Position: Special Education Teacher PreK through grade 12 (2021-2022 School Year)
Contract: 189 days per year
Required Qualifications: An ability to receive an Alaska initial, professional, or master teaching certificate with an endorsement in special education.
Preferred Qualifications: Evidence of experience working with special education students.
Experience working collaboratively to implement the Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and support the needs of special education students in a public school setting.
Experience in cross-cultural settings is highly desirable with rural Alaska setting preferred.
Salary: Dependent on experience / education placement on negotiated salary schedule.
Job Summary: The Special Education Teacher reports to and is evaluated by the site principal, in collaboration with the Special Education Director. Special Education teachers plan and provide learning experiences for students with disabilities, including cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities, in a variety of educational settings. Special Education Teachers create a flexible program and learning environment that provide specialized instruction; establish effective rapport with students; may modify general education curriculum to meet students’ needs with supplemental aides, accommodations, and other needed supports; and establish good relationships with parents and with other staff members. Facilitates team meetings for the determination of special education eligibility and, if eligible, Individual Education Programs. Maintains special education records including, Evaluation Summary and Eligibility Reports, IEPs, and other documents as required. Keeps special education paperwork current and accurate.
Essential Job Functions:
Understands how students learn and develop, and applies that knowledge in their practice.
Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior to achieve an effective learning atmosphere.
Organizes class time to provide a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, work time and assessment.
Guides the learning process toward the achievement of IEP goals and curriculum goals.
Teach students with respect for their individual and cultural characteristics.
Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and provides individualized and small group instruction to adapt and or modify the curriculum to the needs of pupils according to each individual’s IEP.
Provides training, lesson plans, and materials to special education para educators.
Has the ability to use current technology to enhance instruction, and for record keeping and research.
Facilitates, monitors, and assesses student learning.
Evaluates pupils’ academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records of progress toward IEP goals and objectives, and prepares progress reports.
Identifies pupil needs, makes appropriate referrals, and develops strategies for individual education plans.
Facilitates and conducts evaluations for special education eligibility determination, works with the IEP team to hold Evaluation Summary and Eligibility Report meetings, works as part of the IEP team to develop appropriate Individual Education Programs for students who are found eligible for services.
Maintains accurate and complete special education records including ESER documents, IEPs, progress reports, and related special education documentation.
Creates and maintains a learning environment in which all students are actively engaged and contributing members.
Provides individualized and small group instruction to adapt and/or modify the curriculum to the needs of the student as outlined in the IEP.
Works as a partner with regular education teachers, parents, and related services providers.
Communicates regularly with parents by means of newsletters, notes, phone calls, conferences, etc.
Maintain the school district’s special education program in accordance with IDEA and all applicable federal and state laws relating to special education.