Special Education Teacher - Project Search

Farmington Municipal Schools•Farmington, NM

49d

About The Position

Under the direction of the administrator and in accordance with established policies and procedures, the Project SEARCH Instructor will help develop and coordinate the Project SEARCH program and provide instruction for students enrolled. The Project SEARCH instructor delivers the employability skills curriculum and works with each intern's team to reach the goal of competitive employment.

Requirements

Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs.
Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
Ability to organize and coordinate work.
Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
State Certification as a Special Education Teacher.
Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment .

Nice To Haves

Masters Degree in Special Education.
Successful prior special education teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.

Responsibilities

Recruit appropriate students with disabilities for Project SEARCH program.
Attend IEP meetings for possible student recruits.
Connect students to appropriate community services such as State Rehabilitation Services or local Developmental Disabilities agencies through referral and eligibility processes.
Identify internship sites within the host business to identify internships that build a repertoire of marketable skills that lead to competitive, integrated employment.
Ensure that internships include measurable skills gain that is assessed according to productivity, quality, and safety benchmarks.
Facilitate regular Employment Planning Meetings with interns, families, and agency personnel to determine career interests, specific job preferences, skills, and abilities to design an individualized approach to job development.
Identify and problem solve solutions for challenges that interfere with completion of Project SEARCH and gaining and maintaining employment.
Use universal design concepts to design and implement accommodations and adaptations needed at the internship sites.
Use VocFit and other assessment tools to evaluate intern progress, communicate with the team, and identify additional skill/task development.
Assess intern progress frequently, communicate that progress regularly to the intern's team and make instructional and training adjustments and provide interventions for interns who are not making progress.
Develop resumes/portfolios for each intern that document measurable skills gain, internship experiences, any certifications gained, recommendations, etc.
Provide Project SEARCH employability skills curriculum in the classroom and reinforce in the internships to develop skills, knowledge and work habits leading to successful employment.
Continuously update the Member Portal to maintain records of staff changes, interns' internship experiences and employment outcomes including jobs gained, wages, hours worked per week, benefits taken, etc.
Actively participate in Project SEARCH Steering Committee and onsite team meetings.
Coordinate and schedule onsite skills trainers to meet the support needs of the interns.
Work with the business liaison, onsite team, and job developer (external) to secure competitive, integrated employment at the host business or in the community.
Coordinate travel training (when appropriate) through public transportation or other available transit methods.
Other duties as assigned.
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.