Gravette Public Schools

Position Description

Position Title: Special Education Teacher

Department: Assigned buildings

Reports To: Special Ed. Director/Building Principals

Evaluated By: Special Ed. Director/Principals

JOB SUMMARY:   The Special Education Teacher will be a member of a dynamic, dedicated, solution-focused team committed to student success and progress. The Special Education Teacher will be responsible to coordinate and provide developmentally appropriate educational services to students whose abilities differ from their peers; collect progress monitoring data; consult with general education teachers, therapists, other intervention providers, and administrators about instructional strategies and interventions that are systematic, multisensory, and evidence-based; conduct formative and programming assessments; complete required paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teaches district-approved curriculum based on state frameworks and standards.
• Maintains confidentiality and observes professional ethics.
• Prepares for assigned classes and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor.
• Continually analyze pupils’ academic progress through teacher-made tests, standardized tests, checklists, observations, and other performance assessments; keeps appropriate records, prepares progress reports, and makes modifications as necessary. Assessment areas may include academic performance, behavior, social development, or physical health.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and provides individualized and small group instruction to adapt and differentiate the curriculum to the needs of each pupil. This includes developing individualized education programs (IEPs) for each student, setting learning goals and adopting modifications as necessary; ensuring each student’s learning experiences and lessons are planned and organized according to his/her abilities.
• Develops and teaches lessons that provide engaging learning opportunities for small groups and individual students while meeting required specifications of IEPs.
• Develops, completes, and maintains all paperwork and implements needed supports and services mandated by local, state, and federal guidelines, laws, and regulations, and implements.
• Identifies pupil needs and develops strategies to support those needs. Assists in the implementation of accommodations and modifications and the differentiation of instruction.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.
• Collaborates with other members of the staff in planning instructional goals, objectives, and methods.
• Is available to students and parents for education-related purposes during the instructional day and extended hours when necessary.
• Plans and coordinates the work of paraprofessionals, parents, and volunteers.
• Communicates regularly with various internal and external stakeholders to develop and maintain a positive school/community relationship.
• Assists the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student conduct, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedures, and maintains order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
• Maintain a safe and orderly environment to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.
• Attends and participates in faculty meetings and professional development activities.
• Proactively continue to increase knowledge of special education teaching methods, research, and best practices through professional development and study.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  The Special Education Teacher may be responsible for directing, monitoring, and mentoring paraprofessionals working with students who have disabilities. 

QUALIFICATION 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:  Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Education.  Special Education licensure preferred. Master’s degree preferred. Appropriate state license or certification required. Two years of experience is preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:  Hold a valid Arkansas teaching license. Meets requirements for Highly Qualified Teacher designation, as applicable to the teaching assignment. Arkansas Special Education licensure or ability to obtain Arkansas special education licensure in a timely manner.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of teachers, administrators, staff, families, and the public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:  Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY:  Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, table, or schedule form.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional programs; ability to plan and implement lessons based on district and school objectives, and the needs and abilities of designated students.  Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers, and parents. Demonstrate skill in oral and written communication. Ability to analyze test and other assessment data for use in making curricular decisions.  General computer skills, including internet research skills and data entry. Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear and sometimes walk.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be regularly required to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, reach, twist, and lift up to 50 pounds and push or pull up to 100 pounds.  The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, or work output of other people. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus.  The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain a calm and patient demeanor with all students.
• Thorough understanding of various special education needs and services.
• Thorough understanding of and the ability to implement a variety of effective teaching methods.
• Thorough understanding of policies, laws, and guidelines related to special education including IDEA, IEPs, and 504.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.