Education, Experience and Certification Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree or higher is required, preferably in education, special education or related field, Master’s degree preferred
MSDE certification or eligibility for MSDE certification required in special education, and appropriate grade band; Physical Education and High School Special Education teacher require MSDE certification or eligibility for MSDE certification in content area
Two or more years of experience in a special education setting or experience working with emotionally disabled students or children with autism is preferred
Knowledge of IDEA and its specific applications to educating students with special education needs and emotional and other disabilities preferred
Bilingual (Spanish/English) abilities are a plus
KEY JOB FUNCTIONS:
Employ special education strategies and techniques to provide quality instruction that results in the students’ advancement of their academic progress on the approved curriculum and that promotes social and emotional growth
Demonstrate knowledge of academic subjects and the ability to effectively teach content area while using the approved curriculum
Communicate in a professional manner with parents/guardians about students’ academic and behavior progress prior to interims, end of reporting periods or as needed
Create and implement lesson plans that utilize a variety of teaching methods, including the use of technology, direct instruction, independent study and group learning, in order to engage students and actively encourage student participation; submit lesson plans within set guidelines
Demonstrate the ability to adapt classroom environment, activities, teaching styles, behavior management practices and lesson plans to meet the needs of students with varying academic levels and learning styles
Establish expectations for learning and set classroom structure to encourage student participation and appropriate behavior
Use formal and informal observation and assessment tools to determine students’ needs, and adjust interventions and practices to accommodate those needs; evaluate instructional effectiveness, document, and make modifications based on data, reflection, and feedback
Provide a safe, structured, creative, and engaging classroom that is conducive to learning
Maintain an accurate classroom instructional inventory at all times
Demonstrate knowledge of special education laws and regulations including IDEA, FERPA, COMAR, and DCMR
Participate in the development and monitoring of students’ IEPs, BIPs, and FBAs including completion of required documentation within set guidelines
Grade students’ work, document students’ work in grade books, and complete grades within deadlines
Attend and actively participate in IEP meetings, reentry meetings, and other meetings with parents/guardians, students or county representatives; report accurately on student academic progress
Act as the lead in the classroom by providing guidance and direction to program assistants and dedicated aides assigned to their classroom
Demonstrate an understanding of how our students’ disabilities impact their behavior and ability to learn; display knowledge of students’ diagnoses and adapt intervention strategies accordingly to meet the requirements of the students’ IEPs and BIPs
Effectively manage and document student behavior through implementation of behavior management systems, school rules, policies, and procedures; model appropriate behavior for students during the school day
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