Title

Title Code

Teacher: Special Education

D33899

Division/Department

Unit

Grade

Special Education

I

Teacher's Scale

Reports To (title only)

Current as of

Principal

7/1/2021

Position Summary        

Is this position exempt from overtime pay?

Yes

Provides direct and indirect instruction to students with disabilities in-class or through virtual program and consults with other school personnel in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of special education services provided in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).  The area of concentration will be for those students receiving services in traditional schools and Virtual Academy. Virtual experience may be required based on assignment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

No

1.     Develops lesson plans/instructional materials and provides individualized and group instruction in order to meet the needs of each pupil as stated on the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in-class or virtual programs.

2.     Assesses the progress of students on a regular basis utilizing tests, curriculum measurements and observation skills and/or modified-adapted assessment devices. Provides progress reports as required.

3.     Facilitates the implementation of special education services in the LRE. Conducts educational assessments and consults regarding materials of instruction (MOI), equipment and instructional strategies appropriate for students with disabilities and takes all necessary safety precautions to protect students and materials of instruction.

4.     Serves as a member of the school IEP Team, assists in the planning and development of student IEP and works collaboratively in the development and implementation of IEPs and access to the general education curriculum/Maryland Common Core Framework with general education colleagues through TEAM Teaching efforts.

5.     Assists in organizing and implementing a continuum of appropriate service delivery options for students with disabilities in-class or virtual programs. Plans collaboratively and provides consultation and support to general education teachers regarding implementation of IEPs, reasonable modification, etc.

6.     Consults and confers regularly with colleagues regarding the educational, social, physical or emotional goals and objectives of students. Provides input regarding the planning of instructional goals, objectives and methods of instruction for students with disabilities.

7.     Acts as lead to teacher assistants/ParaEducators supporting the instruction of students with disabilities in-class or virtual programs.

8.     Communicates with parents through in-person or virtual conferences, IEP Team meetings, and other means to discuss pupil’s progress and the Individualized Education Program.

9.     Maintains accurate, complete and correct records, case files, etc. as required by program regulations, Board policies and federal, state and local laws.

10.  Attends and actively participates in staff/faculty meetings and system staff development priorities. Improves own professional growth through an on-going program of reading, workshops, seminars, in-service activities conferences and/or advanced coursework at universities, colleges, institutions of higher education.

11.  Observes and assess student behavior to establish and maintain discipline in the classroom conducive to effective learning and communicates with students when academic and behavioral problems arise, and exchanges information regarding appropriate behavior in the learning environment.

12.  Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

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.  Reasonable accommodations may be made on request to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

·      Bachelor’s degree in applicable field of education from a regionally accredited college or university.

Experience

·       If assigned to Virtual Academy, one (1) year of experience with virtual learning technology, remote instruction platforms, Learning Management Systems, and video conferencing tools is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·       Knowledge of current trends, research in field of specialization and methodology in the field of special education.

·       Demonstrated knowledge of special education regulations (Federal and State) and current trends/research in the field for accelerated achievement of students with disabilities.

·       Ability to use technology, (laptops, desktops, specialized assessment and data analysis software).

·       Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

·       Ability to effectively communicate with diverse communities and develop outreach strategies to encourage parental involvement in student learning.

·       Demonstrated ability to work effectively engage diverse parents/ guardians with varied communication styles, levels of skill and experience to support their child’s education experience.

·       Ability to employ a variety of teaching styles to respond to the needs of diverse learners.

·       Familiarity or experience with electronic leave reporting/substitute requesting systems (e.g. SmartFind Express), electronic grade reporting (e.g. Power Teacher GradeBook) and electronic teacher/parent communication tool (e.g. ParentConnect, Google Voice) and ability to use instructional technology hardware such as document cameras, presenters, and SmartBoards etc.

·       Demonstrated proficiency with business technology applications (e.g. Video/Web Conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint preferred).

Licenses/Certifications

·      Hold or be eligible for a Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) teaching certificate in Special Education

Career Ladder Requirements

·      N/A

Physical Requirements

·       As required by the duties and responsibilities of the job.