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.
Bachelor's degree and meets licensure requirements as established by the Maryland Department of Education. Other experience as established by Maryland Law and Board of Education policy.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience working with students with autism spectrum disorder is strongly preferred. Knowledge and training of specific evidence-based practices for teaching students with autism. Experience teaching multiple levels of academic, social, functional, and behavioral skills. Knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and legal issues. Demonstrated interpersonal skills when working with diverse groups (parents, other professionals, students, teachers, administrators, community agency representatives). Knowledge of and ability to administer and interpret formal and informal educational assessment of instruments/results. Exhibits strong data analysis and response to intervention skills.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Plan and deliver specially designed instruction in the areas of academic, functional, communication, and social skills. Create a structured, welcoming, and safe learning environment designed to limit student distraction and enhance generalization of skills. Generate and implement instructional materials, visual/environmental supports and data collection systems. Employ data-driven decisions to revise instructional programming and interventions. Utilize a variety of evidence-based instructional and behavioral practices specific to students with autism. Implement and collect data to support student progress and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). Attend and implement annual crisis prevention and response training. Communicate effectively with students, parents, staff, and community members. Follow required procedures to include Special Education legal procedures and guidelines as outlined in IDEA and COMAR. Follow required policies, procedures, and practices as outlined by Charles County Board of Education and the Charles County Department of Instruction and Special Education. Other duties as prescribed by Maryland State Law, Board of Education policy, Negotiated Agreement, and Building Principal.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The environmental factors and/or physical requirements of this position include the following: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to have ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; and the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10-50 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard. The employee frequently is required to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. Charles County Public Schools reserves the right to re-advertise and modify the content of vacancy announcements at any time; however, this may be the only notice for this position during the noted advertisement period. The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Michael Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or
