Special Education Teacher

Full and Part Time (Locations vary)GENERAL FUNCTIONThe Special Education Teacher is responsible for creating a positive learning environment where students develop the skills to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, lifelong learners and productive citizens.

Maintain a safe environment; establish rapport with students, parents and colleagues; motivate students to develop attitudes and knowledge that will help them reach their potential and be prepared for higher levels of education and career readiness.

Differentiate curriculum, provide specially designed instruction, ensure compliance with state and federal law, and use effective research-based methods of instruction according to District and Utah Core Standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSTeach the core content area(s) outlined in the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Utah Core Standards, and adopted by the Board of Education, correlated with other approved learning activities.

• Follow Utah Effective Teaching Standards.Develop specially designed lesson plans and instructional materials that provide differentiated instruction that meets the needs of all students with particular emphasis on : Improvement of instruction and learning with increased accountability for results;
• The learner and best practices associated with the learning process; New developments in subject, subject fields, and in specific subject competencyIndividual Education Plan (IEP) / Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and behavior intervention plan goals;

Annual and progress monitoring assessment data; and Integrate technology to support student learning.Work collaboratively with regular education colleagues to ensure best utilization of instructional time for students and student access to general education curriculum to the greatest extent feasible.

Implement with accuracy all aspects of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) including : Assessment of learning difficulties and adaption / modification of curriculum and instruction to meet individual student’s needs;

Assessment and monitoring of student progress on IEP goals and on the Utah Core Curriculum;Compliant maintenance of Special Education records and procedures.

May be expected to provide support for individual (Tier III-LRBI Manual) behavior interventions and / or emergency safety interventions for students based on assigned location which includes : Physical Guidance-Physically guiding a student through proper motions to complete a task or demonstrate a skill in response to mild resistance that does not pose a risk of danger to self or other, on behalf of the student, while at the same time does not restrict, immobilize or reduce the ability of the student to freely move their torso, arms, legs or head.

Physical Restraint-Implement an emergency safety intervention where the student’s behavior poses an immediate danger to themselves or others.

This would include a personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of an individual to move their arms, legs, body or head.

Complete all special education records within timelines outlined by IDEA law and State Special Education Rules.Establish, teach and maintain standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.

Evaluate student academic growth and proficiency including formative and summative assessments, maintain appropriate records, and prepare progress reports.

Communicate with parents through IEP meetings, conferences, telephone calls, e-mails, student planners, school website and other means to discuss the student’s goals and progress.

Coordinate with other professional staff members in helping students solve health, academic, social and psychological challenges.

Provide and maintain a safe and supportive environment in the classroom and on the school campus.May be required to travel to District schools or other locations using own transportation.

Maintain records and required information in a secure location. Maintain confidentiality of all student information.Participate in appropriate educator evaluation procedures as per State and District guidelines in accordance with DP311-Evaluation of Licensed Personnel.

Maintain professional competence through in-service education activities required by the District and State, as well as self-selected professional growth activities.

Demonstrate professional ethics as outlined by the Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission. Represent the District in a professional, ethical and positive manner.

Attend and fully participate in faculty / department meetings and professional learning communities as required. Participate in a reasonable number of faculty committees as requested.

Follow District procurement guidelines with administrative approval.Create a clean and organized environment that is conducive to student learning.

Is responsible for understanding and adhering to all District policies and complete the annual crucial policy review.Adhere to contract time.

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the principal / administrator. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTSRequires a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.

Requires compliance to USBE state license requirements. May be required to complete research-based District trainings on understanding the cycle of crisis and de-escalation strategies (i.

e. ASPEN, Mandt, etc.). Requires strong oral and written communication skills with students, parents, and staff.Requires strong computer and educational technology skills.

Requires effective problem solving, organizational, multi-tasking, and time management skills.Requires the ability to implement effective teaching strategies.

Requires the ability to establish and maintain a positive learning environment.Requires the ability to calmly handle classroom management issues using positive behavioral supports.

Requires the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, school staff, District staff, and patrons.

May require a valid driver’s license that allows incumbent to legally operate a motor vehicle in Utah. Must be able to provide own transportation if position requires travel.

Requires the ability to work as a member of a team as well as the ability to work independently.Knowledge of State Core Curriculum and Board of Education adopted guidelines.

Fulfill the employee immunization requirements or complete the applicable health department exemption form if required.Machines, Tools & Equipment Used : Standard office equipment, educational technology, computers, standard machines used in teacher work room.

Incumbent may be trained to operate a variety of Special Education equipment (e.g. office equipment, therapeutic equipment, adaptive devices, wheelchairs, physical education equipment, medical equipment lifts, language board and electronic communication devices, etc.

Physical Requirements Not limited to the following : Occasional push / pull 100+ pounds, isometric lifting 20 pound static hold (5-8 Min.

single-arm lifting of up to 20 pounds to shoulder level, floor to waist lift up to 75 pounds and awkward lift up to 75 pounds.

Frequent, continuous standing and sitting (chair and floor), walking, climbing stairs, talking and awkward positions, to / from ground without upper extremity support.

Occasional balancing on slick surfaces, gripping 50 pounds, pinching 10 pounds, sustained bending, squatting, kneeling, sustained bending, stooping and running.

Occasional hearing, near / far visual acuity and depth perception.As determined by the Special Education department, may be required to provide Physical Guidance and / or Physical restraint as outlined in the LRBI Manual.