4-SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS-FLEX Teachers

Rapides Parish School District•Alexandria, LA

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher will provide experiences to remediate and rehabilitate handicaps resulting from deficits through a total approach. This involves teaching educational subjects, physical and motor activities, speech and language development, and social skills to assist each child in taking their place in school and life. The role is a nine-month position.

Requirements

As set forth in Louisiana Standards for State Certification of School Personnel (Bulletin 746)
Prior to the opening of the school year, become familiar with education guides, materials, the students’ individual folders or records, and equipment as evidenced by the students’ IEP’s and teacher lesson plans
Prepare and make available to the principal or designated person each child’s IEP and anticipated weekly plans
Prepare and devise a specific number of instructional periods for each individual child as needed and indicated in the child’s IEP
Attempt to remediate deficits through the teaching of needed skills as indicated in each child’s Individual Evaluation and IEP
Develop or update each child’s IEP annually as mandated by IDEA and Louisiana Act 754
Review short term objectives on each child’s IEP and submit a copy of the report to the child’s parent every six weeks
Maintain individual files of each student’s work and test results
Regularly create and maintain a physical environment that is conducive to learning including attractive and meaningful bulletin boards, appropriate seating arrangements, proper ventilation and illumination, etc., as evidenced by functional learning area
Develop and maintain reasonable rules for the care of school properties, physical facilities and all equipment as evidenced by periodic inspections, inventories and reports submitted to the principal or designated person
Utilize available curriculum materials, equipment and facilities frequently in the teaching process as evidenced by the individual child’s IEP and lesson plans
Be responsible for maintaining student discipline and safety at all times as evidenced by the adherence to state and local regulations
Perform supervisory duties on a timely basis as necessitated and/or designated by the principal or designated person as evidenced by actual performance
Maintain accurate attendance, financial, and other records as evidenced by information in the teacher role book and other assigned reports submitted to the special education department and to the parents
Report to respective schools prior to the first full day of operations for the purpose of orientation and preparation of the classroom as directed by principal or designated person and evidenced by actual attendance and classroom appearance
Maintain current records and submit required reports, IEP’s, and requests for re-evaluations to appropriate personnel at the J. B. Lafargue Special Education Center in order to establish timelines
Attend inservice workshops as mandated by local policies or legislative acts as evidenced by attendance
Participate in self-developmental activities, such as active membership in professional organizations, attendance at meetings, workshops, conventions, etc., whenever possible, and to continuously upgrade the position of the special education teacher as evidenced by actual participation
Promote the educational process as evidenced by the sharing of ideas and materials of other staff members
Work in professional harmony with staff members, school administrators and with IEP committees as evidenced by positive reports
Use available means to keep abreast of new trends, techniques and teaching strategies as evidenced by teaching methods employed (Post graduate work is encouraged)
Meet with parents, students and staff members and conduct IEP committee meetings
Participate in at least one school sponsored activity annually
Strive to uplift the image of public education on a regular basis
Establish and execute a professional growth and self-evaluation plan
Work effectively with school personnel and staff
Consistently demonstrate self-direction
Submit accurate records and reports promptly
Exhibit professional ethics
Foster open communication and positive relationships with school personnel and staff
Foster open communication and positive relationships with the community
Perform all other duties or responsibilities not listed as delegated by the principal of the school or designated person within the scope of teaching and learning during contacted hours
Follow state, school board, and school policies
Teach in accordance with the Louisiana Components of Effective Teaching
Learning objectives and state content standards are communicated.
Objectives and expectations are aligned to the depth and rigor of the state standards; lesson content is aligned to the objectives of the high-quality instructional materials.
Sub-objective/Prerequisite skills are aligned to the lesson’s major objective.
Learning objectives are connected to what students have previously learned.
Expectations for student performance are clear.
Learning objectives are displayed.
There is evidence that students are progressing or demonstrating mastery of the objective(s).
The teacher organizes the content, including high-quality curriculum resources, so that it is personally meaningful and relevant to students.
The teacher develops learning experiences where inquiry, curiosity, and exploration are valued.
The teacher regularly reinforces and rewards effort.
Visuals that establish the purpose of the lesson, preview the organization of the lesson, and include internal summaries of the lesson; Examples, illustrations, analogies, and labels for new concepts and ideas; Modeling by the teacher to demonstrate his or her performance expectations; Criteria that clarifies how students can be successful; Concise communication; Logical sequencing and segmenting; All essential information; and No irrelevant, confusing, or nonessential information.
The lesson starts promptly.
The lesson’s structure is coherent, based on the content, and has a beginning, middle, and end, with time for reflection to ensure student understanding.
Pacing is appropriate and sometimes provides opportunities for students who progress at different learning rates.
Routines for distributing materials are efficient.
Activities and materials include a majority of the following: Support the lesson objectives; Are challenging; Elicit a variety of thinking; Provide time for reflection; and Are relevant to students’ lives. Student-centered: Sustain students’ attention; Provide opportunities for student-to-student interaction; Evoke student curiosity and suspense; and Provide students with choices when appropriate and aligned to the learning objectives. Multiple materials: Incorporate additional standards-based resources where appropriate to support individual and whole group understanding (e.g., visuals, multimedia, technology, manipulatives, resources from museums, cultural centers, etc., when not available in the high-quality instructional materials).
