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ANTICIPATED TK-8 SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER FOR 2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR
Career Insights for Special Education Teacher
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Scorecard
Based on California data
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What they do
A Special Education Teacher teaches students who have disabilities, and adapts teaching methods to meet the needs of students. Assesses students and helps to develop individualized education plans that specify the services and accommodations needed for each student. Works in a classroom that includes only students with IEPs, or works with students and teachers in regular classes. For students with severe disabilities, may focus on developing skills for independent living. Works as part of a team that includes therapists, school counselors or social workers.
$88,529 / year median in California
+2% projected growth
Job Description
TEACHER ESSENTIAL FUNCTION
Provide effective instruction and supervision in assigned areas of responsibility.DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE TO IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES
School Site Administrator Teacher Aide (if any)EVALUATION CRITERIA
(Job Description) A.Student Progress The teacher will:
1. diagnose students 2. formulate long-range objectives for students 3. use appropriate lesson objectives for students 4. use skills sequencing within a subject area 5. evaluate student progress 6. provide instruction, in their area of responsibility, in all board approved curriculum areas B.Professional Competence The teacher will:
1. possess current knowledge of subject matter 2. teach to an objective 3. apply the following principles of learning: (a) motivation (b) retention (c) transfer (d) reinforcement (e) lesson design 4. monitor and correct student performance 5. take advantage of professional growth activities C. Control and Learning Environment The teacher will: 1. develop a positive classroom atmosphere 2. establish and maintain standards 3. maintain an environment conducive to learning 4. support on-task behavior D. Required Duties and Professional Responsibilities The teacher will: 1. supervise pupils 2. keep records and make reports as required 3. hold parent conferences when required, requested or appropriate 4. support district and school goals and objectives 5. use discretion in communicating school matters 6. be punctual to class and duty assignments 7. follow school district regulations and policies 8. maintain an appropriate appearance E. Student Progress 1. The teacher will diagnose students a. The teacher determines appropriate learning experiences for students based on on-going assessment. b. The teacher assesses through general and specific analysis. (CTBS, teacher observation, curriculum continuums, etc.) 2. The teacher will formulate long-range objectives for students. a. The teacher establishes priorities and determines general areas of instruction based on diagnosis. 3. The teacher will use appropriate lesson objective for students. a. The teacher determines a target for teaching. b. The teacher specifically identifies the content of the learning. c. The teacher focuses on pupil behavior d. The teacher determines appropriate methods, activities and materials based on specific diagnosis. 4. The teacher will use skills sequencing within a subject area; a. The teacher analyses the skills necessary to reach the lesson objective. b. The teacher sequences these skills in a logical order. 5. The teacher will evaluate student progress. a. The teacher checks student performance. b. The teacher evaluates this performance in relation to the lesson objective. c. The teacher provides knowledge of results to the student. d. The teacher plans successive lessons based on this evaluation of the student's performance. 6. The teacher will utilize board approved curriculum. a. The teacher uses district curriculum continuums. b. The teacher uses district approved text books. F. Professional Competence 1. The teacher will posses current knowledge of subject matter. a. The teacher imparts current and relevant information to students. b. The teacher may attend classes, workshops and classroom visitations related to his/her teaching assignments. 2. The teacher will teach to an objective. a. The teacher identifies what will be learned by the students during the course of the lesson. b. The teacher assists students in focusing on the lesson objective. c. The teacher provides relevant questions, directions and activities. d. The teacher requires each student to perform the learning stated in the objective. 3. The teacher will apply the following principles of learning: a. Motivation- The teacher applies the principle of motivation by doing such things as: 1. making the lesson relevant to the learner's world. 2. letting the learner know at the beginning of the lesson what s/he will be expected to do by the end of the lesson. 3. giving frequent feedback to the learner. 4. helping the student experience success at the learning task. b. Retention
- The teacher applies the principle of retention by doing such things as: 1. giving massed and frequent practice at the beginning of the learning. 2. distributing the practice over a period of time once learning. c. Transfer
- The teacher applies the principle of transfer by doing such things as: 1.
- The teacher applies the principle of reinforcement by doing such things as: 1. acknowledging appropriate behaviors. 2. correcting inappropriate behaviors. 3. using extinction
- when appropriate. (
- ignoring those student behaviors which, in the course of time, will eliminate themselves without teacher intervention) e. Lesson design
- The teacher applies the principle of lesson design by doing such things as: 1.