Special Education Teacher – Moderate/Severely Handicapped

Provides an educational program consisting of social, emotional, academic and physical fitness instruction for Severely or Multi Handicapped students.

Initial Position Qualifications:

• Possesses an earned Baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university with a major emphasis in the area of the Severely Handicapped

• Possesses a valid California teaching credential authorizing service as a Special Education teacher at the level and/or specialization of the teaching assignment

Goals of Effective Performance:

Plans, organizes, develops and conducts a comprehensive teaching, instruction and behavior shaping program for severely or multi-handicapped students. Provides appropriate and effective learning experiences for students from a wide range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and varying mental, social and emotional abilities. Effectively assesses the instructional and educational needs for students, and designs, develops, and implements a sound instructional and educational program within a motivating and stimulating learning environment.

Selected Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Teaches severely handicapped students such portions of a basic educational program as are in keeping with the individual limitations of each student with emphasis on those elements which will assist the student to adapt to the behavioral norms of society.

• Provides reinforcement training of good health and safety habits, neuro-muscular coordination, clear and correct speech, good peer relations, obeying and respecting authority and of becoming more self-sufficient in the home and society.

• Works closely with parents in helping the home reinforce training practices started in the classroom as well as helping with developmental problems of the student.

• Confers frequently with instructional and support personnel, parents and others concerning each student’s progress in fulfilling individual education and behavior management plans.

• Pursues a variety of methodology in teaching and instructing severely handicapped students, including demonstration, discussion, and activity experiences.

• Conducts teaching and instructional activities, utilizing a variety of educational equipment, materials, books, and learning aids.

• Reviews, analysis, and evaluates the history, background, and assessment of students in designing instructional programs to meet individual educational needs.

• Individualizes and adapts educational processes and procedures to enhance student educational opportunities.

• Provides an appropriate physical and emotional environment to establish and reinforce acceptable social behavior and attitudes, and to build a positive self image.

• Maintains appropriate standards of pupil behavior, utilizing a variety of behavioral management strategies and techniques, including positive reinforcement and behavior shaping procedures.

• Supervises students in out of classroom activities during assigned work day.

• Plans and coordinates the work and training of assistants and others.

• Performs a variety of non-instructional duties, including curriculum and instructional development activities, student supervision, and advisory and consultation activities.

Supervision and Evaluation:

Supervision under the immediate direction of the school site administrator; Severely Handicapped teachers shall be evaluated by the school principal in accordance with the Certificated Employment Agreement and/or the appropriate Governing Board policies and/or regulations.