DEFINITION Under general supervision, serves as a classroom teacher of exceptional students in grades K through 8 or a combination thereof; and as a member of the Individual Education Program Planning Team; participates in decisions regarding placement of exceptional students; creates a flexible program and environment favorable to learning and personal growth in accordance with each student's ability. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Under the supervision of the school site administrator, provides an educational program for learning handicapped students. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Generally teaches all subjects appropriate to the individual student's needs as indicated on the Individualized Education Program (IEP); provides frequent, intensive and individually planned small group and/or individual instruction in areas of need; participates in Individualized Education Programs (IEP) meetings; establishes with the parents, the goals objectives, activities and materials appropriate for that student within a given time frame and records same on the Individualized Education Program (IEP); participates in the annual and three year review; monitors and records progress toward objectives; establishes an ongoing evaluation procedure; plans and implements an instructional program for identified students based on the needs reflected in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) on a pull-out and in class basis; assesses student progress; assists in student indentification process; serves as case carrier in the preparation for the IEP meeting at the school site level; serves as a resource in the area of learning handicapped for all school staff; maintains a communication system with regular teachers, auxiliary personnel (psychologist, nurse, speech specialist, parents and other Special Education teachers); integrates the program for students with learning disorders with the total educational program of each assigned school; provides appropriate physical and psychological environment to establishs and reinforce acceptable behavior, attitudes, social skills and self-image; adheres to district policy as stated in governing board policy; maintains professional competency by partipcipating in in-District and other staff development activities; performs other duties as assigned. EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Knowledge of: various learning handicaps and strategies for amelioration; appropriate materials and resources to be used with specific deficiencies at the various grade levels; appropriate assessment tools for diagnosis and screening; Special Education Master Plan; teaching and learning processes; creating productive classroom culture which places strong emphasis on children's social and academic development. Ability to: interact effectively with staff, parents, students and community agencies; clearly communicate orally and in writing; accept criticism and grow as a result; demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Education: Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university including all courses needed to meet requirements in the Learning Handicapped area. Experience: Successful teaching experience, internship, or student teaching in the area of special education. REQUIRED CREDENTIALS AND CERTIFICATES Valid California teaching credential authorizing service in the areas assigned. Approved by the Governing Board of the Menifee Union School District: September 28, 1993 Revised: June 24, 2003