REPORTS TO:  Building Principal

FAIR LABOR STANDARD ACT:  Exempt

POSITION CLASSIFICATION:  Professional

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  9 months

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Baccalaureate Degree in Education; Special Education preferred
2. Valid Missouri Certificate from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education or ability to obtain upon hire (Mild/Moderate Cross Categorical)
3. Ability to communicate effectively
4. Basic technological skills

JOB SUMMARY

The purpose of the Special Education Teacher is work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities.  He/she will adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities, as well as teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities.

REQUIRED EXPECTATIONS

• Be punctual and have consistent and regular attendance.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of each child by responding to their emotional, social and physical needs, as well as their education needs.
• Supports the mission of the Webb City R-7 School District.
• Supports the value of education.
• Complies with the privacy rights of students; safeguards confidential and/or sensitive information.
• Utilize developmentally appropriate practice and best practice methods at all times.
• Be warm and nurturing with students.
• Be customer service oriented and professional.
• Provide excellent customer service according to the standard of the District.
• Works to meet goals of the department and District with a spirit of cooperation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The Special Education Teacher will:

• Be informed of rules, policies and regulations of the school and District and follow them as required.

• Understand and apply the instructional process with teaching and learning.
• Be willing to provide leadership, motivation, instruction, assessment and instructional strategies necessary to meet the needs of all students.
• Share expectations and student progress with parents throughout the year.
• Work as a team member.
• Have good interpersonal skills to work with staff members, students, parents and the community.
• Support classroom teachers for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of individual student plans.
• Identify, select and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of the students with varying backgrounds, learning styles and special needs.
• Maintain effective and efficient record keeping procedures including electronic formats.
• Provide classroom management to ensure a positive learning environment.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, parents and other professionals on a regular basis.
• Collaborate with peers to enhance the instructional environment.
• Model professional and ethical standards as directed in Board policy when dealing with students, parents, peers and community.
• Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for paraprofessionals as needed for the position.
• Plan and administer first aid and assistance to medically fragile children (i.e. tube feeding, toileting, diapering, etc.) when needed for the purpose of providing appropriate care for assigned students.
• Plan and implement behavior intervention plans for assigned students when needed to provide a safe and appropriate learning environment.
• Participate in Evaluation and IEP processes by attending required meetings, collaborating with IEP/Eligibility team members, preparing IEP/Evaluation paperwork in accordance with the IDEA, and delivering instruction to enable students to make progress towards IEP goals and continue participation in the general education curriculum.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, parents and school staff.
• Respect confidentiality of student information and records.
• Participate in training opportunities as established by District.
• Meet professional obligations through efficient work habits such as: following meeting protocol, honoring schedules, meeting collaborative assignment deadlines, etc.
• Participate in parent-teacher-student conferences as need arises.
• Provide for a systematic program of self-evaluation to improve daily performance.
• All work responsibilities are subject to having performance goals and/or targets established as part of the teacher evaluation process.
• Demonstrate conduct representative of the District and establish and maintain a good relationship with the community.
• Models positive behavior for students (i.e. inter-personal communication, processes, social interactions, etc.) for the purpose of providing educational and life skills training.

• Demonstrate professionalism and appropriate judgment in behavior, speech, dress and appropriate professional manner for the work setting.
• Demonstrate effective human relations and communication skills.
• Adhere to good safety practices.
• Ability to understand and adhere to all District rules, regulations and policies.
• All other duties as required or assigned.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Principal and/or Superintendent.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• stand, walk, sit and talk/hear;
• occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl;
• occasionally push, pull or lift up to 50 lbs; and
• be able to see, including close, distance and depth perception.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.