Job Description:

Purpose Statement

The job of Exceptional Student Services Teacher is done for the purpose/s of providing instruction and support to students with special needs. This includes case-management their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) by providing direct academic and behavioral instruction, collaboration with staff and families, and the creation of a safe, inclusive, and effective learning environment. The ESS Teacher ensures that students make progress toward their academic, behavioral, and functional goals while meeting district, state, and federal guidelines.

This job reports to Principal and ESS Director.

Essential Functions

• Provides direct instruction to students individually, in small groups, or in self-contained settings.
• Adapts general education lessons and curriculum materials to meet the needs outlined in students’ IEPs.
• Implements academic, behavioral, health/nutritional, and functional skill plans for the purpose of ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, established guidelines, and performance standards and encouraging parent involvement.
• Uses a variety of instructional methods (demonstrations, modeling, practice, hands-on activities) to promote student success in academics, social skills, and daily living skills.
• Administers academic, developmental, and behavioral assessments for the purpose of tracking student progress towards objectives, expectations, goals and/or developing IEP’s.
• Develops, implements, and monitors IEP goals and objectives.
• Manages student behavior using positive behavior strategies and IEP based behavior plans in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, lunch, field trips, nap times, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Administers, under supervision, first aid and assistance as needed for students with health or personal care needs (e.g. tube feeding, toileting, diapering, medications, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care for children as
• Communicates regularly with parents and/or legal guardians regarding student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations; student's achievements; and strategies for support at home.
• Collaborate with general education teachers, administrators, related service providers, and support staff to address student needs, ensuring inclusive practices, and achieve established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan.
• Directs assistant teachers, student teachers, instructional assistants, volunteers and/or student workers for the purpose of providing an effective classroom program and addressing the needs of individual
• Models conversation, manners, clean up activities, listening skills, for the purpose of demonstrating appropriate social and interpersonal behavior.
• Organize and facilitate classroom routines and age-appropriate learning activities in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Participates in and facilitates a wide variety of meetings (e.g. staff meetings, PLC’s, hearings, IEPs, professional development, ) for the purpose of identifying issues, developing recommendations, supporting other staff, and serving as a District representative to carry out their instructional responsibilities.
• Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, ) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements.
• Reports incidents (e.g. fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, ) in compliance with school policies and legal requirements for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of student and providing a positive learning environment.
• Responds to inquires from a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers, parents, administrators, ) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction.
• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
• 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: using and interpreting assessments to guide instruction; operating standard office equipment and instructional technology/software; and preparing and maintaining accurate documentation and records.; adhering to safety and confidentiality practices and procedures; using curriculum and instructional techniques to apply effective instructional strategies and adapt lessons.

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; curriculum design and instructional methods, lesson plan requirements; child development and learning stages; and behavioral management strategies; assessment instruments and techniques; classroom instructional media and technology; cultural and linguistic diversity; knowledge of community resources; school health, safety and emergency response standards.

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.; communicating with persons of diverse backgrounds; dealing with frequent interruptions; organizing tasks; and working as part of a team.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following established practices and policies; provides direction to paraprofessionals and assistants; monitor/ track program related expenditures, maintains compliance with IEPs, district policies, and state/federal regulations, and contributes significantly to student outcomes and school services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine motor skills and physical stamina required. Generally the job requires 35% sitting, 20% walking, and 45% standing. The job is performed under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness and in a clean atmosphere.

Experience:      Job related experience is required.

Education:        Bachelors degree in job-related area.

Certificates:

• Designated Subject Matter Endorsement
• Teaching Credential
• Valid Driver’s License & Evidence of Insurability 
• CPR/First Aid Certification

Continuing Educ./Training:

• Continuing Education Requirements
• Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses 

Clearances:

•  IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Background Clearances

FLSA Status:

• Exempt                                     
• Certified Salary Schedule
• 9 month position

Position Type:  Full-Time
Salary:   $45,000 to $65,000 Per Year

Job Categories:

Special Education > Life Skills

Special Education > Mild/Moderate Disabilities

Job Requirements:

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required