Teacher - Cross-Categorical IS

Sidney City SD•Sidney, OH

10d

About The Position

JOB DESCRIPTION : the primary responsibility is to provide highly individualized and small-group instruction tailored to the unique cognitive, physical, and developmental needs of each student. This role requires close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to ensure that all services, accommodations, and modifications are delivered in strict compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Ohio state mandates. Beyond academic instruction, the teacher provides essential guidance and evidence-based interventions to foster emotional maturity, enhance self-regulation, and support students in making socially appropriate choices. By focusing on personalized academic, functional, and vocational goals, the teacher helps students maximize their independence and successfully transition toward post-secondary life. Central to this mission is the active encouragement of parental involvement, building a strong partnership between home and school to ensure the holistic success of every student.

Requirements

Holds a valid State of Ohio teacher certificate/license appropriate for the assignment.
Meets all mandated health requirements.
Provides documented evidence of a clear criminal record.

Nice To Haves

Teaching experience in Special Education, or related fields working directly with students with low incidence disabilities such as Autism, Multiple Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, etc. preferred.
Experience working with school personnel, parents, and students to strive for a comprehensive and inclusive learning environment with positive outcomes preferred.

Responsibilities

Standards-Based Instruction: Design and select materials aligned with Ohio Learning Standards-Extended to meet diverse student ability levels.
IEP Implementation: Deliver individual and group instruction in academic subjects, social skills, and daily living skills specifically designed to meet IEP goals.
Lesson Planning: Prepare written daily lesson plans that incorporate varied instructional techniques to address individual learning styles.
Academic Progress: Evaluate and document student progress, providing periodic reports to parents and sharing data with the educational team.
Promotion of Independence: Provide in-class support and modeling to promote student self-determination and competitive work skills.
Medical & Personal Care: Assist students with medically fragile needs, including tube feeding, toileting, and seizure protocols, following guidelines provided by licensed healthcare professionals.
Assistive Technology: Collaborate with related service personnel to implement low- and high-tech assistive technology and augmentative communication devices.
Accommodations: Provide necessary testing and classroom accommodations (e.g., read-aloud, scribing, extended time) to ensure active participation in the least restrictive environment.
Inclusion: Create opportunities for students with disabilities to engage in appropriate peer group activities within an inclusive educational environment.
Behavioral Planning: Implement and chart behavior modification plans as designed by the IEP team; clarify expectations, privileges, and consequences.
Crisis Intervention: Calmly and fairly confront undesirable behavior while rewarding responsible actions.
Classroom Management: Develop and maintain a positive, structured learning environment conducive to the maturity and interests of the students.
Safety & Supervision: Provide constant, close supervision to ensure student safety; never leave students unsupervised.
Student Conduct: Communicate school rules clearly and uphold the student conduct code while protecting the due process rights of students.
Team Participation: Participate in periodic reevaluations, annual IEP review meetings, and placement recommendations.
Communication: Maintain proactive rapport with parents, staff, and community agencies; remain available for parent consultations via phone or conference.
Consultation: Support the efforts of school psychologists, speech/language pathologists, and counselors to address student concerns such as at-risk behavior or mental health.
Confidentiality: Strictly observe all legal requirements regarding the safeguarding of confidential and privileged information.
Reporting: Organize and maintain accurate records and inventories as required by law and district policy; submit all reports punctually.
Resource Management: Requisition essential supplies and manage the proper use and care of school property.
Classroom Readiness: Prepare the classroom at the beginning of the year and ensure all required books and supplies are retrieved and organized.
Compliance: Adhere to state model policies for the education of children with disabilities and comply with district financial procedures.
Continuous Improvement: Participate in staff meetings and in-service training; stay current with research-based instructional strategies and maintain licensure requirements.