BUCKINGHAM COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Special Education Teacher

LOCATION: Elementary School

REPORTS TO: Principal

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

APPROVED ON:

SUMMARY

Performs complex professional work, providing teaching and/or training services to students in general instruction or in a specialized subject or assigned group of subjects; motivates students to develop skills in assigned subject matters; performs related work as required. Works with general supervision; limited supervision may be exercised over assigned paraprofessionals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND TYPICAL TASKS

The minimum performance expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintains and respects confidentiality of student and school personnel information
• Meets and instructs the students in assigned locations and at the designated times
• Designs coherent instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, current instructional practices, students, the community, and curriculum goals
• Plans instruction to achieve desired objectives that reflect the Virginia Standards of Learning and division curriculum guidelines
• Prepares for classes assigned and shows evidence of lesson preparation upon request of the building administrator(s)
• Diagnoses individual, group, and program needs and plans for the appropriate use of time, materials, and resources to match the ability and needs of all students
• Evaluates students' progress; provides students with specific evaluative feedback; maintains appropriate records and prepares progress reports
• Uses a variety of assessment strategies and instruments to make both short-term and long-range instructional decisions to improve student learning
• Administers standardized tests in accordance with established procedures
• Identifies and communicates specific student performance expectations; documents student learning gains using appropriate assessment instruments
• Demonstrates an understanding of curriculum, subject, and current instructional practices
• Creates learning experiences that make the subject matter meaningful for all students
• Understands that students differ in their learning styles and differentiates instruction to meet diverse student needs
• Uses appropriate materials, technology, and resources in a manner that promotes the development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills
• Selects, evaluates, and refines a variety of teaching methods and instructional strategies for the active engagement of students and improvement of student learning
• Implements a classroom management policy that fosters a safe and positive environment for all students and staff
• Ensures the adequate and safe supervision of students
• Manages classroom procedures to maximize academic learning time
• Establishes and maintains positive rapport with students
• Motivates students to achieve maximum potential
• Creates a supportive learning environment for all students that encourages social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Reports any pertinent information to the building administrators in case of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse
• Uses effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster positive interactions in the classroom
• Works collaboratively with staff, families, and community resources to support the success of a diverse student population
• Models professional, moral, and ethical standards as well as personal integrity in all interactions
• Takes responsibility for and participates in a meaningful and continuous process of professional development
• Maintains licensure at the state and/or national level; assumes responsibility for professional growth and keeps materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date
• Works in a collegial and collaborative manner with peers, school personnel, and the community to promote and support student learning
• Provides service to the profession, the division, and the community
• Complies with and supports school and division regulations and policies
• Communicates with students, student counselors and parents through conferences and other means
• Participates in curriculum development, faculty committees, and student activity sponsorship, as requested
• Assumes responsibilities outside the classroom as they relate to school;
• Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities
• Performs related duties as assigned by the building administrator(s) in accordance with the school/division policies and practices

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of subject(s) taught; thorough knowledge of elementary, secondary or special education principles, practices and procedures; thorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of effective teaching; thorough knowledge of school division rules, regulations and procedures; ability to establish and maintain standards of behavior; ability to deliver articulate oral presentations and written reports; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, administration, and parents.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Candidate must be a graduate of an accredited college or university and possess or be eligible to acquire appropriate license(s) and/or endorsement(s) for position as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia and School Board.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, staff, administrators, and parents are required. Must possess good moral character.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS

Frequent walking, standing, stooping, lifting, up to approximately 30 pounds, and occasional lifting of equipment and/or materials weighing up to approximately 40 pounds may be required. Other limited physical activities are required. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise and hazards. Regular contact with staff members, school administrators, students and members of the community is required. Occasional movement of students by wheelchairs and other mechanical devices may be required. Regular instruction to special needs children may be necessary. Daily personal and close contact with children to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required. Regular contact with staff members, administration, and parents is required. Frequent contact with parents by phone and in person is necessary. Occasional contact with medical professionals may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Teacher pay scale, 10 months

EVALUATION

The building administrator(s) will evaluate performance on the ability and effectiveness in carrying out the above responsibilities.