Special Education Teacher/Director

FSLA:    Full Time, exempt

JOB DESCRIPTION:This employee is responsible for coordinating and implementing an instructional program for students with disabilities and assuring Academy compliancy with IDEA regulations and reporting.  Duties of this position include but are not limited to:

Planning:

?     Develop IEP’s/ 504’s for students who qualify for SPED services and annually update them.

?    Attend and lead all IEP and SPED meetings.

?    Provide direction for the Special Education Department staff and program at the Mesa Arts Academy.

?     Design a program that meets the identified student needs as listed in IEP’s.

?       Consult with regular education teachers and other support personnel to ensure that the needs of the students with disabilities are being met in the inclusion classroom.

?        Coordinate required psychological services within the required deadlines.

?        Coordinate related services (speech, OT, etc.) as outlined in students’ IEP’s.

?        Prepare required documents and notices for SPED meetings.

?        Continue professional growth through educational meetings, visiting related facilities, reading professional literature, and exchanging ideas among the teachers and staff.

?        Assist RTI staff in the pre-identification process.

?        Have classroom/instructional area prepared for students prior to the start of class

Programming:

?        Use appropriate formative assessment instruments pertinent to instructional areas to assess on-going student progress and maintain required assessment documentation.

?        Maintain a positive environment conducive to effective learning.

?        Provide varied instructional techniques and technology through individual and/or group sessions designed to meet the educational, social and emotional needs of the students.

?        Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, materials, equipment and facilities.

?        Participate in the in-school staffing and screening processes [KT1] as appropriate.

?        Uphold and enforce school rules, administrative regulations, and School Board Policies  in accordance with laws and regulations.

?        Assist in the selection of books, equipment and other materials for SPED students.

?        Effectively utilize interns and community partners so they enhance instruction.

?        Coordinate with other support staff (Gifted, SEI, RtI, Tutors, and Mentors) to maximize student learning.

?      Ensure all accommodations are being provided to students with an IEP or 504.

?     Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and in harmony with the goals, establishes desired student performance objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicates these objectives to students, educators and families

?     Supervision of paraprofessionals to ensure student goals are being met

?     Plan, implement and evaluate staff development activities related to the improvement of instruction and / or delivery of services to exceptional children.

?     Develop and coordinate the integration of state standards into the special education programs.

?    Effectively respond to written and oral requests for information in a timely manner.

 Public Relations/Communication:

?    Establish and maintaining cooperative relations with other employees and related service providers

?     Assist in providing information to community groups and parents concerning special education programs as requested.

?     Work to establish and maintain open lines of communication with students and their parents concerning the academic and behavioral progress of all assigned students.

?     Utilizing approved methods and forms for out-of-classroom referrals. 

?     Manages special education complaints for the purpose of providing required services

 Monitoring and Reporting:

?     Ensure that each student in the program has required evaluation records in his/her permanent SPED folder.

?    Quarterly evaluate student progress on IEP goals and report to parents and teachers.

?    Assure that all students with disabilities receive the accommodations listed in IEP’s so they may successfully participate in classroom instruction and assessments.

?     Attend and participate in meetings as required.

?     Other responsibilities as directed by the Charter School Director

?     Assist the Leadership Team in all activities that relate to SPED monitoring.

Other Job-related Responsibilities :

?     Serve on Leadership Teams, Program Evaluations, and Study Groups when available.

?     Complete all required surveys in a timely manner.

?     Represent students with disabilities on committees that revise State and Federal Plans.

?     Provide annual training to all staff on “Childfind” and SPED policies and procedures.

?     Maintaining classroom environment conducive to effective learning by utilizing approved school-wide classroom management techniques as needed.

?     Utilizing the Discipline Referral Flow Chart in documenting and processing behavior issues.

?    Follow approved schedules and procedures for starting and ending classes, and the transitioning of students. 

?     Adherence to BGCAZ Employee Handbook, Values and Rules of Engagement

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's degree (AND)

3. Valid Arizona SPED Certificate

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Graduate coursework beyond the bachelor's degree.

2. Classroom teaching experience in regular and/or special education.

3. Additional coursework in any of the content areas.