a member(s) of a multidisciplinary team as appropriate.
• Assist in preparation of data for local, state, and federal reports.
• Maintain professional competence by participating in staff development activities, curriculum development meetings, and other professional learning opportunities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Ability to lead, support, collaborate, communicate with district/school staff to implement and monitor individual student due process folders; ability to interpret and remain current on all federal, state, and local mandates for special education to ensure that the district maintains compliance; handle confidential information discretely and professionally; use discretion and exercise sound and professional judgment; effective public relations/interpersonal skills to respond to build positive working relationships with parents, community and advocacy groups; serve as the district's lead representative/contact person of programs for students with disabilities; effective management, fiscal responsibility, team-building, results-driven and problem solving skills, provide, understanding and implementation of IDEA and evidence-based practices for high quality teaching and learning.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Special Education or meets EPSB requirements.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATES, LICENSES: Appropriate Kentucky Department of Education Administrative certification and a valid teaching certificate.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.