POSITION TITLE: Special Education Teacher REPORTS TO: BUILDING PRINCIPAL

OVER-TIME STATUS: EXEMPT PAY GRADE: 710

JOB SUMMARY:

Performs professional work providing limited direct instruction and computer-assisted services to special needs students, motivates students to develop skills in assigned subject matters; does related work as required. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Principal. Supervision is exercised over paraprofessionals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Facilitate specialized subject matter(s), motivating all students to achieve maximum potential;
• