Position Title: Special Education Teacher

Reports To: Director/Assistant Director of Special Education and Student Services

Supervises: None

Terms of Employment: STEA CBA

Exempt

Job Summary:

The special education teacher plans and provides 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.

Job Goal:

To provide differentiated, inclusive instruction and individualized support to students with disabilities in a collaborative, nurturing classroom environment, promoting their academic, social, and emotional growth.

Job Description:

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree
Appropriate Special Education PA Certification

Essential Functions:

Provide direct and indirect instructional support to students in a positive environment.
Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction.
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 socially acceptable behavior, as determined by the students’ individualized education programs (IEPs) by employing techniques in an overall positive behavioral support system.
Modify the general education curriculum for students with disabilities based upon a variety of instructional techniques and technologies.
Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining an environment conducive to learning for all students.
Meet with parents to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their individualized educational needs.
Confer with parents, administrators, school psychologists, teachers, social workers, and other professionals to develop individualized education programs (IEPs) designed to promote students' educational, physical, and social/emotional development.
Maintain accurate and complete student records and prepare reports on children and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
Develop plans for effective communication, monitoring, and follow-up of students in inclusive classroom settings.
Collect and maintain data for providing appropriate classroom interventions and monitoring of IEP goals.
Serve as a member 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 opportunities.
Collaborate and provide classroom leadership to paraprofessionals assigned to your caseload students.
Perform related work as required.

Marginal Functions:

The necessary principles and application of theory into practice for effective instruction and positive behavioral supports that are beneficial for implementation with all students with disabilities.
Curriculum and instructional techniques.
The special educator also demonstrates the ability to provide positive behavioral support to students in a group and in an individual setting.
Demonstrates an understanding of the federal, state, and local mandates governing the determination and delivery of special education services.
Completes observations and reports pertaining to learning behaviors of students;
Displays the ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office and school-based staff, students, parents and community members.
Overall, the special educator possesses excellent human relations skills and a working knowledge of the English language in written and verbal form.

Physical/Mental/Environmental Demands:

The position also entails significant walking, bending, standing, stooping, and possible physical interventions in order to maintain a safe learning environment.
Assignment may require the ability to physically move students or equipment weighing up to 50 lbs., position students in specialized equipment, and/or change diapers as needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:

The Susquehanna Township School District is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Special Education Teacher - Long Term Substitute