2024-25 SPED Autism Teacher - Liberty ES - Paradise Valley Unified School District

Autism Teacher

Location:  Liberty Elementary School

FTE: 1.0

Interim Position

Dates: 10/14/2024 - 5/23/2025

Purpose Statement

The job of Teacher - Special Education is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional process by serving as a teacher with specific responsibility for developing students 'with special needs success in academics, interpersonal skills and/or activities of daily living; supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers, other professional staff, and administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom issues; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students' parents or guardians regarding instructional program and student progress.

This job reports to Site Administrator

Essential Functions

Administers developmental testing programs, subject specific assessments, etc. for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and/or developing individual learning plans.

Administers, under supervision, first aid and assistance to medically fragile children (e.g. tube feeding, toileting, diapering, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care for children as assigned.

Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations; student's achievements; developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.

Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals (e.g. behavioral, motor development and communication skills, academic needs, vocational abilities, etc.) for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration.

Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents and a variety of community resources for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan.

Counsels students for the purpose of improving performance, health status, problem solving techniques and a variety of personal issues.

Demonstrates pedagogical approaches that engage learners for the purpose of providing an effective program that addressing individual student requirements.

Differentiates classroom work for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized learning programs.

Directs assistant teachers, student teachers, paraprofessional, volunteers and/or student workers for the purpose of providing an effective classroom program and addressing the needs of individual students.

Instructs students for the purpose of improving their success in academic, interpersonal and daily living skills through a defined course of study.

Maintains a variety of confidential and non confidential manual and electronic files and records for the purpose of providing up-to-date reference and/or historical reference in accordance with established administrative guidelines and legal requirements.

Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment.

Monitors students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, nap times, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.

Orders supplies and equipment for the purpose of ensuring availability as needed.

Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g. IEPs, staff, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.

Participates on PLC team for the purpose of reviewing data and instructional practices.

Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. attendance, anecdotal records, IEPs, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements.

Reports health and safety issues to assigned administrator and appropriate agencies (e.g. fights, suspected child or substance abuse, inappropriate social behaviors, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining students personal safety, a positive learning environment and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.

Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.

Responds to inquires from a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers, parents, administrators, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction.

Serves as case manager special education students for the purpose of managing IEPs in accordance with established administrative guidelines and legal requirements.

Supports classroom teachers for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of established curriculum and/or individual student plans.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: appropriate codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; behavioral management strategies; methods of instruction and training.

ABILITY is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining constructive relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; working flexible hours.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 10% sitting, 50% walking, and 40% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

First Aid Certificate                       Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint             CPI Certificate                               Clearance Card

(or ability to obtain district 

sponsored training)