Special Education Teacher-Specialized Life Skills-Gloria Willis

KCK•Kansas City, KS

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher—Specialized Life Skills/Autism works at Gloria Willis Middle School in Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools. The role helps students gain knowledge, information, and skills and develop self-worth and dignity as they prepare to transition from high school to the community. The teacher advocates for students with special needs and plans and delivers instruction based on curriculum objectives and students’ abilities and Individual Education Programs (IEPs). The position also supports students’ educational progress through assessment, progress monitoring, collaboration, and behavioral interventions. The teacher develops and maintains IEPs in accordance with federal, state, and local guidelines; arranges annual review meetings and includes parents’ and students’ input; and works with teachers, families, administrators, paraprofessionals, and other service providers. The role may include supervising, evaluating, and helping train paraprofessionals, requesting equipment and supplies, and performing other assigned duties. The position is for 186 days, is exempt, and reports to the Principal. Performance is evaluated in accordance with Board of Education policy.

Requirements

Hold or be eligible for Kansas certification appropriate for the position.
Meet employment qualifications set by the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education and the Kansas State Department of Education.
Be tolerant and understanding of students with special needs.
Show initiative, creativity, self-motivation, and good judgment.
Demonstrate adaptability and flexibility and respect confidentiality.
Have excellent interpersonal skills, professional judgment, and oral and written communication skills.
Be efficient and organized in paper management.
Apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional programs and plan and implement lessons based on school objectives and student needs and abilities.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents, and the community.
Solve practical problems involving concrete variables and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions.
Read and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations; write reports, correspondence, and protocols; and present information and respond to questions from administrators, staff, parents, students, and the public.
Have the physical and emotional ability to perform required work in a fast-paced, highly intensive school environment.
Be able to perform the essential functions, including regularly sitting, walking, standing, and talking or hearing; occasionally lifting or moving up to 50 pounds and pushing items weighing 50 pounds; and occasionally visiting a child’s home.
Have close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.

Responsibilities

Advocate for the rights of students with special needs.
Develop and maintain positive professional relationships with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and other service providers.
Plan classroom instructional programs, including individual plans outlined in students’ IEPs.
Serve as a liaison between the school and the community.
Arrange IEP and annual review meetings, ensure parents and students have an opportunity for input, and notify service providers according to local guidelines.
Serve as an active IEP team member for students served who are not on the teacher’s caseload.
Develop and maintain IEPs in accordance with federal, state, and local guidelines.
Communicate with mainstream teachers and other service providers about student progress.
Evaluate student performance through diagnostic testing for annual reviews and eligibility staffings, and provide quarterly IEP updates.
Monitor student progress in mainstreamed classes and assist in establishing class schedules.
Supervise, evaluate, and help train assigned paraprofessionals.
Request equipment and supplies needed to meet objectives in students’ IEPs.
Demonstrate curriculum knowledge and teaching strategies, and implement behavioral intervention plans as needed.
Maintain communication with teachers, school personnel, and parents or guardians to support students’ educational needs.
Maintain confidentiality regarding educational records and maintain required logs and documentation.
Use existing technology effectively and perform other duties as assigned.
Perform the workday at locations assigned by the supervisor and maintain an appropriate appearance.