Special Education Teacher - SMES (2025-2026 School Year)

Harrisonburg City Public Schools•Harrisonburg, VA

About The Position

Develops and implements an instructional program that will effectively provide identified special education students with a program that will enable them to achieve their fullest potential.

Requirements

Possesses or qualify for a Virginia Collegiate Professional license with specific endorsement in the area to which assigned
Possesses outstanding knowledge and skill in the assigned instructional area and demonstrated enthusiasm for teaching and the learning process.
Demonstrated knowledge of instructional strategies and skills related to scientifically-based research and its implementation.
Proficiency in business English; spelling, grammar and spoken language.
Proficiency in the use of a variety of instructional technology including computers with experience in Microsoft Office, email and other applications.
Emotionally mature, objective and sensitive to people and their concerns.
Able to handle responsibility, work independently, and maintain good working relationships with students, families, staff, co-workers and community agencies.
Experience working directly with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Familiarity with racial equity and inclusion frameworks.

Nice To Haves

preferred – hold or eligible for a Virginia Postgraduate Professional license with a Special Education – General Curriculum K-12 endorsement.
Experience working with diverse learning needs and with children that may benefit from alternative learning models is preferred.

Responsibilities

Establishes and implements daily written lesson plans.
Evaluates student learning and revises instruction accordingly.
Structures teaching to encourage independent thinking by students.
Effectively prepares/uses instructional materials and technology resources.
Maintains appropriate expectations for all students.
Differentiates instruction.
Maintains appropriate student classroom behavior.
Demonstrates knowledge of the subject/grade.
Demonstrates resourcefulness and flexibility.
Displays enthusiasm for teaching.
Utilizes strategies to meet class objectives, student needs and abilities.
Effectively motivates students.
Manages Instructional time wisely.
Provides an appropriate learning environment.
Models acceptable written and oral expressions
Effectively communicates with students, parents and the community.
Provides appropriate feedback to students
Uses measures of student learning to improve instruction.
Models professional, moral and ethical standards and personal integrity.
Participates in meaningful and continuous process of professional development.
Works in a collegial and collaborative manner with peers, staff, parents and community resources to support the success of a diverse student population.
Provides services to the professional, the school division and/or the community.
Demonstrates good attendance and punctuality.
Submits required reports on time and meets other deadlines.
Maintains accurate records
Follows proper channels of communication
Appropriately maintains confidentiality
Is familiar with and abides by School Board policies, regulations and school procedures
Serves as a member of an interdisciplinary team whose purpose is to provide appropriate educational programs for special education students.
Assists in screening, evaluating, and recommending placements of applicants for the division's special education program.
Assists in developing short- and long-range goals for the student's individualized education program (IEP).
Provides a basic core program for identified special education students.
Works cooperatively with classroom teachers who have special education students in regular classes by interpreting the abilities and disabilities of these students and to assist students with regular class assignments.
Tutors, with specific educational planning, those students whose need for additional help cannot be met within the regular classroom.
Maintains ongoing records of student performance in order to evaluate progress.
Conducts an annual review and update short-term objectives.
Holds periodic parent conferences and/or home visits.
Keeps abreast of recent developments in education for their assigned students and to show evidence of continuing professional growth.
Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
Maintains appropriate state licensure; assumes responsibility for and participates in staff development (professional growth) and training to keep materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date.
Follows appropriate safety procedures and properly maintains equipment.
Responds to telephone, email and in-person requests, inquiries and questions in a professional, polite and responsive manner.
Attends all required meetings.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal and/or Director of Exceptional Student Services.