SOUTHWEST COOK COUNTY COOPERATIVE

                                                ASSOCIATION FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

                                                                        JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:                                                  Teacher

REPORTS TO:                                 Program Supervisor

SUPERVISES:                                  Paraprofessional (aide/assistant)

QUALIFICATIONS:                 Bachelor's Degree in Special Education or specialized area; VI Certification; current Illinois Certification in area of service; official transcripts, three professional references (including one from most recent immediate supervisor), declination of/request for hepatitis; Valid driver's license and certification in CPR preferred.

EVALUATIONS:                             Conducted on an annual basis in accordance with Cooperative guidelines

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:       Length of employment, salary and benefits determined by the Board of Directors of SWCCCASE

RESPONSIBILITIES:                    

Vision of Learning:

•         Develops a long range plan, with high expectations, based on instructional/thematic/therapeutic sequence

•         Works collaboratively in assessment and educational program planning with members of a trans-disciplinary team

•         Demonstrates knowledge and research in field/area of specialty

•         Involves learner in setting goals, choosing tasks and evaluating progress

•         Facilitates development of thinking, learning and communication strategies

•         Views flexibility and demonstrates a willingness to grow

•         Communicates in an effective, collaborative and positive manner with colleagues, students and families

•         Works collaboratively with outside agencies and personnel, when appropriate, to assist with meeting student needs

Learning Context and Differentiated Instruction

•         Demonstrates an understanding of multiple content areas

•         Implements on-going assessment, therapeutic and instructional, in a classroom based, integrated approach across the curriculum

•         Personalizes instruction to support individual needs, strengths and interests

•         Employs a variety of techniques, methods and materials to meet individual student needs

•         Designs instruction that is integrated, challenging, authentic and engages the learner

•         Provides instruction that supports learners in all areas of development including social, educational, physical, emotional and communication

•         Integrates student goals and objectives into all areas of instruction

•         Organizes time, environment, materials and equipment to facilitate learning

Assessment

•         Conducts on-going authentic assessment

•         Involves students in the assessment process

•         Interprets assessment in an equitable and culturally fair manner

•         Demonstrates knowledge of the screening/referral/evaluation process

•         Selects and utilizes assessment methods that have meaning for the learner

Staff Roles

•         Obtains and applies knowledge and strategies from the various disciplines which make up the trans-disciplinary team

•         Demonstrates continual assessment of personal and program effectiveness

•         Maintains and documents on-going communication with families

•         Assumes responsibility for designing systems of support for students and families (e.g. parent meetings/workshops, home training, etc.)

•         Assists with in-servicing district personnel on the needs of students in the program/classroom

•         Participates in transition planning, when appropriate

•         Executes management tasks required to conduct meetings, completes paperwork, manages student files, maintains classroom inventory and supervises paraprofessional staff

•         Sets an example for students to follow

•         Demonstrates knowledge of first aid and health related/emergency procedures

•         Participates in professional growth activities

•         Demonstrates professionalism

•         Follows policies and procedures established by the Cooperative

 Professionalism

•         Follows policies and procedures of Southwest Cooperative

•         Demonstrates flexibility and is adaptable to change

•         Uses judgment appropriately

•         Conducts self in appropriate and ethical manner

•         Treats others with respect and dignity

•         Demonstrates continual assessment of personal effectiveness and responds professionally to feedback

•         Participates in professional growth activities

•         Actively participates in the evaluation process

•         Maintains a clean work area

•         Dresses appropriately

Communication Skills

• Performs as an integral member of the educational team
• Maintains confidentiality in matters related to this position
• Relates in a helpful, positive and efficient manner with peers, supervisors, and all those in contact with SWCCCASE

Performs other such duties as may be assigned