Special Education - Mild/Moderate

Julian Union High School District•Julian, CA

About The Position

Under the direction of the principal or designated administrator, the special education teacher plans, implements, and evaluates learning programs and activities in assigned teaching areas and provides specialized academic instruction by diagnosing student individualized learning needs, prescribing and implementing instructional services, and utilizing appropriate strategies for identified students with disabilities who meet eligibility criteria established by state and federal law. The teacher is directly responsible to the principal or designated administrator and supervises Special Education Aides and volunteer aides when assigned.

Requirements

Holds a valid special education credential
Meets the Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) requirements
Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Mild/Moderate

Nice To Haves

Possession of a general education multiple or single subject credential is preferred.

Responsibilities

Plans and implements appropriate instructional strategies, including preparing lessons and materials, and relating them to the curriculum.
Utilizes a variety of instructional skills and methods to accommodate diverse student needs, interests, learning styles, and ability levels, based on peer-reviewed research.
Selects and utilizes appropriate learning materials, assisting students in understanding their relationship to the concepts being learned.
Monitors and evaluates student progress frequently using data reflecting performance on IEP goals, adjusting instruction as needed, and providing timely feedback.
Maintains appropriate classroom control, showing respect for students, encouraging participation, counseling students with inappropriate behavior, and directing class activities.
Demonstrates knowledge of subject matter, presenting lessons with a clear structure, assisting students in understanding concepts, making lessons interesting, and staying current with trends.
Provides individualized instruction, adjusting approaches to student abilities, demonstrating knowledge of each student's achievement level and needs, and using questions that require varied cognitive levels.
Establishes appropriate relationships with students, interacting actively, demonstrating enthusiasm, intellectual stimulation, and organization.
Helps to develop each student’s self-image by promoting recognition of others’ rights and ideas, respecting student dignity, and striving to develop positive student attitudes of self-worth and confidence.
Encourages students to accept responsibility by educating them on democratic rights and responsibilities, encouraging participation in school activities, promoting the worth of accomplishment and self-discipline, and allowing for individual responsibility and freedom commensurate with maturity.
Assists students in setting and achieving goals by ensuring students are knowledgeable of lesson objectives, communicating with students about their achievement and goals, and offering specific guidance.
Communicates and consults effectively with parents, general education teachers, support staff, aides, and administrators regarding student needs and progress toward IEP goals/objectives, and reports progress to parents as required.
Provides for student growth and enrichment by making suggestions for continued academic growth, setting challenging yet attainable standards, providing opportunities for transfer of learning, and assisting students in understanding and developing healthy peer relationships.
Utilizes academic learning time by adhering to an on-task agenda, developing programs with high levels of success, and fostering a sense of pride in academic achievement.
Prepares and implements legally defensible IEPs with goals aligned to state content standards, utilizing assessment results to develop draft IEPs, implementing IEPs in accordance with the law, and demonstrating knowledge of special education laws, SELPA, and District policies.
Prepares and implements effective behavior plans for students, monitoring and adjusting them as needed, and participating in manifestation determinations.
Schedules and participates in IEP meetings with parents, general education teachers, administrators, and other required members, developing and monitoring student objectives with the IEP team.
Writes appropriate transition plans aligned with student preferences and interests, developing measurable post-secondary goals, and being aware of available agencies and services.
Performs assessment duties, including administering and interpreting state standardized tests, teacher-made tests, and individual and group academic tests.
Communicates effectively and provides support to general education staff to facilitate student success in mainstreamed general education environments, assisting in modifying core curriculum and adapting instruction.
Collaborates with general education teachers, other special education teachers, related service providers, counselors, administration, and agencies.
Serves as a liaison between staff and the principal.
Participates in professional growth activities.
Performs reasonable related duties as assigned.
Conducts conferences and communicates with students, parents, and support personnel concerning individual student needs.
Performs basic student attendance accounting, textbook accounting, and business services as required.
Maintains cooperative, professional attitudes with peers and supervisors.
Ensures the care and protection of school property.
Fulfills assigned co-curricular responsibilities such as supervision of student social/athletic events and other extracurricular activities.