Upper School Special Education Teacher

This is a salaried, exempt position with a 10-month work schedule and base standard hours of 7:30 am to 4:00 pm daily.

Major Function

Instructional position responsible for the educational leadership of students in a group or class in an innovative charter school. The educational leader will understand, demonstrate the use of, and implement the school's curriculum, student instruction, and assessment to maximize educational achievement for all students, and collaborate to ensure a working and learning climate for all students that is safe, secure, and respectful. Strategy implementation to reach the multiple intelligences of students through creative lessons is required.

Responsible for directly contributing to the effectiveness the Special Education program for students on caseload, including developing and implementing individualized educational plans (IEPs); providing Special Education services to students in general education classrooms and pullout settings; consulting and collaborating with teachers and administrators to ensure IEPs are implemented and students needs are met; teaches by creating a flexible program and an environment favorable to learning and personal growth; by encouraging students to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to obtain a good foundation for continuous growth and development; by providing students with experiences which integrate the affective, cognitive and psychomotor dimensions of learning; by establishing effective rapport with students and their parents; and by assisting students in developing a positive self-image and healthy social/interaction skills.

Teachers' essential duties and responsibilities are as follows:

• Participates in the development and implementation of the school's program of instruction.
• Participates as a member of the team planning and/or conducting initial evaluations and eligibility determinations for students suspected of having a disability.
• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals. Establishes clear objectives for all lessons, assignments, units, and projects in harmony with curriculum goals and communicates the objectives to students.
• Employs instructional methods and materials that are most appropriate for assuring high student outcomes including the primary use of classical instructional materials, as well as computers/other technological equipment in a secondary/support role.
• Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated.
• Plans and implements a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students and complies with federal requirements, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction standards, the Lake Country Classical Academy (LCCA) goals and objectives (including curriculum), and individual student IEPs.
• Participates in all IEP team meetings.
• Provides special education services in accordance with students' IEPs.

MANAGING STUDENT BEHAVIOR

• Establishes and maintains standards of appropriate student behavior and discipline to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom and assist in its maintenance campus wide.
• Provides and maintains a safe and supervised environment in the classroom and on the school grounds.
• Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students.
• Maintains current knowledge of, and expertise in, all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding the proper definition/meaning and application of seclusion, restraint, and least restrictive procedures and their use.

EVALUATING STUDENT PROGRESS

• Evaluates the learning progress of students on a regular basis, including reporting progress on IEP goals as required.
• Prescribes effective learning programs and initiates referrals to appropriate personnel when concerns arise.
• Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required.
• Administers group standardized tests in accordance with the school testing program.

PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATIONS

• Establishes and maintain open lines of communication with students and parents concerning students'' academic, social and behavioral progress.
• Cooperates with professional staff and support personnel in assessing and helping students with health, attitude, learning and behavioral problems.
• Communicate and cooperate with other professional staff in academic and personal growth areas.
• Attends and/or conducts staff meetings and participates on committees within area of responsibility.