Teacher questions are varied and high-quality, providing an appropriate mix of question types based on content: Knowledge and comprehension; Application and analysis; and Creation and evaluation. Questions are purposeful and coherent. The frequency of questions engages students in critical thinking. Questions are sequenced with attention to the instructional goals. Wait time (3-5 seconds) is provided. Questions require active responses (e.g., whole-class signaling, choral responses, or group and individual answers). The teacher calls on a variety of students to engage different students’ perspectives and provide opportunities for many students to respond.
Oral and written feedback is academically focused, frequent, and high-quality. Feedback is given during guided practice, throughout the lesson, and during review of independent work assignments. The teacher circulates during instructional activities to support engagement and monitor student work. Feedback from students is used to monitor and adjust instruction.
The instructional grouping arrangements (whole class, small groups, pairs, or individual) adequately enhance student understanding and learning efficiency. Teacher sets expectations that are understood by students. In an instructional group, students take responsibility for their roles, tasks, and group work expectations so they can have meaningful and productive collaboration. Students participating in groups are held accountable for group work and individual work. Instructional group composition is varied to accomplish the goals of the lesson. Instructional groups facilitate opportunities for students to set goals, reflect on, and evaluate their learning.
Teacher displays accurate content knowledge and understanding of both state standards and high-quality instructional materials, including their adopted or approved curriculum, for all the subjects they teach. Teacher implements subject-specific instructional strategies to enhance student content knowledge. Teacher highlights key concepts and ideas and uses them as the basis to connect other powerful ideas.
Teacher practices display understanding of students’ anticipated learning abilities and Teacher practices incorporate student interests and backgrounds. Teacher provides differentiated supports and strategies to ensure students have the opportunity to master grade-level standards.
The teacher engages students in multiple types of thinking: Analytical thinking, where students analyze, compare and contrast, and evaluate and explain information; Practical thinking, where students use, apply, and implement what they learn in real-life scenarios; Creative thinking, where students create, design, imagine, and suppose; and Research-based thinking, where students explore and review a variety of ideas, models, and solutions to problems. The teacher and students: Generate a variety of ideas and alternatives; and Analyze problems from multiple perspectives and viewpoints.
The teacher uses and/or engages students in some of the following problem-solving types: Abstraction, Categorization, Drawing conclusions/justifying solutions, Predicting outcomes, Observing and experimenting, Improving solutions, Identifying relevant/irrelevant information, Generating ideas, Creating and designing.
Instructional plans include: some evidence of the internalization of the plans from the high-quality curriculum; objectives aligned to state standards and aligned high-quality curriculum, both in content and in rigor; activities, materials, and assessments that: Are aligned to state standards; content, including high-quality curriculum; and success criteria; Are sequenced and scaffolded based on student need; Build on prior student knowledge; and Provide appropriate time for student work and lesson closure; Evidence that the plan is appropriate for the age, knowledge, and interests of learners; and Evidence that the plan provides.
Assignments are: Aligned to the rigor and depth of the standards and curriculum content. Aligned to the lesson’s objective and include descriptions of how assessment results will inform future instruction. Assignments require students to: Interpret information rather than reproduce it; Draw conclusions and support them through writing; and Connect what they are learning to prior learning and life experiences.
Assessments: Are aligned with the depth and rigor of the state standards and content, including curriculum resources; Are designed to provide feedback on progress against objectives; Use a variety of question types and formats to gauge student learning and problem-solving; Measure student performance in more than two ways (e.g., in the form of a project, experiment, presentation, essay, short answer, or multiple choice).
Teacher engages students in learning with clear and rigorous academic expectations and uses aligned high-quality materials and resources for students to access. Teacher encourages students to learn from mistakes. Teacher creates learning opportunities where all students can experience success. Students complete their work according to teacher expectations.
Students are mostly engaged in behaviors that optimize learning and increase time on task. Teacher establishes rules for learning and behavior. Teacher uses a variety of techniques (e.g., rewards, approval, contingent activities, consequences, etc.) that maintain student engagement and promote a positive classroom environment. Teacher often recognizes and motivates positive behaviors and does not allow inconsequential behavior to interrupt the lesson. Teacher addresses students who have caused disruptions, yet sometimes he or she addresses the entire class.
The classroom: Welcomes all students and guests. Is organized to promote learning for all students. Has supplies, equipment, and resources accessible to provide opportunities for students. Displays current student work. Is arranged to promote individual and group learning.
Teacher-student interactions are generally positive and reflect awareness and consideration of all students’ backgrounds. Teacher and students exhibit respect and kindness for the teacher and each other; classroom is free of unhealthy conflict, sarcasm, and put-downs. Teacher is receptive to the interests and opinions of students.
Fulfill duties traditionally expected of those in teaching profession
Collaborate with colleagues and departments
Grade Papers
Take and record attendance
Enter/Average Grades
Maintain positive and timely interaction with parents relative to the performance or conduct of students assigned to the teacher
Participate in school committees or task forces to contribute to school improvement initiatives
Utilize educational or coaching best practices and techniques
Supervise students when students are on or off campus at a school related/sponsored event
Supervise students prior to school and/or drop-off, when assigned
Supervise students in the classroom
Supervise students between classes, during recess/intermission, during lunch, assemblies
Supervise students after school and/or pick-up, when assigned
Attend meetings generally associated with the instruction of students
Attend faculty, staff, and department meetings
Attend training sessions
Attend IEP meetings
Attend parent-teacher conferences
Attend back-to-school and open-house events
Attend graduation
Attend PGP, PIP, Evaluation, Observation, IAP, and student discipline meetings/hearings
Attend school board/committee meetings, upon request
Attend all meetings and functions of those activities, clubs, or groups of which the employee is a sponsor

