Special Education Teacher- Dooley School - St. Joseph's Villa

Overview

Under the direction and guidance of the Principal, this position is responsible for the on-going assessment of students’ grade level and academic needs, designing and implementing appropriate lesson plans, teaching students with special education or alternative education needs, managing classroom dynamics and behavior, and providing immediate supervision of assigned Assistant Teacher(s) and Counselor(s). All work is implemented using a systems approach within the psycho-educational model, and using proven and creative teaching techniques.

All work is performed safely, effectively, to the highest ethical standards, and in accordance with regulatory and accrediting standards and St. Joseph’s Villa’s mission, values, and guiding principles.

Responsibilities

Maintains sight and sound supervision of students.

Administers and interprets standardized assessment and diagnostic instruments.

Designs appropriate and complete lesson plans, including objectives, modalities, and tools to assess learning, to support individual student development and to comply with mandated requirements such as Standards of Learning (SOL), Aligned Standards of Learning (ASOL) and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

Ensures appropriate and sufficient learning materials and resources are available for all students.

Implements research-based classroom instruction, incorporating computer technology as appropriate. Evaluates students’ mastery of the material and modifies delivery modalities as needed.

Arranges field trips appropriate to the instructional content and ages and abilities of the students.

Provides instruction in life skills development in coordination with other professional staff.

Uses approved behavior management techniques to work with students in crisis.

Prepares regular reports on student’s progress including report cards, interim report cards, and IEP progress reports. Tracks student attendance and reports absences.

Confers regularly with guardian or parent(s) to apprise them of student’s progress and performance. Serves as a resource to parents to understand and implement behavioral change techniques and to support their child’s education.

Advises Principal of any performance issues in the classroom, whether student or staff-based. Reports any unsafe condition or maintenance matters to Principal.

Assists in planning, coordinating, and implementing therapeutic recreational activities in conjunction with other staff.

Completes the VAAP for applicable students

Develops curriculum, assesses educational software or texts and selects materials for use in  the classroom in collaboration with the Principal.

Identifies inappropriately placed children and recommends, with supporting reasoning, alternative educational setting. Assists in the process of discharge planning.

Models appropriate professional behavior and dress.

Promotes good community relations and utilizes needed community services.

Participates in staff meetings and other staff and program group activities, including after school and evening programs, essential for the operation of an effective psycho-educational program. Assumes active role in designing and implementing in-service training programs on innovations in the field.

May voluntarily support student athletics, arts, and/or other extracurricular activities.

Evaluates work processes and methods and submits recommendations for continuous quality improvement.

Attends scheduled training programs for professional development that includes, at a minimum, trainings required by St. Joseph’s Villa and by regulatory and accrediting bodies.

Performs other duties as directed or required.

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in Special Education
• Current and valid Virginia teaching license with endorsement in at least one of the specific areas of disability served by the school
• Master’s Degree in Special Education K-12 preferred (not required)
• One (1) or more year’s classroom experience with students with special education (or alternative education) needs
• Experience with special education case management  
• Proficiency with Windows, MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet research and assistive technology
• Valid VA driver’s license with excellent driving record