Special Education Teacher

MIDDLESEX COUNTY PUBIC SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

                To assist students in learning the subject matter and skills that will contribute to their development as mature, able and responsible individuals.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicant must have:

1.        Bachelor's Degree (B.A.) from an approved four year college or university and be considered Highly Qualified as

         determined under H.O.U.S.S.E.

2.        Passing scores on all professional teacher assessments as required by the Virginia Department of Education.

3.        Preference given to graduate work beyond the B.A.

Middlesex County Public Schools supports collaboration and inclusion in its schools.  Special education teachers will be responsible for planning with regular education teachers to support collaboration in inclusive settings.  Additionally, special education teachers must be able to work in small groups and individually with students to teach strategies that will help children become successful.  Teachers are responsible for developing IEPs, creating lesson plans, participating in child study and eligibility meetings, creating behavior intervention plans, and working with teams to support student achievement.

Candidates must be endorsed in the areas of LD, ED, and MR and must hold or be eligible for a Virginia teaching license.  Candidates must be highly qualified under No Child Left Behind.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reads and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Writes routine reports and correspondence. 
• Speaks effectively before groups of parents or public.Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume.  Applies concepts of basic algebra and geometry
• Applies common sense understanding to carry out simple one or two step instructions
• Deals with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables.
• Meets and instructs at the times designated.
• Plans a program of instruction that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students.
• Prepares for students assigned and demonstrates written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor.
• Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior
• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and, in congruency with those goals, establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects to communicate said objectives to students.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques, technology and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.
• Strives to implement, by instruction and action, the division's philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives.
• Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis, seeking the assistance of division specialists as required.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
• Maintains accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, division policy and administrative procedures.
• Assists the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, and maintains order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
• 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 educational assistants and/or volunteers.
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Attends staff meetings and serves on committees as appropriate to the individual school site or division.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Pupil Personnel Services.
• Abides by all Middlesex County School Board Policies and Regulations.

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification.  It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class.  The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members.

• Performs other duties as directed

 PERFORMANCE APTITUDES

Data Utilization:  Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize and/or analyze data and/or information.  Ability to create data analysis.

Human Interaction:  Requires the ability to maintain a cordial and effective relationship with visitors and clients.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization:  Requires ability to use of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude:  Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude:  Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may require ability to utilize principles of fractions and/or interpret graphs.

Functional Reasoning:  Requires the ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability:  Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (5-10 lbs.). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements:  Some tasks require visual perception and discrimination.  Some tasks require oral communications ability.

Environmental Factors:  Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, violence, disease, or pathogenic substances.

Environmental Factors:  Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, violence, disease, or pathogenic substances.

The Middlesex County Public School District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to allow them to perform the essential functions of the job when such individuals request an accommodation.

Evaluation

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations of classified personnel.