Nice To Haves

Post graduate work is encouraged

Responsibilities

Prior to the opening of the school year, become familiar with education guides, materials, students’ individual folders or records, and equipment as evidenced by the students’ IEP’s and teacher lesson plans.
Prepare and make available to the principal or designated person each child’s IEP and anticipated weekly plans.
Prepare and devise a specific number of instructional periods for each individual child as needed and indicated in the child’s IEP.
Attempt to remediate deficits through the teaching of needed skills as indicated in each child’s Individual Evaluation and IEP.
Develop or update each child’s IEP annually as mandated by IDEA and Louisiana Act 754.
Review short term objectives on each child’s IEP and submit a copy of the report to the child’s parent every six weeks.
Maintain individual files of each student’s work and test results.
Regularly create and maintain a physical environment that is conducive to learning including attractive and meaningful bulletin boards, appropriate seating arrangements, proper ventilation and illumination, etc., as evidenced by functional learning area.
Develop and maintain reasonable rules for the care of school properties, physical facilities and all equipment as evidenced by periodic inspections, inventories and reports submitted to the principal or designated person.
Utilize available curriculum materials, equipment and facilities frequently in the teaching process as evidenced by the individual child’s IEP and lesson plans.
Be responsible for maintaining student discipline and safety at all times as evidenced by the adherence to state and local regulations.
Perform supervisory duties on a timely basis as necessitated and/or designated by the principal or designated person as evidenced by actual performance.
Maintain accurate attendance, financial, and other records as evidenced by information in the teacher role book and other assigned reports submitted to the special education department and to the parents.
Report to respective schools prior to the first full day of operations for the purpose of orientation and preparation of the classroom as directed by principal or designated person and evidenced by actual attendance and classroom appearance.
Maintain current records and submit required reports, IEP’s, and requests for re-evaluations to appropriate personnel at the J. B. Lafargue Special Education Center in order to establish timelines.
Attend inservice workshops as mandated by local policies or legislative acts as evidenced by attendance.
Participate in self-developmental activities, such as active membership in professional organizations, attendance at meetings, workshops, conventions, etc., whenever possible, and to continuously upgrade the position of the special education teacher as evidenced by actual participation.
Promote the educational process as evidenced by the sharing of ideas and materials of other staff members.
Work in professional harmony with staff members, school administrators and with IEP committees as evidenced by positive reports.
Use available means to keep abreast of new trends, techniques and teaching strategies as evidenced by teaching methods employed (Post graduate work is encouraged).
Meet with parents, students and staff members and conduct IEP committee meetings.
Participate in at least one school sponsored activity annually.
Strive to uplift the image of public education on a regular basis.
Establish and execute a professional growth and self-evaluation plan.
Work effectively with school personnel and staff.
Consistently demonstrate self-direction.
Submit accurate records and reports promptly.
Exhibit professional ethics.
Foster open communication and positive relationships with school personnel and staff.
Foster open communication and positive relationships with the community.
Perform all other duties or responsibilities not listed as delegated by the principal of the school or designated person within the scope of teaching and learning during contacted hours.
Follow state, school board, and school policies.
Teach in accordance with the Louisiana Components of Effective Teaching.
Fulfill duties traditionally expected of those in teaching profession.
Collaborate with colleagues and departments.
Grade Papers.
Take and record attendance.
Enter/Average Grades.
Maintain positive and timely interaction with parents relative to the performance or conduct of students assigned to the teacher.
Participate in school committees or task forces to contribute to school improvement initiatives.
Utilize educational or coaching best practices and techniques.
Supervise students when students are on or off campus at a school related/sponsored event.
Supervise students prior to school and/or drop-off, when assigned.
Supervise students in the classroom.
Supervise students between classes, during recess/intermission, during lunch, assemblies.
Supervise students after school and/or pick-up, when assigned.
Attend meetings generally associated with the instruction of students.
Attend faculty, staff, and department meetings.
Attend training sessions.
Attend IEP meetings.
Attend parent-teacher conferences.
Attend back-to-school and open-house events.
Attend graduation.
Attend PGP, PIP, Evaluation, Observation, IAP, and student discipline meetings/hearings.
Attend school board/committee meetings, upon request.
Attend all meetings and functions of those activities, clubs, or groups of which the employee is a sponsor.