Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher

Department:    Education

FLSA Status:   Exempt

Reports to:      Principal 

Supervises:    Classroom Teaching Assistants & Paraprofessionals

JOB SUMMARY

The Special Education Teacher is responsible for working with students in the preschool throughout the day, who may have emotional, physical, learning or mental disabilities. This position also entails using various teaching methods to engage with students. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

•    Prepares, plans and implements each student’s individualized education plan (IEP) including diagnostic/prescriptive performance characteristics and methods of implementation. Creates a daily program of educational and therapeutic activities designed to meet the stated IEP goals and objectives. Adapts general lessons to meet students’ needs. 

•    Communicates information about the school program and curriculum to parents and other persons as appropriate through written and verbal means. Advises parents how they can reinforce what is taught in school at home.

•    Assesses and documents students’ skills continuously and determines their educational needs. 

•    Engages the involvement of the other teachers and therapists for their input on ideas and strategies for student support, progress and management techniques.

•    Reviews IEP’s throughout the school year to reflect students’ progress and goals. 

•    Discusses students’ progress with parents, teachers and administrators.

•    Participates in professional development activities to maintain and enhance professional competence. 

•    Ensures the room, furniture and other items in the room have been cleaned and sanitized per the Center of Disease Control (CDC) and Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) guidelines and that the steps have been documented.

•    Ensures that children arriving or showing signs of becoming ill during the day must be taken to the Nurses Office immediately.

•    Maintains training in CPR/First Aid according to Red Cross standards.

•    Attends and participates in department, team, CSE, CPSE and other designated meetings.

•    Meets with the Principal regularly.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES 

•    Trains and supervises classroom teaching assistants & paraprofessionals in appropriate methods of support and classroom management.

•    Completes Performance Appraisal Form for classroom staff: Teaching Assistants & paraprofessionals.

OTHER DUTIES 

•    Performs duties as assigned by Administration. (may not be essential)

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

•    Master’s Degree in Special Education or Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and enrolled in a Master’s Degree program.

•    New York State Certification in Special Education and Early Childhood education (birth to Grade 2). 

•    Clearance from Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) which includes NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Statewide Central Register Database Check and NYS Justice Center.

•    Ability to provide documentation demonstrating that you are able to legally perform work in the United States. 

•    Valid New York State Driver’s License.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

•    Basic knowledge of human growth and development with the ability to apply that knowledge in a holistic manner when planning educational programming for children, adults and families.

•    Maintain confidentiality.

•    Multicultural awareness and respect for all people in accordance with agency standards, professional conduct and ethics.

•    Demonstrates knowledge of a transdisciplinary approach through active participation as a team member. 

•    Share’s educational/therapeutic knowledge and techniques as appropriate with other team members and willingly shares in team routines. 

•    Knowledge of, experience with or willing to learn a variety of evidence based educational strategies to include but are not limited to Applied Behavior Analysis, Pivotal Response Training, and Picture Exchange Communication System. 

•    Strong computer skills including proficiency with Windows, Microsoft Office, Gavras’ internal CMS software and the internet.

•    Will successfully complete required training courses.

•    Work effectively with parents/guardians, agency staff and community agencies. 

•    Knowledge of law as it relates to educating and managing students with disabilities.

•    Ability to make independent decisions as circumstances are warranted.

•    Problem solving skills.

•    Collaboration skills.

•    Trained in CPR/First Aid and maintained according to Red Cross standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

•    Ability to lift up to 50 pounds consistently throughout the day.

•    Ability to physically respond to students requiring behavioral or crisis interventions; within parameters of NYSED, and PBIS.

•    Ability to physically assist students requiring direct self-help care. 

•    Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to guide, coach and assist students; reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, bend, stretch and run.

•    Specific vision is required by this job which includes close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. 

•    Noise level in this position may range from low to high.

•    May be exposed to various weather conditions.

•    May be required to travel to various job sites.

•    Exposure or potential exposure to blood, body fluids, spills or splashes from related substances may occur as a condition of employment. 

•    Appropriately respond to unpredictable individuals and situations.