The Special Education teacher works with children and youth who have a variety of disabilities and may work in a variety of settings, including special education and general education classrooms.  In addition to helping to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student, Special Education teachers teach appropriate curricula and assign work geared toward each student’s needs and abilities.  The teacher may also instruct and/or oversee the work of Special Education educational assistants. 

 

1.    Qualifications.  The Special Education teacher must meet the qualifications required for the Arizona Department of Education Special Education Teacher certificate as outlined at www.azed.gov/certification. 
 

2.    Line of Authority.  The Special Education teacher shall be directly responsible to the principal.  The school principal will be responsible for any required evaluations.
 

3.    Performance Responsibilities.  The Special Education teacher shall have performance responsibilities in the following areas: 

 

Teaching and Assessment

• Systematically alter instructional variables to maximize the learning outcomes of individuals with exceptional learning needs.
• Use evidence-based practices that are appropriate and are most effective in meeting the individual needs of students with exceptional learning needs.
• Use periodic assessments to accurately measure the learning progress of individuals with exceptional learning needs, and alter instruction variables in response to assessment results.
• Create safe, effective, and culturally sensitive learning environments which contribute to fulfillment of student needs, stimulate learning, and lead to a realization of positive self concept.
• Support the use of positive behavior; supports and conform to local policies relating to the application of disciplinary methods and behavior change procedures.
• Report instances of unprofessional or unethical practice to the appropriate supervisor.
• Recommend special education services necessary for an individual with exceptional learning needs in order to receive an appropriate education.

 

 

Case Management

• Case manage new referrals, evaluations, re-evaluations, IEP’s and behavior plans, as indicated.
• Provide clear, accurate, written documentation in all aspects of the special education process.
• Maintain accurate student records and ensure that appropriate confidentiality standards are placed and enforced.
• Base grading, promotion, and/or transition decisions on the individualized goals and objectives for individuals with exceptional learning needs.
• Provide accurate student and program data to administrators, colleagues, and appearance, based on efficient and objective record-keeping practices.

 

Professional Relationships

• Strive to develop positive and respectful attitudes among professional colleagues in the public toward persons with exceptional learning needs.
• Collaborate with colleagues from other agencies to improve services and outcomes for individuals with exceptional learning needs.
• Collaborate with both general and special education professional colleagues as well as other personnel serving persons with exceptional learning needs to improve outcomes for individuals with exceptional learning needs.
• Assure that special education parent educators have appropriate training and experience corresponding to the responsibilities they are assigned.
• Provide formative and summative supervisory information to parent educators assigned to you.
• Maintain communications among parents and professionals by phone, in written form, by email, or in person, with appropriate respect for privacy, confidentiality, and cultural diversity.

Professional Development

• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in continuing education programs, membership in professional organizations, conducting workshops, seminars, or courses in areas of special expertise, as requested and/or assigned by the supervisor.
• Ability to develop, share and/or present educational programs and/or workshops to others.  Provide guidance to less experienced staff members.
• Advocate for adequate resources for effective school-wide professional development as well as individual professional development plans.
• Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for teacher aide(s) and/or volunteer(s).
• Assist in the training of new staff and consultants, as required.
• Participate as mentor to other special educators.

This position is eligible for a $3,000 hard-to-fill stipend for appropriately certified applicants.