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; 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