Special Education Teacher, Young Adult Program

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

At Liberty School, Young Adult Program

JOB DESCRIPTION

The special education teacher is responsible for the instructional program and implementation of behavior support programs, community based learning, and life skills activities for students with autism spectrum disorder and other young adult special education students at the secondary level with Saline Area Schools.

Saline Area Schools strives to hire individuals who are intrinsically motivated; have a deep desire to grow professionally; believe children deserve to learn in an environment that is the least restrictive and who is reflective of the highest level of cultural competence. SAS strives to employ individuals who possess a strong work-ethic; are committed to providing children with boundless opportunities; and who understand that equity, inclusion and social justice are essential to the success of a school community in the 21st Century.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education/Certification

• Endorsement in Cognitive Impairment (SA) Autistic Impairment (SV) or Learning Disability (SM)
• Minimum of an earned Bachelor's Degree in education or a field of study related to special education or earned credit coursework equivalent to the major.

Required Experience

• Demonstrated successful student teaching experience required; three years of experience preferred.
• Must be able to use " Non-Violent Crisis Intervention" techniques and other behavior strategies, which are used frequently in this learning environment, including developing behavioral intervention plans.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of culturally responsive approaches to student interventions.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting students with behavior challenges preferred.
• Competitive preference for candidates with previous diversity, equity and inclusion training.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

• Provides and coordinates the instructional and behavioral program for students in the assigned area of responsibility and evaluates results continuously.
• Assesses students' achievement and develops instructional strategies to meet the individual educational needs of students in the assigned area of responsibility.
• Coordinates with the service provider team and contracted Board Certified Behavior Analyst to evaluate, modify, and implement positive behavior support programs and protocols.
• Plans curriculum and prepares lessons and other instructional materials to meet the individual needs of diverse students, considering such factors as physical, emotional and educational levels of development.
• Utilizes culturally responsive approaches to behavioral interventions.
• Convenes and chairs Individualized Education Program Team (IEP) meetings. Develops and implements student IEP goals and instruction based on individual student needs.
• Ensures the inclusion of diverse books and other learning materials.
• Participates in the implementation of health care procedures in accordance with the administrative operating procedures.
• Develops, coordinates, and implements behavior intervention plans in accordance with the District policy, administrative operating procedures, and state/federal rules and regulations. Convenes a team to evaluate and develop a functional behavioral assessment.
• Works cooperatively and communicates with District and constituent district staff, students, and parents/guardians.
• Maintains accurate attendance records and appropriate reports.
• Participates in district-level staff meetings, in-service activities, staff development/special programs, school improvement teams, and planning committees as appropriate to the assignment.
• Regularly document student progress using assessment tools, monitoring through observations/evaluation, and/or collecting data. Uses student progress data to improve instruction.
• Supervises and implements instruction for students in class; directs the activities of teacher assistants in all areas of instruction, as well as other activities.
• Confers with parents, teacher assistants, related service providers, and administration to develop an individual educational plan for students.
• Maintains accurate records in a manner consistent with state and federal law as required by the District.
• Establishes and maintains open communications with parents, staff, administration, and outside agencies.
• Performs billing functions for Medicaid reimbursement where applicable.
• Adheres to District health and safety rules, policies, and procedures.
• Confers with other staff members to plan programs designed to promote educational, physical independence, and social development for students.
• Monitors student needs and implements programs.
• Exhibits emotional stability, exercises good judgment, and makes decisions in accordance with Board policies and administrative guidelines, with minimum supervision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
• Organize and coordinate work.
• Develop and implement projects.
• Effective and respectful verbal and written communication skills.
• Communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Organize multiple tasks and conflicting time constraints.
• Engage in self-evaluation with regard to leadership, performance and professional growth.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
• Demonstrate exemplary attendance and punctuality.
• Address student concerns with the utmost confidentiality, respect, and professionalism.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS, WORK HAZARDS

Work in standard office and school building environments requiring mobility, visual and auditory acuity, communication skills, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills, adaptability, technology proficiency, physical stamina and environmental awareness.

The employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to assist with lifting, moving and potentially using CPI strategies. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds such as books and teaching material. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directs Teaching Assistant(s) / Paraeducators and general education staff on a day-to-day basis.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Per the SEA Contract

SALARY

Per the SEA Contract

APPLICATION METHOD
EXTERNAL CANDIDATES: All interested and qualified external applicants must complete an application and upload all necessary documents on the TalentEd Website (please visit our HR web page at: https://saline.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx# to access the SAS Job Openings). All letters of interest, resumes and applications must be received no later than the deadline listed or until the position has been filled.

INTERNAL CANDIDATES: All interested and qualified internal applicants must submit a letter of interest and a current resume via email to Julie Voelker at voelkerj@salineschools.org. All letters of interest, resumes, and applications must be received no later than the deadline listed or until filled.

NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.

If you have any accessibility concerns regarding the completion of this application, please contact Alli Littlejohn, HR Coordinator, littleja@salineschools.org to set up an appointment for additional support.