Exceptional Children (EC) Teacher - #221816

Western Carolina University • Cullowhee, NC

53d • Onsite

About The Position

The primary location of this position is on the campus of Western Carolina University. This is a 10 months per year position with an appointment period of August 1 - June 30 of each school year. The Exceptional Children (EC) Teacher at Western Carolina University's Catamount School will serve as a key member of the instructional team. The primary responsibilities include ensuring compliance with special education regulations.

Requirements

• Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance.
• Bachelor's Degree in Special Education, Education, Exceptional Children, or a related field
• Current or eligibility for North Carolina licensure in the field of special education.
• A minimum of three years of successful public school instructional experience in a special education setting.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a case manager for students with disabilities.

Nice To Haves

• Preference will be given to candidates with more than three years of successful experience as a special education teacher, licensure and experience in the middle grades, National Board Certification, a master's degree in special education or a related field from an accredited institution, and experience with problem-based learning.
• The candidate will be expected to teach and supervise interns and will share program responsibilities including providing services to students; therefore, preference will be given to candidates who have both provided student services and mentored interns and taught preservice teachers.
• Consistent participation in all aspects of The Catamount School is expected.
• Applicants should provide evidence of experiences or the potential to work collaboratively and across disciplines, contribute to the university's mission and goals, and successfully collaborate with in-service teachers in public school settings.
• Interest and experience in teaching in technology rich and flexible environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Utilize assessment data to inform instructional strategies and support student needs through MTSS, including PBIS and academic areas.
• Support the implementation of state, county, and district assessments and support staff in conducting formative assessments.
• Ensure ethical testing practices and appropriate accommodation for students with disabilities.
• Based on student needs, deliver instruction across the continuum of services.
• Co-teach with content teachers, sharing responsibilities in planning, delivering, and assessing instruction.
• Manage a caseload of students with disabilities, implementing IEPs and inclusive practices.
• Ensure delivery of special education instruction and related services as stipulated in IEPs.
• Maintain compliance with local and federal laws and regulations related to special education.
• Communicate the special education process to parents and guardians, including referrals, evaluations, IEPs, and reevaluations.
• Facilitate IEP meetings using a strengths-based and family-centered approach.
• Coordinate with the special education team to ensure timely completion of documents and preparedness for meetings.
• Provide quarterly IEP progress reports to parents/guardians.
• Maintain student files according to school and state/federal standards.
• Provide training and technical assistance to teachers and support professionals on case management and special education processes.
• Develop appropriate curriculum and school-based assessments to support the academic growth of students with IEPs.
• Gather data for all reporting requirements concerning students with IEPs.
• Stay updated on developing special education issues and policy changes.
• Advocate for special education with school leadership and engage parents and families in their student's learning.
• Connect with related service professionals and community resources to support student needs.
• Maintain the confidentiality of student records and information.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance.
• Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire.
• Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan.
• Optional disability plans are also available.
• Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses.
• Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.
• Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately.
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
• WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees