POSITION:  Special Education Teacher 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Valid Georgia Professional Certification preferred 

RESPONSIBLE TO WHOM: The building principal and/or other authorized administrators.

JOB GOAL: To guide and direct students toward the fulfillment of their potential for intellectual, emotional, and social growth and maturity.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

TEACHING TASKS

I. Planning

• Professional Knowledge. The teacher demonstrates an understanding of the curriculum, subject content, pedagogical knowledge, and the needs of students by providing relevant learning experiences.
• Instructional Planning. The teacher plans using state and local school district curricula and standards, effective strategies, resources, and data to address the differentiated needs of all students.

II. Instructional Delivery

• Instructional Strategies. The teacher promotes student learning by using research-based instructional strategies relevant to the content to engage students in active learning and to facilitate the students’ acquisition of key knowledge and skills.
• Differentiated Instruction. The teacher challenges and supports each student’s learning by providing appropriate content and developing skills which address individual learning differences.

III. Assessment of and for Learning

• Assessment Strategies. The teacher systematically chooses a variety of diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment strategies and instruments that are valid and appropriate for the content and student population.
• Assessment Uses. The teacher systematically gathers, analyzes, and uses relevant data to measure student progress, to inform instructional content and delivery methods, and to provide timely and constructive feedback to both students and parents.

IV. Learning Environment

• Positive Learning Environment. The teacher provides a well-managed, safe, and orderly environment that is conducive to learning and encourages respect for all.
• Academically Challenging Environment. The teacher creates a student-centered, academic environment in which teaching and learning occur at high levels and students are self-directed learners.

V. Professionalism and Communication

• Professionalism. The teacher exhibits a commitment to professional ethics and the school’s mission, participates in professional growth opportunities to support student learning, and contributes to the profession.
• Communication. The teacher communicates effectively with students, parents or guardians, district and school personnel, and other stakeholders in ways that enhance student learning.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Follows professional practices consistent with school and system policies in working with students, students’ records, parents, and            colleagues.

• Interacts in a professional manner with students and parents.
• Is available to students and parents for conferences according to system policies.
• Facilitates home-school communication by such means as holding conferences, telephoning and sending written communications.
• Maintains confidentiality of students and students’ records.
• Works cooperatively with school administrators, special support personnel, colleagues, and parents.

B. Complies with school, system and state administrative regulations and board of education policies.

• Conducts assigned classes at the times scheduled.
• Enforces regulations concerning student conduct and discipline.
• Is punctual.
• Provides adequate information, plans and materials for substitute teacher.
• Maintains accurate, complete and appropriate records and files reports promptly.
• Attends and participates in faculty meetings and other assigned meetings and activities according to school policy.
• Complies with conditions as stated in contract.

C. Models correct use of language, oral and written.

D. Demonstrates accurate and up-to-date knowledge of content.

E. Implements designated curriculum.

F. Maintains lesson plans as required by school policy.

G. Assigns reasonable tasks and homework to students.

H. Takes precautions to protect records, equipment, materials, and facilities.

I. Assumes responsibility for supervising students in out-of-class settings.

J. Performs other assigned duties related to the job of classroom teacher.