1400.23 - JOB DESCRIPTION - SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM TEACHER
RESPONSIBILITY:
The special education program teacher, in performance of his/her duties, is directly responsible to the principal and Superintendent.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualifications:
Certification by Ohio Dept. of Education in the specific area of teaching as described by the District plan and approved by the Division of Special Education.
Skill in interpersonal communications, and in facilitating such communication among students.
Ability to relate positively with staff, administration, parents, and students.
Criminal investigations clearance.
Other Desirable Qualifications:
Previous successful experience working with children or youth with disabilities.
Reliable work record.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The special education program teacher fills the important role of carrying out the direct instruction of children assigned to him/her in the fulfillment of goals identified in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and courses of study. S/He assists students with subject matter knowledge, prevocational and/or vocational skills, and other capabilities that will contribute to development as mature, able, and responsible adult citizens.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Serves as a member of the District special education committee and placement, IEP, evaluation, or review team meetings for identified students.
Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated in the District plan and as approved by the Division of Special Education.
Team teaches or works with regular classroom teachers in meeting needs of assigned students.
Plans a program of study that meets IEP goals, as well as individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students.
Prepares draft of Individualized Education Program goals for input into the annual review IEP meeting for each assigned student.
Develops lesson plans and instructional activities based on IEP goals.
Conveys academic expectations and goals to students at outset of a given course of instruction and presents these in understandable and documented fashion (i.e., through a syllabus or course outline).
Monitors progress of each student toward fulfillment of IEP goals, and prepares periodic progress reports based on progress observed.
Administers classroom-based assessments when appropriate, and participates in individualized assessments as assigned by the evaluation team.
Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
Assists with the participation and integration of disabled students into normalized settings where possible.
Helps develop social skills of disabled and nondisabled peers in an effort to develop positive support systems for students.
Participates in the evaluation of student progress and in issuing student progress reports to parents (i.e., grade cards and interim reports).
Participates in conferences with parents, other school personnel, related service providers, and involved agencies in order to consider the placement or progress of identified students.
Develops and implements programs of prevocational and vocational skill training where appropriate.
Works with the county special education supervisor, work study coordinator, psychologist, and other related service providers in planning, developing, and implementing student programs.
Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to ensure student safety, health, and well-being.
Cares for equipment, furnishings, materials, and facilities, and instructs students in reasonable care procedures.
Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, District policy, and administrative regulation.
Follows IEP and special program guidelines and their interpretation as presented by the county special education supervisor(s) or principal.
Performs such nonteaching and record-keeping duties as assigned by the principal.
Makes provision for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for supplemental teachers, teacher aides, and volunteers and provides feedback on the performance of such personnel when requested.
Strives to maintain and improve professional competence by keeping abreast of current developments in the teaching field, even if additional coursework is needed.
Attends staff meetings and serves on staff committees as required.
Provides adequate written instructions and plans purposeful assignments for substitutes.
Completes pay-in reports and requisitions for classroom expenditures in keeping with District policies and procedures.
Deposits any monies collected with the school office on a daily basis.
Performs such other tasks as are in keeping with the negotiated agreement and assigned by principal or Superintendent.
EQUIPMENT OPERATED:
Communications equipment (i.e., phone system, PA).
School office equipment (i.e., copiers).
School audiovisual equipment (i.e., VCR's, TV's, projectors).
ADDITIONAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Exposure to students, some of whom may be unruly.
Occasional exposure to body tissues and fluids.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: In accordance with negotiated agreement(s).
** Southern Local School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, sex or disabilities. **