TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Salary and benefits shall be paid according to system’s approved salary schedule.
• Length of work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the system.
• Employee must work 130 hours/month to be eligible for health insurance.
• Any non-Teacher Retirement System (TRS) eligible employee will have a FICA deduction.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Valid Professional Certificate in the assigned teaching field issued by Georgia Professional Standards Commission

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to develop and implement an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Knowledge of child development and especially of characteristics of mentally handicapped children in the age group assigned. Knowledge of the prescribed curriculum. Knowledge of current educational research relating to the instruction of mentally handicapped students. Basic understanding and knowledge of current technology. Knowledge of learning styles and skill in using varied teaching methods to address student learning styles. Skill in oral and written communication with students, parents and others. Ability to plan and implement activities for maximum effectiveness. Ability to assess levels of student achievement effectively, analyze test results and prescribe actions for improvement. Ability to maintain appropriate student supervision so that students have a safe and orderly environment in which to learn. Ability to work effectively with peers, administrators and others. Knowledge of laws, policies, and procedures relating to the education of handicapped students and of the operation of adaptive equipment required by students.

JOB GOAL:

To provide effective instruction; encourage and assess student achievement and progress; and manage the learning environment effectively.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the curriculum, subject content, pedagogical knowledge and the needs of students by providing relevant learning experiences.
2. Exhibits best practice based on current research and facilitates students’ use of higher-level thinking skills in instruction.
3. Plans, using State and local school district curricula and standards, effective strategies, resources and data to address the differentiated needs of all students.
4. Promotes student learning and engagement by using research-based instructional strategies relevant to the content area to engage students in active learning and to promote key skills.
5. Uses appropriate instructional technology and a variety of research-based instructional strategies and resources effectively to enhance student learning.
6. Challenges and supports each student’s learning by providing appropriate content and developing skills which address individual learning differences.
7. Uses a variety of diagnostic, formative and summative assessment strategies and instruments that are valid and appropriate for the content and student population to inform instructional modifications for each student.
8. 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/guardians.
9. Uses time efficiently and appropriately by handling non-instruction tasks efficiently.
10. Maintains effective, clean, attractive physical setting for instruction.

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER (Continued)

11. Provides a well-managed, safe, supportive and orderly environment that is conducive to learning; encourages respect for all; and promotes an understanding of students’ diversity.
12. Establishes clear expectations for classroom rules, routines and procedures and enforces them consistently and appropriately according to school policies.
13. Follows professional practices consistent with school and system policies in working with students, students’ records, parents and colleagues.
14. Facilitates home-school communication by such means as holding conferences, telephoning and sending written communications.
15. Maintains confidentiality for school administrators, special support personnel, colleagues and parents.
16. Models correct use of language, oral and written.
17. Assigns reasonable tasks and homework to students.
18. Complies with school, system and state administrative regulations and Board of Education policies.
19. Conducts assigned classes at the times scheduled, utilizing bell-to-bell instruction.
20. Follows work scheduling and attendance requirements in a regular, predictable and punctual manner.
21. Maintains and executes lesson plans as required by school policy.
22. Provides adequate information, plans and materials for substitute teacher.
23. Attends and participates in faculty meetings and other assigned meetings and activities according to school policy.
24. Maintains assigned school equipment, materials and facilities.
25. Assumes responsibility for supervising students in out-of-class settings.
26. Remains calm when dealing with severe behaviors such as biting, spitting, hitting, kicking, pinching, and screaming.
27. Accurately completes re-eligibility packets, environmental calculators, FTE worksheets, progress monitoring, and all prescribed activities outlined in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) according to time lines indicated.
28. Uses a variety of instructional strategies appropriate for teaching students from diverse backgrounds with different learning styles and special needs.
29. Provides accurate and timely information to parents and students about academic and behavioral performance of students.
30. Works collaboratively and plans regularly with general education teacher in providing appropriate instruction and modifications for students with special needs; Revises and modifies lesson plans based on student needs.
31. Keeps abreast of developments in instructional methodology, learning theory, curriculum trends and content.
32. Carries out duties and acts in a professional and ethical manner in accordance with federal and state laws, Code of Ethics for Educators in Georgia, and established State and local School Board policies, regulations and practices.
33. Maintains confidentiality of student and other professional information.
34. Develops and implements Individual Education Plans (IEPs) based on a review of system and state curriculum priorities, instructional priorities, student’s handicapping condition, and assessment results.
35. Teaches socially acceptable behavior and self-determination skills as deemed appropriate by IEPs.
36. Selects, develops, modifies and/or adapts materials and resources which support learning objectives and addresses students’ varying learning styles, backgrounds, and handicapping conditions.
37. Performs health procedures (medication administration, tube feeding, toileting, diapering, etc.) as assigned after completing required training.
38. Assists students with personal hygiene, health and safety issues or grooming if required.
39. Lifts, or assists in lifting, non-mobile students.
40. Supports school improvement initiatives by active participation in school activities, services and programs.
41. Maintains valid and appropriate license, certificate and/or credential as may be required for this position.
42. Performs other tasks consistent with goals and objectives that support the vision and mission of the Evans County School System.
43. Performs other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

     Heavy Work:  Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force as needed to move objects.  Other physical demands:  Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling, climbing, and balancing.  Frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling.  Significant fine finger dexterity.  Generally, the job requires 50% standing, 30% walking, and 20% sitting.