Licenses/Endorsements (Must be highly qualified or able to become highly qualified in area assigned according to NCLB laws):  

• Current Oregon licensure with Special Education Endorsement

• Bilingual in English/Spanish with ESOL endorsement preferred

PURPOSE: The position of Teacher - Special Ed is expected to develop students’ success in academics, interpersonal skills, and daily living activities by working collaboratively with school staff in the implementation of district approved curriculum, documenting teaching and student progress/outcomes, developing lesson plans and instructional techniques, and addressing the specific educational needs of students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Meeting the standards of Competent and Ethical Performance as outlined in the Oregon Administrative Rules (OARS 584-020-000 to 584-020-045).  The following are examples of essential  duties and responsibilities, however, any one position may not cover all duties listed and examples may not cover all duties an employee is expected to perform.

• Create and model a respectful learning environment.

• Effectively work with and respond to people from diverse cultures or backgrounds.

• Plan and implement a program of study and/or specially designed instruction following state and district goals, curriculum, and requirements to students identified with a broad range of disabilities through and Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

• Comply with all district policies/procedures and state/federal laws for the purpose of performing to district and legal expectations

• Observe special education processes and requirements including progress reporting, data collection, and other procedural work.

• Maintain accurate, complete and confidential records as required by law and district policy and administrative regulations.

• Collaborate and consult with regular education teachers to adapt/modify instructional programs and general education curriculum.

• Case manage services to students upon placement in special education, demonstrating methods required to provide an effective school program that addresses the needs of individual students.

• Coordinate the evaluation of students referred to special education (including both initial and three-year evaluations) with district specialists in order to evaluate student ability, progress and eligibility for special education under IDEA.

• Participate in and possibly facilitate a variety of meetings (e.g. IEPs, Student Staffing Team, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering student information.

• Ensure that eligibility and IEP meetings are scheduled with all mandated participants in attendance in order to adhere to and meet state and federal guidelines.

• Advise and inform parents/guardians of their procedural safeguards and due process rights under IDEA.

• Develop and use data-based progress-monitoring systems to track student performance.

• Collaborate with school staff to develop and implement behavior support plans utilizing best practice in classroom management strategies in order to provide safe and optimal learning environments; monitoring progress toward goals of positive behavior.

• Manage and organize time in order to complete required special education paperwork in accordance with state and federal guidelines.

• Train, organize, and coordinate the  work of Instructional Assistants and/or volunteers for the purpose of providing an effective school program that addresses the needs of individual students and supports the overall student, school and district goals.

• Establish, foster, and maintain open lines of communication with parents/guardians, school staff, and district specialists concerning academic and behavioral progress of students.  

• Utilize technology as it relates to job responsibilities.

• Respect confidential information and the privacy of students, staff and parents.

GENERAL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Participate in and take responsibility for assigned duties, e.g., playground, lunchroom duty, etc.

• Reflect upon own teaching performance and accept/ implement supervisory feedback to improve skills and services to students.

• Take responsibility for pursuing and evaluating own professional growth.

• Attend and participate in building staff meetings and district inservice meetings.

• Participate in activities that are related to school functions and/or the education process that occur outside the regular workday, in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.

• Work collaboratively with school personnel in meeting diverse social and academic needs of all students.

• Perform in a courteous and efficient manner that builds the confidence of staff, students and the public and enhances learning.

• Maintain regular attendance at work and work activities, and is punctual in meeting deadlines, attending meetings, and following designated work schedule.

• Plan and manage projects

• Prepare and maintain records

• Observe laws, district policies and procedures, and professional standards for this position.

• Continue development of  job skills necessary to meet changes in the position.

• Maintain personal appearance and hygiene appropriately as defined by the district.

• Meet applicable district physical ability/health and safety guidelines for the position.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the above essential duties satisfactorily. In addition, the requirements listed below are representative , but not limited to, the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Valid Oregon teacher’s license with appropriate special education endorsement and grade level authorization. (See ¨Licenses/Endorsements¨ above.)

• Experience with and knowledge of students with a wide range of disabilities.

• Knowledge of state and federal special education regulations and procedures with regard to referral, identification, evaluation, placement and provision of a free, appropriate education.

• Familiarity with a variety of instructional, assessment and behavior management strategies that reflect current research on best practices.

• Familiarity with state standards and curriculum frameworks.

• Knowledge and experience with differentiated instruction.

• Effective oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to exhibit professionalism and effective human relations in order to work as a team.

• Ability to facilitate meetings and collaboration efforts with staff and community.

• Ability to travel among district facilities as needed, and, if driving, the ability to meet district driving standards.

• Adherence to safety practices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequent or prolonged standing, walking and sitting.

• Crouching in order to work with younger students or those wheelchair bound.

• Moderate to high noise level.

• Frequent and prolonged talking/listening in conversations/meetings.

• Requires accurate perceiving of sound, near and far vision, depth perception.

• Requires handling and working with variety of materials and objects.

• Work may occasionally involve lifting/carrying objects weighing 25-50 pounds.

• Work may require lifting or assisting in lifting a student or physically restraining a student from harming self or others.

• Possible exposure to bodily fluids due to student injury or illness.

• Possible exposure to bodily harm due to student behaviors.

• Exposure to a variety of chemicals comprising instructional and art supplies and materials.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative

of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position is primarily performed indoors in school buildings, although some outdoor instruction and supervision are required.

• This position involves working in close proximity to groups of children and adults.

• This position may require traveling to more than one work sites.

• Evening and/or extended work hours may be required.

NOTE: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions, or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify, or delete any aspect of this (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.