Special Education Teacher-Specialized Life Skills- Caruthers

KCK•Kansas City, KS

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher – Specialized Life Skills at Caruthers Elementary provides instruction and support to help students gain knowledge, information, and skills, develop self-worth and dignity, and prepare to transition from high school to the community. The teacher plans classroom instructional programs, including individualized instruction specified in students’ Individual Education Programs (IEPs), and implements behavioral intervention plans as needed. The position advocates for students with special needs and works collaboratively with students, families, teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and other service providers. The teacher coordinates IEP meetings and reviews, maintains IEPs in accordance with applicable guidelines, monitors and evaluates student progress, supports students in mainstream classes, and helps establish class schedules. The role also includes supervising and training assigned paraprofessionals, requesting needed equipment and supplies, maintaining confidentiality and required documentation, and carrying out other assigned duties. This is a 186-day position at Caruthers Elementary in Kansas City, Kansas. The employee must be able to perform a full duty day at assigned locations and work in a fast-paced, intensive school environment. The role is directly responsible for students’ safety, work output, and well-being. Compensation is determined by the Certified Salary Schedule. The position is exempt and reports to the Principal.

Requirements

Hold or be eligible for Kansas certification appropriate for the position.
Meet employment qualifications established by the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education and the Kansas State Department of Education.
Be tolerant and understanding of students with special needs.
Demonstrate initiative, creativity, self-motivation, good judgment, adaptability, and flexibility.
Respect confidentiality.
Have excellent interpersonal skills, professional judgment, and oral and written communication skills.
Be efficient and organized in paper management.
Be able to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions.
Be able to read and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations, and write reports, correspondence, and protocols.
Be able to present information effectively and respond to questions from administrators, staff, parents, students, and the public.
Be able to apply current research and theory to instruction and plan and implement lessons based on school objectives and students’ needs and abilities.
Be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents, and the community.
Be able to work a full duty day at assigned locations and move about as needed in a fast-paced, highly intensive school environment.
Have the physical and emotional ability to perform the required work.
Occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds and push items weighing 50 pounds, such as a bike or wheelchair, or move or rearrange furniture.
Have vision abilities that include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
Maintain a neat and appropriate appearance.

Responsibilities

Advocate for the rights of students with special needs.
Plan classroom instructional programs, including individual plans outlined in students’ IEPs.
Develop and maintain positive professional relationships with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and other service providers.
Serve as a liaison between the school and the community.
Establish IEP and annual review meetings, provide parents and students the opportunity for input, and notify service providers according to local guidelines.
Participate 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 service providers about student progress.
Evaluate student performance using 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 necessary.
Maintain communication with school personnel and parents or guardians to support students’ educational needs.
Maintain confidentiality of educational records and keep required logs and documentation.
Use existing technology effectively in performing duties.
Perform other duties assigned by administrators or required under applicable guidelines and students’ IEPs.