Autistic Teacher

Oklahoma City Public Schools•Oklahoma City, OK

About The Position

The Autistic Teacher creates a flexible program and classroom environment that supports learning and personal growth. The teacher builds effective rapport with pupils, motivates them to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge appropriate to their abilities, and maintains positive relationships with parents and staff. The role teaches assigned subject areas and adapts curriculum and instruction to pupils’ individual needs, including the objectives identified for them. The position is reported to a Building Administrator and is classified as exempt. Compensation is listed as 003, with step determined by education and experience. The position is scheduled for 181 work days at 100% FTE. The teacher participates in school improvement, maintains professional competence, supervises pupils during assigned out-of-classroom activities, and may perform other duties as assigned. An alternative work site may be required during a health crisis or other disruptive situation that closes school or office buildings; eligibility and expectations are determined by the superintendent and supervisor. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, applicable Oklahoma teaching certification, and special education certification appropriate to the applicable specialty. Physical requirements include manual dexterity, visual acuity, normal hearing and clear speech, occasional stooping, bending, stretching and lifting up to 25 pounds, and prolonged sitting. Work is performed in a well-lighted, climate-controlled environment. Work outside normal business hours, including weekends, may periodically be required under sometimes stressful conditions to meet business needs and deadlines.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field.
Oklahoma teaching certification in the subject appropriate for the grade level, as listed in the OSDE Certification Guide, and appropriate special education certification.
For autism: certification in any area and completion of 32 clock hours of Special Education Services-approved autism registry training (9801 Autism), or certification in Mild-Moderate Disabilities or Severe/Profound/Multiple Disabilities.
Must communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and the community.
Must work cooperatively and collaboratively with others, demonstrate self-discipline and initiative, and follow state and district guidelines.
Adequate manual dexterity to write legibly and perform required computer duties.
Adequate visual acuity to read, interpret, and transcribe written material and perform other required duties.
Normal range of hearing and clear speaking abilities to interact appropriately with others in person and by telephone.
Ability to stoop, bend, stretch, occasionally lift up to 25 pounds, and sit for prolonged periods.
May periodically work outside normal business hours, including weekends, under sometimes stressful conditions to meet business needs and strict deadlines.

Responsibilities

Teach assigned combinations of reading, language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, art, health, physical education, and music according to adopted state and district courses of study and other appropriate learning activities.
Instruct pupils in citizenship and basic subject matter specified by state law and district administrative regulations and procedures.
Develop lesson plans and instructional materials and provide individualized and small-group instruction adapted to each pupil’s needs and identified objectives.
Present content required in Oklahoma’s Priority Academic Student Skills.
Translate lesson plans into learning experiences that make effective use of instructional time.
Use grading practices that are fairly administered and based on identified criteria.
Establish and maintain pupil behavior standards that support a functional classroom learning atmosphere, treating pupils with respect and dignity.
Evaluate pupils’ academic and social growth, maintain appropriate records, and prepare progress reports.
Communicate with parents through conferences and other means about pupil progress and the school program.
Interact positively and professionally with pupils, staff, and parents.
Identify pupil needs and cooperate with professional staff in assessing and helping pupils address health, attitude, and learning problems.
Establish rapport with pupils and provide a pleasant, safe, and orderly learning climate.
Participate actively in full implementation of the OKCPS model for School Improvement.
Maintain professional competence through district in-service education and self-selected professional growth activities.
Supervise and monitor students during assigned out-of-classroom activities, which may include cafeteria duty, field trips, playground duty, and hallway monitoring.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Work from an alternative work site if required during a health crisis or disruptive situation that closes school or office buildings, subject to eligibility and the supervisor’s guidelines.