Job Description:

Under the direction of the Executive Director and Education Director, the Certified Special Education Teacher develops and provides specialized instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities; evaluates and assesses student progress against instructional objectives; and functions as Case Manager to assigned students.
Essential functions of the job may include but are not limited to the following:

• Provides research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives contained within each student’s IEP.
• Assesses student progress and determines the need for additional reinforcement or adjustments to instructional techniques.
• Employs various teaching techniques, methods and principles of learning to enable students to meet their IEP goals.
• Develops and implements annual Individualized Educational Program (IEP) plans for students to include present levels of educational performance, special education needs, instructional goals and objectives, and the special education and related services required to meet those goals.
• Schedules team meetings and works cooperatively with team members and others in developing instructional goals and strategies.
• Coordinates the delivery of special education services in each student's IEP.
• Creates a positive learning experience with emphasis in individualized instruction.
• Serves as primary contact for the parent.
• Conducts special education evaluations and reevaluations.
• Provides direction, supervision and evaluation of teacher assistants as directed.
• Complies with school policies and all state/federal rules and regulations.
• Completes all district and state reporting requirements.
• Other functions of the job include but are not limited to the following:
• Establishes and maintains student control and discipline in the classroom, school premises or during school activities.
• Employs and implements a classroom structure and consistency to encourage student responsibility, cooperation and mutual respect consistent with policies and procedures.
• Collaborates and consults with educational professionals and community service providers (i.e., social services, public health, medical providers etc.) regarding the needs of students.
• Provides consultation to classroom teachers regarding classroom adaptions, instructional modifications, adaptive equipment, behavior modification plans and other similar instructional interventions to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
• Performs other comparable duties of a like or similar nature apparent or as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Ability Required:

• Minimum B.A/B.S degree in teaching from an accredited institution in the appropriate special education area.
• Current CT teaching license in required content area.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of special education and specialty area.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of effective teaching of students with disabilities.
• Thorough knowledge of school rules, regulations and procedures;
• Ability to establish and maintain standards of behavior.
• Ability to deliver and articulate oral presentations and written reports.
• Ability to effectively an analyze needs and problems objectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, students, parents, staff, administration and the community.
• Perform all other related work delegated or required to accomplish the objectives of the school program.
• Knowledge of relevant technology including the use of technology.
• Meet professional teacher education requirements of school district and state.
• Knowledge and skills in working with children with challenging behavior and emotional disabilities.
• Must have the ability and proven ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift, move and/or support up to 50 pounds (and/or up to adult size body weight with two-to-three person lift).
• Position can require some degree of physical interaction with students who have difficulty controlling physical behavior.