Job Description:
POSITION SUMMARY/PURPOSE:
To facilitate the success of special education students’ growth in academic and
interpersonal skills through implementing district approved curriculum; document
instruction, student progress, activities, and outcomes; address specific educational needs
of individual students by creating a flexible, safe and optimal learning environment; and
provide feedback to students, parents, teachers, administrators and other staff regarding
student learning and progress toward goals.
ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Conduct diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning
issues and recommend courses of action or corrective procedures to overcome
issues and maximize learning.
• Participate in Planning and Placement Team (PPT) and assist in developing
Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) for students.
• Assist students, teachers and other staff in implementing IEP’s andbehavior
management plans.
• Coordinate with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, includingstate and
federal authorities, as needed.
• Coordinate with administrators, teachers and other staff to ascertainindividual
student abilities and needs, including students with special needs.
• Maintain and acquire professional knowledge in the educational field by
attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, by conducting
research, and/or by maintaining professional relationships with members of
institutions of higher learning and the business community.
• Encourage parental involvement in student education througheffective
communication with parents.
• Assist in the orientation of new teachers and other staff by providingin-service
training and consultative support.
• Select, requisition and maintain inventory records for appropriate books,
learning aids and other supplies and equipment related to the position.
• Promote a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to student
learning, individualized and small group instruction.
• Develop lesson plans and instructional materials and translate lesson plans into
learning experiences to best utilize the available time for instruction.
• Teach literacy skills and other appropriate learning activities, utilizing a course of
study adopted by the Board of Education.
ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES (continued):
• Establish, maintain and ensure that student conduct conforms to district standards
and policies and hold students to behavior standards necessary to achieve a
functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Coordinate with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, to
evaluate and assess curriculum.
• Participates in faculty meetings and committee meetings.
• Supervise students in activities that take place in and out of the classroom
during the school day, including activities involving school transportation.
• Conduct student assessments to identify those eligible for intervention services, to
plan instruction, and/or assist staff members in learning various assessment
techniques; assess the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provide
progress reports; administer standardized tests in accordance with district testing
programs.
• Serve as a member of the school-wide SRBI team and plan, facilitate, and
monitor a structured intervention program for students through the district’s
Scientific Research-Based Intervention (SRBI) process.
• Use a variety of manipulatives and hands-on activities to support content standards,
Connecticut Core Standards, and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or
student groups involved in your instruction.
• Create a classroom environment and researched-based program of study that is
conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental interests of students.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records of student interventionsand
progress as required by law, district policy, administrative guidelines, and/or specific
program requirements.
• Conduct and/or participate in parent conferences, SRBI meetings, team/grade level
meetings.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES:
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Director of Pupil Services, School
Principal and other administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all
inclusive of every task or responsibility.
EQUIPMENT:
• Standard office and classroom equipment.
TRAVEL:
• Ability to travel to school district buildings and professional meetings as
required, including on a school bus or van.
WORK SCHEDULE:
• Standard teacher work schedule as set forth in the Thomaston Education
Association bargaining agreement.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, including the
ability to differentiate instruction per student learning styles and academic or
behavioral needs.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulationof action
plans.
• Knowledge of research-based, multisensory interventions and the ability to
apply them in work with students.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding educationand
students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with administrators, teachers, other staff,
students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and
professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships withothers
contacted in the course of work.
• Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well
as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with
special needs.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS/WORK HAZARDS:
• Work in standard office and school building environments.
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE:
• Certification/License:
o Applicable Grade-Level and/or Content-Area Connecticut Educator Certificate (065 or 165).
o Motor Vehicle Operator’s License or ability to provide own transportation.
• Education:
o Bachelor’s Degree required.
o Master’s Degree or specialized training preferred.
• Experience:
o Three years successful experience as a special education teacher preferred.
FLSA Status: Exempt
DISCLAIMER:
This job description conforms to EEO and ADA requirements. This job description does not constitute an
employment agreement or contract between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by
the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.