Behavior Focused Classroom

Special Education Teacher

In the Fort Dodge Community School District, we are professional, high-performing team players focused on delivering the best possible learning experience for each one of our 3700 students. We respect diversity, value integrity, reward competitively, celebrate success and support employee growth and development. We aim to attract, develop and retain the best people as part of our Dodger family.   

Position Purpose 

Under the general supervision of the Principal and indirect supervision of the Special Education Director, maximize the learning experience of students with special needs in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum, documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes and addressing students' specific needs in compliance with state, federal and local laws and policies. Provides a safe and optimal learning environment. 

Qualifications Profile 

Certification/License:  

Appropriate Iowa teaching license, issued by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners

Education: 

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a discipline applicable to special education teaching.

Experience: 

Successful prior special education teaching experience is preferred.

Essential Functions 

• Leads the development of Individual Educational Plans for students. 

• Ensures compliance with all applicable laws and district policy for the identification, progress-monitoring and IEP development and implementation for students. 

• Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEP's and behavior management plans. 

• Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed. 

• Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs.

• Serves as a ready resource to students and parents to provide expertise that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as a liaison between home and school. 

• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by taking part in professional development and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community. 

• Coordinates, schedules and provides feedback to paraeducators.

• Organizes and maintains accurate and complete records.

• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents. 

• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records. 

• Reliable work attendance 

Additional Duties 

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and Special Education Director as designated by the Superintendent. 

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility. 

Equipment 

Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone. 

Travel Requirements 

Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required. 

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities 

• Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, assessment, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs. 

• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.

• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans. 

• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students. 

• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed. 

• Ability to organize and coordinate work. 

• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents. 

• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth. 

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: