Special Education Teacher

Contoocook Valley School District•Temple, NH

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the School Principal and Director of Special Education, the teacher will maximize the learning experience of students with special needs, in academic skills, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living, and social-emotional and behavioral skills, by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities and outcomes; addressing student specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations and goals.

Requirements

New Hampshire DOE Special Education certification
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Special Education or related discipline applicable to assignment
Possess a belief that students are best served when they are included with their peers to the greatest extent possible
Possess an understanding of the state curriculum standards as they apply to students with intellectual disabilities
Possess an understanding of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), associated timelines and requirements, and use of the New Hampshire Special Education Information System (NHSEIS)
Possess an understanding of the requirements of the Alternative Portfolio
Knowledge of special education principles, theories, testing, methods as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs
Knowledge of differentiated instruction, specially designed instruction, and high leverage practices for students with diverse learning needs
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, staff, 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
Ability to meet timelines and deadlines, and thoroughly and accurately complete documentation related to the special education process

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in related area preferred
One to three years of successful prior experience for the appropriate grade levels preferred.
Experience teaching students with intellectual disabilities, physical impairments, and social-emotional and behavioral challenges is preferred

Responsibilities

Conducts assessments, testing, and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning issues, and recommending courses of action or corrective procedures to overcome issues and maximize learning
Case manages and facilitates the Independent Education Plan (IEP) process: Referral, Eligibility Determination, IEP Development, and Placement
Assists students and teaching staff in implementing student IEPs and behavior management plans
Develops and administers school curriculum consistent with school district initiatives, and goals and objectives
Serves as ready resource to students and parents to provide special education support that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school for students on the caseload
Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed
Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction and student learning
Develops lesson plans and instructional materials, and translates lesson plans into learning experiences so as to best utilize the available time for instruction
Conducts ongoing assessment, including data collection of student learning in the educational setting
Provides a range of purposefully and intentionally designed instructional practices in collaboration with classroom teachers to adapt instruction to the needs of special education students by adjusting the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction, and when necessary provide modifications to address the unique needs of the child to ensure access of the child to the general curriculum and student needs are met in the least restrictive setting
Conducts individual and small group instruction as needed and appropriate
Works collaboratively with IEP teams to develop IEPs for students on their caseload and then shares the IEPs with all relevant staff members
Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents on their caseload
Assists the classroom teacher in ensuring that student conduct conforms with the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom
Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and advocates for student on the caseload
Participates in faculty meetings and committees
Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids, and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records
Supervises students in activities that take place out of the classroom during the school day, may include activities involving school transportation
Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research
Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws
Reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws
Performs other position-related tasks or services as may be assigned by the School Principal or Director of Special Education or other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.