Special Education Teacher -Resource

. Archer Company 2007 1 CODE: FLSA: KERSHAW COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT, SOUTH CAROLINA JOB DESCRIPTION, OCTOBER 2007 JOB TITLE: SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE TEACHER GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB Under limited supervision, provides individual educational evaluations for referred students and develops individualized education plans (IEPs) for students who qualify as handicapped based upon established standards. Teaches basic skills as indicated in IEPs to assigned students. Maintains communication with students' teachers and parents regarding students' needs and progress. Reports to the assigned Principal. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Provides individual educational testing, screening and evaluations for referred students, and develops individualized education plans (IEPs) for students who qualify as handicapped based upon established standards. Analyzes and updates IEPs periodically as a response to re-evaluation of students and at the end of a school year. May serve as intervention coordinator, ensuring that recommendations regarding student's education plans are being followed by teachers, addressing teachers' and parents' concerns, and coordinating the various aspects of psychological evaluations at the school level. Maintains communication with students' teachers and parents regarding students' needs and progress. Plans a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests and abilities of assigned handicapped students and that is based on established IEPs. Creates a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students. Plans and prepares lesson plans and related activities for assigned classes. Guides the learning process toward achievement of curriculum goals; establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects, etc., and communicates these objectives to students. Employs a variety of instructional techniques and media consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of students involved. Works with individual students to help them adjust behaviorally and academically into partial mainstream classroom and social situations. SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE TEACHER Archer Company 2007 2 Supervises and assists students between classes, on field trips, during lunch and on school grounds, and when unloading and loading buses to ensure student safety and well-being. Provides first aid and medical assistance as needed. Grades work completed by students; maintains accurate records of test scores / grades. Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required. Sets goals and objectives and provides activities, remediation on an individual skills continuum to meet goals. Maintains accurate, complete and up-to-date records as required by law, District policy and administrative regulation. Assists the school administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct; develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure and maintains order in the classroom in a fair and just manner. Redirects aggressive or inappropriate behavior as possible. Supervises the work of teaching assistants and/or volunteers; supervisory duties include instructing, planning and assigning work, reviewing and evaluating work, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, acting on employee problems and recommending employee disciplinary action as appropriate. Offers training, advice and assistance as needed. Maintains inventory of classroom supplies and equipment; prepares supply requisitions as needed. Coordinates and/or participates in special programs, projects or events as required. Participates in staff in-service training and continuing education as required. Attends staff meetings and serves on various committees as required. Makes arrangements for substitute instructors as needed. Receives and reviews student records, test results, IEPs, medical records, assessment reports, program information, school calendar, etc. Prepares and processes progress reports, student records, attendance records, report cards, annual calendar, assessment reports, lesson plans, schedules, IEPs, display materials, referral forms, supply orders, communication records, permission forms, rules, various reports, forms, memos, correspondence, etc. Refers to policy and procedure manuals, teachers' handbook, special education handbooks, intervention guidelines, dictionaries, directories, curriculum materials, textbooks, library books, catalogs, reference books, charts, computer manuals, professional journals, etc. Interacts and communicates with Principal, other school administrators and staff, co-workers, District administrators and staff, students, parents, volunteers, medical / mental health personnel, Department of Social Services and other agencies, community leaders and resource persons, sales representatives and the general public. SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE TEACHER Archer Company 2007 3 Operates various types of machinery and equipment including a computer, printer, copier, laminating machine, fax machine, audio-visual equipment, tape player, die cut machine, book binder, camera, etc. Uses clerical, copier and computer supplies; diagnostic instruments, math manipulatives, school supplies, craft/art supplies, first aid supplies, etc. ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS May research and secure grants for special project funding. Maintains a clean and orderly classroom. Performs related duties as required. MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Requires a Bachelor's degree in special education, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Experience working with special needs children in an educational or daycare setting is desirable. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must possess S.C. teacher certification in special education or related field. Compensation may vary with regard to the hours earned beyond a Bachelor's degree and the years served as a certified teacher. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines and equipment including a computer, copier, telephone, etc. Tasks involve the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of remaining standing for extended periods of time, sitting on the floor, stooping, kneeling and crouching, lifting children, and some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate to heavy weight (12 to 90 pounds). Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things. Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and/or directions from supervisors and giving instruction and/or assignments to students and assistants. Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of policy and procedure manuals, curriculum materials, texts, computer manuals, etc. Requires the ability to enter data into computer and prepare reports, records, teaching materials, correspondence, etc., with proper SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE TEACHER Archer Company 2007 4 format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Must be able to speak with poise, voice control and confidence and to articulate information to others. Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in oral, written, diagrammatic or schedule form. Requires the ability to use influence systems in classroom teaching and the supervision of assistants and children. Requires the ability to make independent judgments in the absence of supervisor; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information and the ability to comprehend and implement basic office machinery functions. Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow and give oral and written instructions; to counsel and teach students. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying ages and educational/cultural backgrounds. Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to determine percentages and decimals, to determine time. Must be able to use practical applications of fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion. Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information. Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using automated office equipment and communications machinery. Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items including computer keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. Color Discrimination and Visual Acuity: Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color; requires the visual acuity to determine depth perception, peripheral vision, inspection for small parts; preparing and analyzing written or computer data, etc. Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with an emergency or tight deadline. The worker may be subject to danger or risk to a slight degree, or to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job. Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to hear and understand communications through a telephone. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Knowledge of Job: Has knowledge of the methods, policies and procedures of the Kershaw County School District as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Special Education Resource Teacher. Has knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has knowledge of the organization of the department and of related departments and agencies. Is able to comprehend, interpret and SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE TEACHER Archer Company 2007 5 apply regulations, procedures and related information. Has knowledge of the various handicaps encountered; has knowledge of teaching and instruction techniques for children with special needs. Has knowledge of the principles of planning and implementing individualized education plans. Has knowledge of the characteristics of the age group assigned. Is able to establish and maintain positive relationships and work effectively and patiently with adults and children. Is able to supervise, guide and support handicapped students; is able to effectively lead and teach by example. Is able to motivate students to participate in educational activities and to want to learn. Is able to assist students with patience and kindness. Is able to assist students with daily living skills. Is able to effectively assist students with adjusting to mainstream classroom and social situations. Is able to create and present effective, developmentally appropriate lesson plans. Is able to recognize signs of learning, physical, mental and social disabilities and take appropriate action. Is able to provide assistance, support and/or skills development opportunities to parents as required. Is able to perform job tasks professionally in an environment where discrimination and other public issues are constant concerns. Has knowledge of and is able to use modern office practices and equipment, including computers. Has knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling; has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Is skilled in applying a responsible attention to detail as necessary in preparing records, reports and correspondence. Is able to read and interpret various materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Is able to use independent judgment in performing tasks. Is able to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Is able to offer assistance to fellow employees as necessary. Has knowledge of how to maintain effective relationships with co-workers, personnel of other departments, parents, students and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Has knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the industry. Has knowledge of how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Is able to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts. Quantity of Work: Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations. Dependability: Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas. Attendance: Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests. Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished, and initiates proper and acceptable action for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction. SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE TEACHER Archer Company 2007 6 Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches issues, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment. Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with established policies or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation intra- and inter-departmentally. Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and co-workers for mutual benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships inter- and intra-departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints in order to established and maintain good will. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image. Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all established safety and housekeeping standards. Ensures such standards are not violated. DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.