Special Education Teacher

*JOB SUMMARY:* The responsibility of the Special Education Teacher is to strengthen a student's academic, vocational, behavioral, emotional, and social skills, enabling the student to maximize his/her potential and return to mainstream community schooling.
The Special Education Teacher will implement an education program that facilitates the treatment process in compliance with the student’s IEP.
This is an exempt, 219 day, including ESY position that reports directly to the Director of Education.
*DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:* _Instruction and Interaction with Students_ 1.
Administers and interprets educational diagnostic testing that culminates in a comprehensive educational evaluation and/or IEP.
2.
Performs behavioral observations to obtain baseline data; writes a report that assesses the student’s entry levels of behavioral, emotional and social functioning.
3.
Creates instructional opportunities that support students’ academic, social and personal development; designs tasks that meet curricular goals, build upon students’ prior learning and advance the students toward important learning goals.
4.
Demonstrates proficiency in central teaching concepts and skills, tools of inquiry and structures of the discipline(s) s/he teaches.
5.
Employs a variety of instructional strategies that enable students to think critically, solve problems and demonstrate learning skills.
6.
Monitors students’ understanding of each lesson and adjusts teaching as necessary.
7.
Establishes and maintains appropriate standards of student behavior and creates a positive learning environment that reflects a commitment to students and their successes.
8.
Demonstrates a commitment to his/her students and a passion for improving their educational performance.
9.
Functions as a member of the PPT team for each student.
Reviews the academic performance of each student quarterly, at PPTs and via report cards.
10.
Participates in therapeutic holds in accordance with TCI training if a student is at risk of hurting her/himself or another human being.
_Agency and Administrative_ 11.
Works with Teacher Support personnel to ensure student success.
12.
Participates in implementation of the Positive Behavioral Support system.
13.
Participates in creation and use of forms and data collection instruments to record a student’s daily/weekly performance.
14.
Provides updated written progress reports as requested by supervisor, other team members, LEA, DCF, or parents.
15.
Effects communication within the interdisciplinary framework of the agency; writes a report when involved in a critical incident.
16.
Supports other members of the educational and/or treatment team and participates actively in team processes and functions.
17.
Actively participates in planning and implementation of extracurricular activities sponsored by the Learning Center; supports other activities and events sponsored by the agency.
_Professional Development_ 18.
Creates and implements an annual professional growth plan.
19.
Attends in-service training sessions and regularly scheduled department meetings on an on-going basis and participates meaningfully.
20.
Maintains current Connecticut Teacher Certification.
_Other_ 21.
Displays exemplary role modeling while working.
22.
Performs all other duties as assigned by the Director of Education.
*Education, Experience and Other Qualifications:* Bachelor's degree in Special Education from an accredited college or university and CT Certification in Special Education required.
Minimum two years teaching experience in a regular or special education classroom setting is preferred.
Training in PMT, CPR, mandated reporting and professional boundaries is required and may be taken post-hire.
Must have a positive attitude, demonstrated good judgment and ability to establish rapport with students and colleagues.
Knowledge of IEP development including goals and objectives, accommodations and modifications is required.
Knowledge of materials and functions of a Positive Behavioral Support system is necessary.
The ability to work with students and other employees from diverse ethnic, economic, educational and religious backgrounds is requisite as is commitment to the CT Code of Responsibility for Teachers\* Job Type: Full-time Pay: $66,000.
00 - $80,000.
00 per year Benefits: * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Employee assistance program * Health insurance * Health savings account * Life insurance * Paid time off * Professional development assistance * Referral program * Retirement plan * Tuition reimbursement * Vision insurance Schedule: * Monday to Friday Work setting: * In-person Experience: * Special education: 2 years (Required) License/Certification: * Teaching Certification (Required) * Special Education Certification (Required) Work Location: In person