Open Position

Special Education Teacher

General Summary

Under regular supervision, assists in the development, implementation and coordination of special education instruction and related services such as speech / language therapy, psychological services and occupational / physical therapy; provides technical assistance in the identification, evaluation and placement of students into and out of programs for the disabled and in the development of individualized education programs for students with disabilities; assists in ensuring school compliance with state and federal laws pertaining to students with disabilities. This is a 190-day position. Reports to the Principal or designee.

Essential Job Functions

Assists in the development, implementation and coordination of the school’s policies and programs for students with disabilities
Supervises the work of assigned support staff and shares responsibility for supervising school special services providers; supervisory duties include instructing; assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; assisting with the selection of employees; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; allocating personnel; acting on employee problems
Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; observes and evaluates performance and makes recommendations as appropriate; offers advice and assistance as needed
Develops and facilitates professional development opportunities for special education staff
Provides training for administrators, teachers, therapists, other staff on procedures, legal issues, interventions and research-based programs and services; provides training and workshops for parents as needed
Projects special services personnel allocations and assigns personnel based on standards for elementary and preschool programs
Assists with the development and management of general fund and special revenue budgets; approves expenditures and prepares related reports
Researches and assists in developing the necessary applications and proposals to obtain grants for program and project funding
Assists the Federal Programs Coordinator in the development and implementation of school procedures for complying with federal regulations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504; monitors and serves as technical advisor for school administrators and special services personnel in the implementation of these procedures
Collaborates with other Instructional Personnel to design, lead and evaluate professional development to certified and support staff
Designs, implements and evaluates programs and services for students with disabilities based on current research and data analysis
Assists with the coordination of contracted services for students with disabilities, such as multi-district agreements, interagency agreements, independent occupational / physical therapy, independent psychological evaluations, medical evaluations for diagnostic purposes, private school placement, educational agreements with private programs or facilities, etc.
Assists in coordinating various types of screening programs related to student health and/or students with disabilities required by the District or the State Department of Education
Coordinates the identification, evaluation and placement of students into and out of programs for students with disabilities
Attends IEP and 504 meetings for students
Assists in evaluating department programs and services and recommends adjustments as necessary to maximize program effectiveness
Represents the school on selected committees relating to special services, intervention and education
Maintains required data on disabled students and assists in preparing reports to the Principal, Board of Directors, District, State Department of Education and/or other appropriate persons or agencies as required
Compiles data for and prepares various other statistical, administrative and professional reports as required by the District and/or other agencies
Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns and complaints regarding issues, programs, policies and procedures in areas of responsibility
Prepares and/or processes budget documents, purchase orders, program documentation, IEPs / IAPs, training materials, evaluation reports, teacher observation reports, and other records, reports, memos, correspondence, etc.
Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, co-workers, subordinates, school teachers and administration and staff, medical / health professionals, various committees, various government agencies, attorneys, parents, students and the general public
Attends training, conferences, workshops, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills
Manage and provide instructional guidance and general strategies for a caseload of students

Evaluate tests and assessments, complete progress report and conduct parent conferences
Communicate regularly with parents/learning coaches of students with special needs to insure that their IEP goals are being met, and that their needs are addressed in a timely and appropriate fashion
Consult with teachers and coordinate the implementation of specially designed instruction as defined in the IEP regarding students with specific needs and potential learning issues
Participate in the school’s Student Support Team; help teachers and learning coaches develop and implement program modifications and strategies for all students
Assist, as needed, with the organization and proper implementation of all paperwork, documentation and procedures for the IEP process
Assist with administering state testing and coordinate the special adaptations that are required based on the IEP

General Job Functions

Is punctual and maintains regular attendance
Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities
Maintains a clean and orderly work environment
Assists in upholding and enforcing school rules, administrative regulations, and board policies
Recognizes and follows the appropriate procedures in the “chain of command” as designated by board policies and/or administrative procedures
Operates a variety of equipment such as a computer, printer, typewriter, two-way radio, telephone, calculator, etc.
Presents a positive image of Virtus Academy at all times
Willingly performs other related duties as assigned

Job Specifications

Requires a Master’s degree in education administration or a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in special education, speech pathology, occupational therapy or related special services field, supplemented by one to two years of experience in special education administration, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must possess a valid S.C. Teaching Certificate and Administrative Certificate. Must possess a valid state driver’s license.

Minimum Qualifications or Standards Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Knowledge

Knowledge of the methods, policies, procedures and activities of Virtus Academy which pertain to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position
Knowledge of the standards, regulations, and laws relating to educational activities
Knowledge of the records, forms and reports which must be prepared and maintained
Knowledge of the materials and information which must be prepared for classroom instructional activities
Knowledge in the methods for developing lesson plans and materials, and classroom activities which stimulate learning

Skills/Effort

Ability to provide instruction to students through explanation, demonstration and/or supervised practice
Ability to operate general office equipment in the performance of daily activities
Ability to prepare lesson plans, tests, and instructional materials for classroom activities
Ability to identify student adjustment and/or academic problems, provide counseling and/or recommend appropriate remedial action to parents
Ability to communicate effectively with students and their parents, school staff, and all other groups involved in the activities of the job

Disclaimer Statement

This job description is not intended as an employment agreement or contract. Job duties may be altered at the discretion of the Principal at any time without notice.