MORGAN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT RE-3

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:  Special Education Teacher @ Columbine Elementary

REPORTS TO:  Building Principal / Site Administrator

POSITION SUMMARY:

The special education resource teacher will collaborate with the building administration and other staff as well as the district’s Director of Special Education in creating a resource environment favorable to learning and personal growth for ALL students but primarily facilitating for learners with identified special needs. Responsibilities include those related to effective rapport with pupils, conducting assessment and development of skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation in accordance with each pupil’s ability as well as the establishment of good relationships and communication with parents and other staff members.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Guides the learning process toward the achievement of Individual Education Plans, State, and local standards as well as curriculum goals. Establishes and communicates clear objectives for all lessons, and activities.
2. Provides direct instruction relevant to accomplishment of standards, goals and objectives  Instruction will address the identified individual needs of each child and to the greatest extent possible, lessons will be from district-adopted curriculum, utilizing necessary modifications and accommodations.
3. Assists in setting schedules for special education staff based on numbers of students with priority needs that allow maximum support to those most in need of support services.
4.  Assures administration of the required staffing procedures, testing, recording, and reporting. (This includes training of any staff that will be assisting with assessments.)
5. Develops lesson plans that, as much as possible, meet the individual academic needs, interests, and abilities of identified students.
6. Meets and instructs special education students in the locations and at the times designated by the administration of the school.
7. Differentiates instruction for students by employing a variety of instructional techniques and accommodations to meet the needs and capabilities of diverse learners.
8. Depending upon the site’s use of paraeducators, assists in lesson planning, provision of materials and instructional strategies for their use with students. (Special education teachers may or may not be responsible for direct supervision of paras, again depending upon how a site has been organized for instruction.)
9. Assists in the development and maintenance of an individualized plan for each student staffed into the special education program.
10. Evaluates pupils’ academic and social growth, prepares progress reports for parents and district Director of Special as required.
11. Assists the administration in implementing the District’s philosophy of education, its policies and rules governing instruction, student activities and conduct.
12. Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
13. Develops reasonable rules of student behavior and procedure; maintains fair and just order appropriate to activity.
14. Assists in the selection and requisition of appropriate instructional materials; maintains required inventory records.
15. Maintains accurate, complete, and appropriate records as required by law, District policy, and administrative regulation.
16. Assists in identifying pupil needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and addressing health, attitude and learning problems.
17. Communicates pupil progress and program information to parents and encourages their involvement in their students’ schooling.
18. Makes reasonable provision for availability to students and parents outside the instructional day for required or requested education-related purposes.
19. Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for para-educators and volunteer(s).
20. Participates in curriculum development and implementation.
21. Maintains professional competence and growth through participation in District provided and self-selected staff development opportunities.
22. Becomes involved in faculty committees and sponsorships of student activities.
23. Attends and participates in staff meetings as required.