Special Education Teacher, The Gengras Center School

University of Saint Joseph•West Hartford, CT

1h•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher develops and implements instruction that reflects students’ intellectual, physical, and social/emotional development. The role provides instruction based on students’ IEP goals and objectives, supports skill acquisition and independence, assesses student performance, tracks progress, and adapts teaching methods and resources to student needs. Instruction may use computers, assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and other resources. The teacher helps create a safe, healthy, and positive classroom environment, supports appropriate behavior, and coordinates with the Gengras transdisciplinary team to integrate functional and academic skills across the curriculum. The position includes collaboration with students, staff, families, community members, administrators, University of Saint Joseph community members, and sending district personnel. The teacher also participates in weekly unit child study meetings, supports program planning and management, and provides lesson plans, quarterly goals, and progress updates to school leadership. The position is based at a private special education school and the University of Saint Joseph campus. Regular local community field trips are part of the work environment. Physical activities include substantial keyboarding and standing, some bending, climbing stairs, kneeling, reaching, sitting, telephone use, and walking, as well as occasional student transfers, lifting, and escorting. The school provides training for student transfers and for responding to student aggression. Physical requirements may vary based on students’ needs.

Requirements

Certification in Special Education.
At least 2 years of experience working with students with special needs.
Knowledge and experience in Special Education instruction.
Knowledge of teaching skills and competencies.
Proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Knowledge of disabilities and their effects on classroom performance.
Knowledge of strategies for facilitating student learning and managing behavior.
Knowledge of formal and informal assessment strategies and instruments, and of legal provisions, regulations, and guidelines regarding student assessment.
Knowledge of Individualized Education Plans, the Planning and Placement Team process, and Behavior Intervention Plans.
Ability to collect and interpret data to plan effective student programs.
Understanding of state curriculum standards and how students learn reading, writing, and mathematics.
Knowledge of occupational and life-skills curricula and their relevance to independent living and employment.
Ability to use computers, assistive technology, and adaptive equipment.
Knowledge of how students learn and develop, including differences in approaches to learning.
Ability to design and deliver instruction using varied methods based on learner needs.
Ability to assess student learning and modify instruction to meet IEP goals and objectives.
Ability to establish appropriate behavior standards and create a positive learning environment.
Effective communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
Commitment to the mission of the University of Saint Joseph.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Professional conduct in accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility for Teachers under Section 10-145d-400a of the Connecticut Certification Regulations.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Special Education.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement instruction and activities that reflect students’ intellectual, physical, and social/emotional development.
Provide instruction that promotes skill acquisition based on IEP goals and objectives and fosters independence.
Select and adapt instructional activities, adaptive equipment, technology, and other resources to support student learning.
Create and maintain a classroom environment that encourages positive behavior and supports student achievement and well-being.
Coordinate with the Gengras transdisciplinary team to integrate functional and academic skills throughout the curriculum.
Collaborate on community-wide special projects and activities that enhance learning.
Communicate effectively with students, staff, families, community members, administration, the University of Saint Joseph community, and sending district personnel.
Provide lesson plans, quarterly goals, and progress updates to the Director and Associate or Assistant Directors at scheduled times and upon request.
Establish and maintain policies and procedures for program operation, and assist with identifying and implementing program goals and objectives.
Coordinate planning and design of the Special Education program, including classroom instruction, quarterly instructional goals, and daily lesson plans.
Assess individual student performance, collect and interpret data, and modify instruction as appropriate.
Maintain a safe and healthy learning environment.
Participate weekly in unit transdisciplinary child study meetings to support comprehensive student instruction.
Serve as a statewide testing examiner when assigned by the statewide testing supervisor in conjunction with school leadership.
Support effective utilization of staff.
Perform other duties assigned by the Director or Assistant Directors or included in the Center’s program developmental plan.
Attend relevant in-service and professional development workshops, meet the CCT Rubric for Effective Teaching 2017 standards, and participate in the CSDE Teacher Evaluation System.