Elementary Autism Spectrum Disorder Teacher - Kentwood Public Schools at Kentwood Public School District

Position Purpose: Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to maximize the learning experience of students with special needs, in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment. 

Essential Functions: 

• Conducts assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning issues, and recommending courses of action or corrective procedures to overcome issues and maximize learning. 
• Participates in PPT's and assists in developing Individual Educational Plans ("IEP") for students. 
• Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEP's and behavior management plans. 
• Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed. 
• Demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction, by using a variety of styles, and inspire mixed culture and ability classes by creating challenging and engaging learning opportunities for all students
• Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with social work services. 
• Serves as ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school. 
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws. 
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents. 
•  Assists in the orientation of new teachers, and provides in-service training in guidance. 
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records. 
• Utilizes appropriate Crisis Prevention Techniques (CPI) to manage verbally & physically aggressive situations.
• Regular, reliable and punctual attendance

Additional Duties:   Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent. 
            Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility. 

Equipment:  Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone. 

Travel Requirements:  Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required. 

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities: 

• Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs. 
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles. 
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans. 
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding special education and students. 
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed. 
• Ability to organize and coordinate work. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents. 
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth. 
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work. 
• Ability to work in an economically, culturally and racially diverse environment.
• Ability to apply CPI strategies to accelerating verbal and physical aggression.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:  

• Ada Requirements:  The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Physical Demands:   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, hear (in a quiet or noisy environment), taste and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust/focus.
• Work Environment:  The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate.  
• Mental Functions:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile and negotiate.

Qualifications:

• Valid Michigan Teaching Certification.
• Special Education endorsement in ASD preferred.
• Must meet State of Michigan Professional Development requirements.
• Knowledge of research based interventions for reading an math.
• Knowledge of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support.
• Knowledge of behavior support strategies.
• Previous experience teaching these programs.
• An understanding of a “learning styles” approach to instruction and a respect for students’ multiple intelligences.
• Knowledge of evidenced based practices in Autism.