Job Description:

.5 FTE Special Education Teacher needed at John F. Kennedy Elementary School. 

 
Current CT Special Education certification (165 or 065) required.

SUMMARY/GOAL OF POSITION:
To facilitate the learning process for students with special needs through the effective application of instructional skills and knowledge and to support students in their social and emotional growth in accordance with Individual Educational Plans as prescribed by the Planning and Placement Team.

 
INSTRUCTION: (Illustrative not inclusive)

Demonstrates knowledge of subject and presents appropriate lesson content, following curriculum expectations as specified by the Board of Education;
 
Develops a lesson design to promote achievement of lesson objectives;

Engages students in active learning, monitoring, understanding and adjusting the lesson when necessary;

Uses both direct and supervised instruction to keep students motivates and on task;

Uses appropriate questioning strategies;

Communicates clearly, with precise language and acceptable oral expression;

Uses a variety of resources, materials and methods to improve the effectiveness of lessons;

Creates learning environments and experiences that integrate technology into curriculum and instruction;

Implements a variety of grouping strategies as dictated by student needs and learning objectives;

Gives clear and reasonable assignments;

Assesses student achievement regularly and provides regular feedback to students;

Provides and monitors appropriate homework assignments, giving meaningful feedback to students;

Involves parents in active participation in the educational process; keeps parents informed regarding classroom goals and student progress, responds promptly and appropriately to parent concerns;

Demonstrates competency in individual diagnostic assessment of student’s cognitive, academic and social-emotional skills;
 
Uses diagnostic information to analyze student needs and develop appropriate lesson plans;

Implements all phases of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) as relevant to their classroom responsibilities with appropriate record-keeping;

Participates in the annual review process through evaluation of goals and objectives and planning of the new IEP;
 
Monitors special education students place in regular education and provides support and assistance to the mainstream program;
 
• Continuously monitors student and group needs and utilizes alternative methods and strategies of instruction to meet these needs.                                                                             

 
ORGANIZATION:
 
Maintains detailed records of student progress which may include daily behavior   books, formal parent meeting, report cards, IEP and annual review records, and formal and informal student assessments;

Manages official correspondence and other printed materials for PPT as    required.

Uses diagnostic and other test information to analyze students’ affective  and cognitive levels in order to address individual and group needs on a daily and long-term basis;

Demonstrates an understanding of child development in planning and learning activities;

Plans instruction consistent with student skills, knowledge and motivation and builds on these areas to increase achievement levels;

Requests assistance from pupil services and other supports when appropriate to address student and classroom needs;

Guides and supervises paraprofessionals, and other staff as assigned to their program or individual students;

Orders and inventories supplies, materials and equipment necessary to conduct an appropriate educational program.

 
CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT:
 
Maintains a positive learning environment appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students;

Treats students with courtesy and respect;

Establishes and maintains reasonable standards of behavior;

Encourages positive self-image and self-discipline through cooperation, consideration and respect for others;

Promotes good study habits;

Performs all classroom environment responsibilities listed in classroom teacher job description.

 
PROFESSIONAL:

Implements Board of Education and school policies and rules governing student life and conduct;
 
Promotes and upholds goals and objectives of the Board of Education and school;

Upholds the ethics of the teaching profession (CT Code of Professional Responsibility for Teachers);
 
Implements school and school district action plans in their classroom;

Performs school related duties such as homeroom supervision, record keeping and others as consistent with requirements;

Demonstrates an understanding of research and potential applications of educational technology in learning;
 
Keeps abreast of and implements innovative methods and materials to address students’ needs;

Takes necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities;

Participates in school or school district committees for the operation of improvement of school and/or school district;

Keeps abreast of and implements innovative methods and materials to address students’ special needs;

Serves as a resource to the regular classroom professional staff;

Understands, models and teaches legal and ethical practices regarding information and educational technology;

 
Maintains high standard for personal attendance and punctuality so that student achievement is not adversely impacted; maintains appropriate materials for substitutes and follows appropriate procedures at all times for procuring substitute coverage;

Performs other appropriate tasks and responsibilities as may be delegated by the principal, supervisor of special education or assistant supervisor of special education.

  
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
 
Thorough knowledge of subject(s) taught; thorough knowledge of elementary, secondary or special education principles, practices and procedures; thorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of effective teaching; thorough knowledge of school division rules, regulations and procedures; ability to establish and maintain standards of behavior; ability to deliver articulate oral presentations and written reports; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, administration, and parents.

QUALIFICATIONS:    
 
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
 
Must have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;

Prior job related experience required.

 
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
 
Valid Connecticut Teaching Certificate for appropriate level of instruction and/or subjects, which must satisfy the definition of “Highly Qualified” status for content area assignment.

 
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Background check required

Screening for Tuberculosis (TB) required

Salary and Benefits per contract.

Interested applicants must apply online through this job posting in order to be considered for the position.  

No phone calls, please.