DEFINITION
- The person in this position is responsible for developing academic, functional, life, adaptive, and social skills for special education students with significant supports needs (SSN). They will provide educational services to students as designated on IEPs; work cooperatively with regular education teachers using a comprehensive model to provide services and completing all necessary mandatory paperwork; and manage a transition program for students. In addition, the person in this position will provide instructional leadership to paraprofessionals.
For a more detailed description of how the SSN differs from other Special Education programs, see this document.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
- Receives direct supervision from the Principal or Assistant Principal.
- Will provide functional or technical direction to paraprofessionals.
PRIMARY DUTIES – The following are examples of primary duties assigned to the Teacher. Other related primary duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
- Manage students within the classroom to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for all students. For this SSN position, this duty may include managing students with autism and intellectual disabilities and it may include teaching adaptive skills such as toileting and life skills.
- Develop IEPs and implement daily lesson plans that demonstrate how the IEPs are being fulfilled, or work with teachers to modify lesson plans according to IEPs.
- Participate in professional development activities that align with educational goals.
- Perform all required duties (supervision, attendance taking, student parent conferences, department / staff meetings, after school help, etc.)
- Maintain up to date and accurate records and reports necessary for the effective management of special education programs.
- Act as a liaison for special education students; develop, manage and monitor IEP progress.
- Communicate with parents and teachers to provide appropriate services to students.
- May co-teach, plan, grade assignments and be involved in classroom management activities with the regular education teacher.
- Collaborate with other teachers to recommend instructional strategies, learning style preferences and accommodations for learners with special needs.
- Case manage to help coordinate related services, IEP development, and progress monitoring to ensure compliance.
- Apply a variety of teaching techniques to the delivery of instruction. For this SSN position, this may include accommodating and/or modifying curriculum in both inclusive and pullout settings.
- Provide instructional leadership to paraprofessionals.
- Manage and implement a transition program.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Advanced knowledge of adolescent growth and development
- Educational needs of special education students
- Knowledge of standards based education
- Knowledge of curriculum development and instruction
- Knowledge of assistive technology
- Knowledge of inclusive practices
- Knowledge of deescalation and physical restraint techniques
- Positive discipline and classroom management techniques
- Effective public speaking and presentation techniques
- Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulation regarding special education
- English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation
- Modern office procedures and methods
- Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
- Principles of basic report preparation
Ability to:
- Ability to diagnose learning disorders, develop effective programming and evaluate student progress
- Demonstrate the ability to manage individual education plans for students
- Participate in the development and administration of goals, objectives and procedures
- Attend in- service trainings, conferences and meetings (including evenings and weekends)
- Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
EXPERIENCE & TRAINING GUIDELINES
Experience:
- Experience working with special education students in a variety of learning environments is preferred.
Training:
- Equivalent to the completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in special education or a related field.
License or Certificate:
- Possession of or enrollment in a program to obtain appropriate special education endorsement; possession of or the ability to obtain a Colorado Professional Teaching License.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Employees in this position will be required to work in indoor and outdoor environments and come in direct contact with staff, students and the public.
Physical Conditions:
- Primary functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, and standing, for prolonged periods of times; use of a computer; lifting and carrying up to 40lbs.
- Physical restraint techniques may be required in the event of student escalation.
Pay Range
$56,809 to 89,509 **Based on education and years of experience
**Annual salary noted above is based on an 8 hour day (FTE 1) and full days worked calendar. Any position that is less than a full FTE/8 hours per day or late start will be prorated accordingly.
ABOUT RFSD
The Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) offers full district paid employee health benefits as well as voluntary vision, dental, and dependent coverage. Other benefits include: paid leave, CO PERA (pension plan) enrollment with district contribution, TSA options, Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs.
