Special Education Teacher (Paradise Valley)

The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students•Paradise Valley, AZ

20h•$55,000 - $72,000

About The Position

The Certified Special Education Teacher develops and provides specialized instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. The role operates under the direction of the campus Principal and Superintendent, with direct support from the program coordinator. The teacher evaluates and assesses student progress against instructional objectives, follows state-mandated due process procedures, and serves as IEP manager for assigned students. The teacher assesses student progress and adjusts instruction as needed; supports special education evaluations and reevaluations; coordinates services identified in student IEPs; and develops and implements annual IEPs with child study team members and others. The position uses the ACES-approved curriculum and research-based, individualized instruction to help students meet their IEP goals. The teacher also schedules team meetings, collaborates with parents, guardians, districts, charter referral sources, educational professionals, and community providers, and serves as the primary contact for parents and guardians. The role includes supervising and evaluating educational assistants as directed, training and consulting with classroom TSS paraprofessionals, and maintaining classroom structure, student discipline, and a respectful learning environment. The teacher must comply with school policies and applicable state and federal requirements and complete district and state reporting. The position may involve physical interaction with students who have difficulty controlling physical behavior, with CPI usage.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in teaching from an accredited institution in the appropriate special education area.
Arizona Special Education Certification or Alternative SPED Certification.
Current Arizona teaching license in the required content area, or progress toward obtaining Arizona certification/licensure.
Ability to deliver and articulate oral presentations and written reports.
Ability to analyze needs and problems objectively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, administration, and the public.
Knowledge and skills in working with children with behavior and emotional disabilities.
Knowledge of relevant technology, including iPads used to individualize instruction.
Ability and proven ability to report to work regularly and punctually.
Thorough knowledge of school rules, regulations, and procedures, and ability to establish and maintain standards of behavior.
Thorough knowledge of effective teaching principles and methods for students with disabilities.
Thorough knowledge of special education principles, practices, and procedures and the relevant specialty area.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer and other office equipment, and reach with hands and arms.
Ability to occasionally lift, move, or support up to 50 pounds, or adult-size body weight with a two-to-three-person lift.
Ability to engage in some physical interaction with students who have difficulty controlling physical behavior; CPI usage is required.

Responsibilities

Assess student progress and determine whether additional reinforcement or adjustments to instructional techniques are needed.
Complete district and state reporting requirements.
Comply with school and board policies and applicable state and federal rules and regulations.
Support special education evaluations and reevaluations.
Coordinate delivery of special education services specified in each student’s IEP.
Create positive learning experiences using individualized instruction and the ACES-approved curriculum.
Develop and implement annual IEP plans, including present levels, needs, goals, objectives, and special education and related services, in collaboration with child study team members and others.
Use teaching techniques, methods, and learning principles to help students meet their IEP goals.
Provide direction, supervision, and evaluation of educational assistants as directed.
Provide research-based specialized instruction addressing the goals and objectives in each student’s IEP.
Schedule team meetings and collaborate with TSS paraprofessionals and others on instructional goals and strategies.
Serve as the primary contact for parents and guardians and work directly with families, districts, and charter referral sources.
Collaborate and consult with educational professionals and community providers regarding students.
Establish classroom structure and consistency that encourage responsibility, cooperation, and mutual respect.
Maintain student control and discipline in the classroom, on school premises, and during school activities outside the classroom.
Train and consult with classroom TSS paraprofessionals on adaptations, instructional modifications, adaptive equipment, behavior modification plans, and other interventions.
Perform other related duties as assigned or required to accomplish the objectives of the school program.