JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the supervisor, provide specialized academic instruction and learning for students who have an IEP for an SDC setting; with a variety of moderate to severe disabilities, 3 to 22 years of age; oversee support services to students; direct the work of instructional assistants and volunteers in the classroom; perform other related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs assessment duties as required. Understands and is able to administer state standardized tests, teacher-made tests, and individual and group administered academic tests.
• Utilize assessment results from psychological reports, academic reports and other related service provider reports to develop legally defensible, draft Individual Education Programs (IEPs) to be reviewed and modified as appropriate by the IEP team of which they are also a member.
• Schedule IEP meetings and confirm parents and all other required IEP team members will participate.
• Establish appropriate goals and objectives for each student with consideration of the physical, emotional and intellectual needs of each student.
• Design and implement an appropriate program of individualized, standards-based instruction, utilizing district-adopted curriculum for students with significant disabilities, and research-based instructional strategies.
• Adapt methods, devices, and materials so students understand subject matter.
• Develop and implement a system of continuous evaluation of each student’s progress.
• Provide and maintain an appropriate physical and psychological classroom environment.
• Write and implement effective behavior plans which develop acceptable pupil behavior, attitudes, and social and daily living skills. Participate in manifestation determinations as necessary.
• Confer, collaborate, and coordinate with other professional staff members such as: physician, nurse, therapists, and psychologist, to support students’ individual programs.
• Implement each student’s IEP, as written, and keep accurate records of individual students’ progress.
• Direct the work of instructional assistants and volunteers.
• Provide input into the evaluation of instructional assistants.
• Reports incidents (i.e. fights, suspected child abuse or substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety for students.
• Participation in professional development activities and implement strategies as appropriate to meet pupil needs.
• Interact with, escort, and monitor students during community based activities, physical education and other recreational activities.
  • Confer with parents and apprise them of child's progress. Collaborate with parents to develop ways to best help their child.
  • Keep accurate class records, including attendance records and lesson plans and complete necessary reports, including IEPs, in a timely manner.
  • Assist students with personal care and physical problems when teacher attention is required.
  • Provide adequate information for substitutes including, but not limited to, lesson plans and seating charts.
  • Attend scheduled staff meetings; schedule and attend IEP meetings
  • Facilitate, when appropriate, integration of students into regular classes.
  • Work closely with site principal and other site and district administrators on students’ physical and educational needs.

OTHER DUTIES

• Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Current teaching methods and techniques, especially for students with severe disabilities.
• Learning theories, assessment practices, and current research regarding students with severe disabilities.
• Policies and procedures pertaining to IEPs.
• Behavior intervention theories and techniques.
• Core, and alternative, curriculum and strategies for implementing curriculum for students with multiple handicaps.
• Current laws and regulations pertaining to students with disabilities.
• First aid and CPR.
• Research methods and report writing techniques.

ABILITY TO:

• Utilize interpersonal skills including tact, patience, and courtesy to establish and maintain professional relationships with students, parents, and school/district staff.
• Establish effective rapport with students.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, ideas, thoughts, lesson material and instructions to students, parents, staff, and community.
• Plan, organize, and implement IEPs.
• Organize instruction based on individual and group needs.
• Direct the work of instructional assistants and volunteers.
• Collaborate effectively with a wide variety of professional staff.
• Monitor students’ physical, emotional, and educational needs during school hours.
• Maintain suitable learning environment including appropriate planning and organization of classroom and materials.
• Manage and prioritize multiple activities with accuracy and timeliness.
  • Operate a computer and standard office equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• California credential authorizing instruction for students with moderate to severe disabilities
• Additional authorization for instructing orthopedically handicapped students highly desirable
• English Learner authorization (e.g. CLAD, CTEL, etc.)
• Possess or be eligible for NCLB Highly Qualified Teacher Certificate of Competency
• Valid First Aid and CPR certificates issued by an authorized agency.
• NCPI Trained and/or willingness to attend training

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

• Classroom environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
• Seeing to monitor students and read a variety of materials.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information during normal classroom activities, on the playground, and in meetings.
• Hearing and understanding speech on the telephone.
• Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to demonstrate activities and operate assigned equipment.
• Physical agility to lift 25 pounds to shoulder height and 50 pounds to waist height; and to bend, to stoop, to walk on uneven terrain, to sit in low chairs or on the floor, to climb stairs, and to reach overhead.
• Physical agility to perform a two person lift; position a student who may weigh 150 pounds or more; and manipulate wheelchairs and orthopedic devices.

HAZARDS:

• Potential for contact with blood and other body fluids, which may contain blood borne pathogens and communicable infectious diseases.
• Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.

Developed 4/16/13