Special Education Teacher

POSITION TITLE: Special Education TeacherREPORTS TO: Principal and/or Director of Special Education SUMMARY: Special Education Teacher plans organizes and implements appropriate instructional programs in a learning environment that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic TYPE: 1 year Full TimeESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work that is performed and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed by this position. Other duties may be assigned by the Superintendent and/or the Superintendents an understanding of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and Common Core State classroom work for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized education programs (IEPs) and all learning styles of and implement activities that meet the physical intellectual emotional and social needs of their studentsDevelops appropriate instructional materials activities & lesson plans with modifications and accommodations appropriate for individual students taking into consideration cognitive levels and and support individual needs. Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior to achieve an effective learning atmosphere. Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom safe clean healthy and developmentally appropriate environments establish and enforce rules of behavior for children in their classrooms Maintain confidentiality and a high level of professionalism at all times Maintain compliance with all state regulations related to the Massachusetts DESEParticipate in professional development and monthly staff meetings performs other duties as assignedImplement IEP collect data for goals and create and attend annual IEP developmental testing programs subject-specific assessments etc. for the purpose of assessing student levels reporting progress and/or developing IEPsStrong ability to collaborate with all constituents including related service providers as well as instructional assistantsEstablishes strong communication with parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations; students achievements; developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environmentKnowledge of Assistive Technology for communicationParticipates in a variety of meetings including IEPs for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functionsPrepares a variety of necessary documents (e.g. adaptive materials grades attendance anecdotal records IEPs behavior logs etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements Evaluates individual student accomplishment of goals and objectives records progress and adjusts individual and group learning activities pupil needs and makes appropriate referrals and develops strategies for individual education pupils in dealing with academic personal and social with guidance specialists staff members parents and outside persons or agencies to assist students with special with parents/caregivers of individual children to help guide the growth and development of the regularly with parents/caregivers by means of newsletters notes phone calls conferences available to students and parents/caregivers for education-related purposes outside the instructional utilizes and conserves physical facilities equipment and in the task of operating the school as a community of cooperative and constructive technology within instruction to increase student comprehension and an understanding of the philosophies and principles utilized in District-wide in ongoing professional development activities related to student population & certification state and federal special education regulations as outlined in the IDEA and the requirements set forth in 603 CMR 28.00 which are in addition to or in some instances clarify or further elaborate the special education rights and responsibilities set forth in state statute (M.G.L. c. 71B) federal statute (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq. as amended) and federal regulations (34 CFR 300 et seq. as amended).Follows all standards and indicators to the best of his or her ability as described in the Sutton Public Schools Teacher Evaluation AgreementAdheres to the voted upon collective bargaining agreement and any applicable MOUs/MOAs between the Sutton Teachers Association and School CommitteeSUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Supervises classroom and studentsQUALIFICATION 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 skills and/or abilities required. The Superintendent may waive or modify the qualification KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES:Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory in the educational fieldAbility to plan and implement lessons based on district and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assignedAbility to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written formAbility to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups including staff parents and the general publicAbility to read analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals technical procedures and governmental regulationsAbility to write reports business correspondence and procedure manualsAbility to use reasoning ability to evaluate information and determine/recommend an appropriate course of actionAbility to define problems collect data establish facts and draw valid conclusionsAbility to use professional literature evidence-based research and continuing education content to make practice decisionsAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students parents staff and the communityAbility to work independently prioritize tasks and manage several projects simultaneouslyUses instructional technology appropriately and works with students to facilitate their use of instructional technologyAbility to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements state and federal laws and Board of Education policiesUnderstand confidentiality requirements regarding student recordsAbility to exercise good professional judgment in assessing emergency situations and act accordinglyAbility/willingness to plan coordinate conduct and participate in ongoing professional and staff developmentAbility to operate a computer and related software including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite and Google WorkspaceEDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:Minimum of baccalaureate degree masters degree preferredLICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:DESE Certification in Moderate Disabilities Pre-K to 8Must possess valid Massachusetts teacher licensure appropriate for subject area to be taughtPHYSICAL DEMANDS:The employee must be able to remain stationary for extended periods and occasionally move throughout the school building as needed. Regular use of hands for typing handling objects and operating tools is required along with sufficient grip strength for various tasks. The role involves frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment such as a calculator copier and printer. The employee must be able to enter data read from screens and review handwritten or printed materials with or without visual aids. Clear and effective communication with students parents and colleaguesboth in person and over the phoneis essential. Strong visual and auditory awareness is necessary to ensure student safety and provide meaningful ENVIRONMENT:The employee will be working in a normal school environment with an acceptable level of noise. The employee interacts with students parents and other staff members. The employee is directly responsible for the safety well-being and work output of students. While the majority of the work day is spent inside the employee must spend time outdoors for fire drills and/or special activities. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.