Description
Special Education Teacher - Life Skills
Position Purpose
- Under the general supervision of the School Principal, following the guidelines of USBE and Tooele County School District to 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; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
Essential Functions
- Prepares students for college and career readiness.
- Develops and administers special education classes consistent with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Tooele County School District (TCSD) goals and objectives.
- Conducts assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning issues, and recommending courses of action or corrective procedures to overcome issues and maximize learning.
- Participates in PPT's and assists in developing Individual Educational Plans ("IEP") for students.
- Assists students, families, and educators 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 educators to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with social work services.
- Serves as ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school.
- Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
- Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
- Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
- Assists in the orientation of new educators, and provides in-service training in guidance.
- Uses appropriate resources and equipment while maintaining inventory records.
Additional Duties
- Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators 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, testing, 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.
Work Environment
- Works in standard office and school building environments.
Qualifications Profile
Certification/Licensure
Applicants must have a current Utah teaching license or have the ability to obtain a current Utah teaching license as outlined by the guidelines of the Utah State Board of Education (USBE).
- USBE License Level: Associates or Professional or APPEL S
- USBE License Area: Special Education (K-12+)
- USBE Endorsement: Mild/Moderate Disabilities; Severe Disabilities; Deaf and Hard of Hearing; or Blind and Visually Impaired
- Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
Note for Teachers licensed outside of Utah: Reciprocity with other states regarding licensure is not guaranteed and is contingent on fulfilling minimum license and endorsement requirements for Utah. For more information about obtaining a Utah license go to
https://www.schools.utah.gov/licensing
Education
- Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
- Masters Degree in Special Education.
Experience:
- Successful prior special education teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Contract:
Full time, 187 days per year, paid over 12 months
Certified Salary Schedule
Benefit eligible at a full time, certified rate
8 days sick leave and 4 days personal leave per fiscal year