Special Education

Mount Vernon City School District•Mount Vernon, NY

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher facilitates learning for students with specific learning challenges and a range of disabilities, supporting them in achieving grade-level, subject, school, and system objectives. The role uses varied instructional strategies, devices, and methods; teaches small and large groups; and contributes as a member of the school community. The position includes instruction, classroom management, guidance and counseling, participation in school organization and administration, professional development, and collaboration with families and the school community. The teacher also serves as a case manager, coordinating student paperwork and intervention plans and ensuring that the terms of each student's IEP are followed and that recommended services are provided. The position reports to the Building Principal and is responsible to the Special Education Supervisor and the Director of Special Education.

Requirements

Appropriate New York State certification in Special Education, SWD 16, or SWD 712/Content Area 712.

Responsibilities

Facilitate learning activities for students with disabilities and support their attainment of grade-level, subject, school, and system objectives.
Use a wide variety of instructional strategies, devices, and methods with small and large instructional groups.
Teach the assigned grade level or content area and provide educational experiences that develop students' ability to develop, interpret, and communicate ideas.
Provide opportunities for students to solve problems, think critically, and study effectively.
Establish a classroom climate conducive to effective learning and study.
Organize clerical and recordkeeping duties so the instructional process is uninterrupted.
Assist students with academic problems and work with guidance counselors and instructional teams on individual student needs.
Contribute suggestions for continuous improvement of the educational program and serve on committees.
Engage in studies and activities to improve professional competence and contribute to addressing school district education problems.
Work closely with parents to guide students' growth and development.
Update and manage IEPs and ensure their full implementation, including legally required services and recommendations.
Assess student progress periodically according to the district's reporting timeline and review progress reports throughout the school year.
Ensure progress reports are completed according to student goals by the individuals responsible for addressing those goals.
Provide parents with updated goals marked with progress and other paperwork related to ongoing assessment.
Involve parents in planning and implementing the IEP process.
Ensure general education teachers implement IEP-prescribed modifications and strategies.
Provide services in general education classrooms and collaborate with general education teachers as colleagues.
Collaborate with general education teachers on planning and IEP changes for students with IEPs.
Meet periodically with students to discuss and assess their progress, challenges, and needs in meeting goals or objectives.
Meet with parents, students, educators, and clinicians working with students.
Advocate for students and work with all stakeholders.