Special Education Teacher

Job Title: Special Education (Strategist I) Teacher

Reports to: Building Principal

Basic Function: To provide individualized programming/instruction for students with various disabilities, and provide students with learning opportunities which develop positive attitudes toward self, individuals and groups of all ages. To teach/work collaboratively with general education instructors in order to instruct students in learning strategies and to assist students in becoming more independent learners in order to enhance student learning, promote the overall efficiency of the school system, and maximize the educational opportunities available to each child. 

 Essential Functions: 

1. Analyze curriculum and intervention assessment data to inform instruction in the areas of reading, math, writing and behavior.
2. Provide individual and small group research-based instruction designed to meet individual needs of students based upon data that promotes academic, social and emotional growth.
3. Develop individualized educational plans based on individual students' progress, discrepancy and need and in compliance with State and Federal Guidelines.
4. Set appropriate instructional goals, monitor and evaluate student progress; be responsive to the changing needs of students and their community.
5. Employ research-based, best practice instructional methods and materials to meet stated standards, criteria and outcomes.
6. Perform progress monitoring for each student as outlined in the student's IEP by entering data and ensuring IEP goal graphs are up to date.
7. Collect and analyze IEP progress monitoring data to inform individual student instructional needs and services.
8. Gathers data, evaluates, and participates in a Professional Learning Community that works together to ensure students' success.
9. Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve student behavioral and academic problems
10. Maintain accurate and complete student records and prepare reports on students and activities as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
11. Utilize technology and other equipment in the delivery of instruction
12. Establish and maintain ongoing communication with students and their parents concerning academic and behavioral progress.
13. 1ttend professional in-service activities and teacher training workshops provided by the District as well as self-selected professional growth activities in order to maintain and improve professional competence.
14. Collaborate with other staff members including general education teachers to plan and schedule lessons promoting student learning.
15. Establish and maintain a professional working relationship with support staff.
16. Collaborate with Grant Wood AEA support service staff.
17. Supervise students and/or special education associates as assigned and/or required to maintain a safe and orderly environment which is conducive to learning.
18. Supervise students in and out of classroom activities during the assigned work day.

Specifications/Qualifications: 

Education & Experience:

1.  Bachelor's Degree required
2. Valid Iowa Teaching License
3. License Endorsement: Hold or be able to work towards: K-8 Instructional Strategist I: Mild/Moderate
4. Mandatory Reporter: Child and Adult Dependent Abuse certification
5. OSHA required certificate
6. Background Check

Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands described here 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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle and/or feel objects, tools or controls; talk and hear. The employee frequently must squat, stoop or kneel, reach above the head and forward. The employee continuously uses hand strength to grasp items. The employee will frequently bend or twist at the neck and trunk more than the average person while performing the duties of this job. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee will sometimes push/pull items such as tables and carts. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus while supervising students and working with computers, written materials, reports, assessment data, etc.

Working Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment can vary based on activities taking place. The position requires the commitment of professional working hours that may require the employee to extend beyond a typical eight hour workday. The employee will frequently work in different areas of the classroom including in/at desks, on or near the floor, standing, in movement while supervising indoor and outdoor activities, etc. The employee will usually work in indoor temperatures but will work outdoors when supervising students outside of the classroom.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time unless restricted by a negotiated contract.

The Marion Independent School District is an EEO/AA employer.

Inquiries by employees or applicants for employment regarding compliance with equal employment opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, will be directed to the Affirmative Action Coordinator by writing to the Affirmative Action Coordinator, Janelle Brouwer, Superintendent, Marion Independent School District, Marion , Iowa 52302; or by telephoning 319-377-4691. Inquiries or complaints regarding sex discrimination may be referred to the District's Equity and Title IX Coordinator, Gretchen Kriegel, Assistant Superintendent, 777 South 15th Street, Marion Iowa, 52302, 3190377-4691, [email protected].

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Inquiries by employees or applicants for employment regarding compliance with equal employment opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, may also be directed in writing to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commissions, Milwaukee Area Office, Reuss Federal Plaza, 310 West Wisconsin Ave., Suite 800, Milwaukee, WI., 53203-2292, (800) 669-4000 or TTY (800) 669-6820. http://www.eeoc.gov/field/milwaukee/index.cfm or the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, Iowa, 50319-1004, (515) 281-4121 or 1-800-457-4416, http://www.iowa.gov/government/crc/. This inquiry or complaint to the federal office may be done instead of, or in addition to, an inquiry or complaint at the local level. Further information and copies of the procedures for filing a complaint are available in the school district's central administrative office and the administrative office in each attendance center.