Special Education Teacher

Position Details

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description.

GRPS MISSION : Our mission is to ensure that all scholars are educated, self-directed and productive members of society.

Teacher – Special Education

Department : Instruction

Bargaining Unit : Grand Rapid Education Association (GREA)

Wage : Determined by the collective bargaining agreement and a comprehensive benefits package

Direct Supervisor : Principal

JOB SUMMARY

The special education teacher is responsible for planning instruction and adaption of the curriculum to accommodate scholars in the learning process. The special education teacher will function as the case manager for scholars with individualized education programs (IEPs) and oversees their compliance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following :

• Develop Individualized Education Program(s) for scholars based on evaluation data and research-based practices.
• Support scholar learning in the least restrictive environment
• Differentiate instruction to ensure scholar’s progress per the district’s Academic Plan
• Document scholar progress on goals and objectives, accommodations, service time, and discipline / suspensions (GRPS Discipline Tracking Record)
• Monitor and document provision of educational services for scholars on caseload with 10 or more days of suspension.
• Collaborate with all service providers, general education teachers and other staff to assist in providing support and documentation for the implementation and review of existing evaluation data (REED) process.
• Provide support to general education classroom teachers.
• Develop implement and evaluate the effectiveness of behavior support plans.
• Participate in special education / building / district meetings as directed by the special education supervisor.
• Log and maintain monthly Service Capture reporting requirements for Medicaid Billing
• Maintain an electronic log to document scholars’ goals and objectives, accommodations, and other IEP related services.
• Participate and support implementation of interventions in the Response to Intervention (RtI) and Scholar Success Team process as appropriate per building principal and / or special education supervisor.
• Participate in implementation of positive behavior support initiative (PBIS) building initiatives.
• Integrate technology use in the classroom.

Parent and Community Engagement

Other Duties

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience :

Preferred Qualification :

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

ADA REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, and hear (in a quiet or noisy environment). The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust / focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work is performed indoors although there will be required outdoor activities. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, and work output of scholars.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile, and negotiate.

Non-Discrimination

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate  against any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran, or military status.