Position Title:          Special Education Co-Teacher

Work Days:              190 Days

Reports To:              Principal

Evaluation Tool:       GaLEADS

FLSA Status             Exempt

Position Summary: 

A collaborative and dedicated Co-Teacher to support inclusive classroom environments by working alongside general education teachers. The ideal candidate will assist in delivering differentiated instruction and provide individualized support to ensure all students reach their full potential.

Education/Certification/License Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree and completion of a state-approved educator preparation program, or an out-of-state certificate. 
• Valid Georgia teaching certificate or be eligible for certification. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Meet and instruct assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated.
2. Plan and maintain an individualized education plan (IEP) that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the student.
3. Develop strategies for maintaining a classroom environment conducive to effective learning.
4. Utilize effective teaching methods and employ a variety of instructional techniques appropriate to the maturity, interests, and needs of the students.
5. Maintain lesson plans as required by school policy and show written evidence of preparation upon request of the immediate supervisor.
6. Encourage students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
7. Guide the learning process toward the achievement of IEP goals and objectives.
8. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.
9. Strive to implement by instruction and action the district's philosophy of education and the IEP instructional goals and objectives.
10. Assess the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provide progress reports as required.
11. Proficient and effective with technology, Learning Management Systems (Google Classroom), and remote instruction.
12.  Integrate basic technology programs in the classroom to support teaching objectives. 
13. Maintain the confidentiality of students and take precautions to protect records, equipment, materials, and facilities.
14. Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, administrative regulations, and within due process timelines.
15. Assist the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct, and for the classroom, develop reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, and maintain order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
16. Make provisions for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required to do so under reasonable terms.
17. Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for paraprofessionals and volunteers, and evaluate their performance.
18. Maintain the confidentiality of students and students' records.
19. Serve as a member of the comprehensive evaluation teams for all initial referrals to special education and all three-year reevaluation teams.
20. Schedule annual reviews and develop new IEPs for all students receiving special education.
21. Participate in IEP conferences, including behavior management plans, functional analysis of behavior, placement, and annual reviews.
22. Participate in interagency meetings and faculty meetings.
23. Cooperate with personnel of the community health and social welfare.
24. Facilitate communication with parents on an individual or small group basis by holding conferences, telephoning, sending written communication, etc.
25. Collaborate with all speech, physical, and occupational therapy service providers as required by the IEP.
26. Complete all prescribed speech, physical, and occupational therapy activities as required by the IEP.
27. Strive to maintain and improve professional competence in areas of disability assigned.
28. Participate in staff meetings, professional learning, serve on staff committees, and attend training sessions as required.
29. Complete and implement District Learning Plans when necessary, as directed by the Georgia Department of Education and the VCS Special Education Department.
30. Follow federal laws, state laws, and School Board policies.
31. Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:  Designated students, paraprofessionals, aides, volunteers, therapists, and contracted personnel.

Qualifications:

1. Ability to work well with teachers, school administrative teams, and district office leaders.
2. Exceptional integrity, commitment to confidentiality, excellent character, and strong professional reputation.
3. Ability to abide by the Georgia Professional Standards Code of Ethics for Educators.
4. Must be regularly, predictably, and reliably at work.
5. Ability to be present at the physical worksite.
6. Must perform tasks involving prolonged periods of standing, walking, and sitting.
7. Must perform routine physical activities such as bending, lifting/pushing/pulling up to 50 pounds.
8. Vision, hearing, written, and verbal communication are essential factors in performing required tasks.

Salary: Contingent on degrees and years of experience. *If under GA Senate Bill 150 for retirees, Valdosta City Schools pays 90% of the state-based pay PLUS a local supplement.

All applicants should apply through our internal application portal (Yoss). 

https://yossplatform.com/companylogin/Valdosta

Please send questions to Mrs. Gosier, Principal of J. L. Newbern, at lgosier@gocats.org