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.
EC Occupational Course of Study Teacher 2026-2027
Rutherford County Schools
R-S Central High School - Rutherfordton, North Carolina This job is also posted in North Carolina School Jobs, and Rutherford County Schools
Job Details
Job ID:
5845121
Application Deadline:
Posted until filled
Posted:
Yesterday
Starting Date:
Immediately
Job Description
Exceptional Children (EC) Occupational Course of Study (OCS) Teacher
NATURE OF WORK
Under general supervision, provides specialized instruction and support services to students with disabilities participating in the North Carolina Occupational Course of Study (OCS). The EC OCS Teacher develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), provides standards-based instruction aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and OCS curriculum, coordinates transition planning, and facilitates community-based vocational and employment experiences. The teacher works collaboratively with families, school staff, community agencies, and employers to prepare students for competitive integrated employment, post-secondary education, and independent living while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Develops, implements, and monitors Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and North Carolina Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities.
Provides direct instruction aligned with the North Carolina Occupational Course of Study curriculum.
Plans and delivers engaging instruction that addresses academic, functional, vocational, employability, and independent living skills.
Utilizes research-based instructional strategies and differentiated instruction to meet individual student needs.
Maintains accurate and timely documentation related to IEPs, progress monitoring, evaluations, Medicaid documentation (if applicable), and state reporting requirements.
Coordinates transition planning beginning at the appropriate age and facilitates annual transition assessments.
Develops and monitors measurable postsecondary goals related to education, employment, and independent living.
Coordinates work-based learning experiences, internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, school-based enterprises, and community-based vocational instruction.
Collaborates with Career and Technical Education (CTE), Vocational Rehabilitation, NCWorks, community colleges, employers, and community agencies to expand student employment opportunities.
Teaches workplace readiness skills including communication, teamwork, problem solving, professionalism, safety, and self-advocacy.
Collects and analyzes student performance data to monitor progress toward IEP goals and graduation requirements.
Maintains effective communication with parents, guardians, administrators, general education teachers, related service providers, and outside agencies.
Participates in eligibility meetings, annual reviews, reevaluations, manifestation determination meetings, and multidisciplinary team meetings.
Assists with behavior intervention planning and implementation using positive behavioral supports.
Supervises instructional assistants assigned to the classroom.
Ensures student safety during classroom instruction, community-based instruction, field experiences, transportation, and work-based learning activities.
Maintains confidentiality of student records and information in accordance with FERPA and IDEA.
Participates in required professional development activities and maintains appropriate licensure.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal or Executive Director of Exceptional Children.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of federal and state special education laws, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of the North Carolina Occupational Course of Study curriculum.
Knowledge of transition services, career development, and work-based learning practices.
Ability to develop compliant Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Strong classroom management and behavior intervention skills.
Ability to differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs.
Ability to establish positive relationships with students, families, employers, and community partners.
Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to organize multiple priorities and maintain accurate records.
Proficiency with educational technology, student information systems, and EC documentation platforms.
MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Holds or is eligible to hold a North Carolina Professional Educator License in Exceptional Children.
OCS coursework and/or transition training preferred.
Experience working with students with disabilities and coordinating transition services preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work requires frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting instructional materials up to approximately 25 pounds, supervising students in classroom and community settings, and occasional physical assistance with students as required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
DISCLAIMER
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this position. Rutherford County Schools reserves the right to revise this job description as needed.
Suggested based on your interests
Ad
Ads do not influence the answers you get from ChatGPT. Your chats stay private.
Learn about ads and personalization
Position Type:
Full-Time
Job Requirements
Citizenship, residency or work visa required