SPED Teacher - Moderate Needs

Douglas County School District•Highlands Ranch, CO

1d•$56,366 - $119,121•Onsite

About The Position

Moderate needs programs in the Douglas County School District serve students across all levels (PK-12) who benefit from universal and targeted special education services. Moderate needs teachers provide an individualized service delivery model that primarily uses inclusive practices, combining special education support in and outside the general classroom environment. The role involves individualizing instruction based on students’ cognitive, social, emotional, and adaptive functioning, and applying knowledge of child development, behavior management, consultation, and the developmental needs of school-aged children and adolescents. The teacher plans and delivers instruction that supports students’ academic development and potential, integrates technology and learning resources, and monitors and evaluates student performance and development. Teachers also manage classroom behavior, maintain student progress records, prepare required reports, and collaborate with school personnel, students, and parents. They participate in school and department meetings, parent meetings, student support and counseling, and may support extracurricular activities. Effective case management, IEP development and maintenance, communication, collaboration, empathy, and teamwork are central to the position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Colorado READ Act designation, obtainable through options described by the Colorado Department of Education.
Colorado Department of Education Special Education Generalist License.
Knowledge and skill in effective instruction and integrating technology into the learning environment.
Ability to individualize instruction based on cognitive, social, emotional, and adaptive functioning.
Knowledge of child development, behavior management in general classroom or small-group environments, consultation, and developmental needs of school-aged children and adolescents.
Effective case management skills.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Knowledge and expertise in developing and maintaining IEPs.
Ability to establish and maintain effective collaborative relationships with school personnel, students, and parents.
Demonstrated understanding and empathy for students and their families.
Ability and desire to function as a team member and team facilitator.

Responsibilities

Maintain accurate and complete records of students’ progress and development and prepare required reports on students and activities.
Support students, counsel students with academic problems, and support extracurricular activities such as social activities, sporting activities, clubs, and student organizations.
Participate in department, school, and parent meetings.
Use technology and integrate it into learning activities; provide varied learning materials and resources; and instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment.
Observe and evaluate students’ performance and development, encourage students, and provide feedback.
Manage classroom behavior by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures, maintaining discipline in accordance with school rules and systems, and applying appropriate disciplinary measures when necessary.
Plan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences.
Establish and communicate clear objectives for learning activities.
Plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program in a learning environment that guides and encourages students to develop their academic potential.
Provide individualized instruction and special education support using inclusive practices in and outside the general classroom environment.
Develop and maintain IEPs and provide effective case management.
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with school personnel, students, and parents, and function as a team member and team facilitator.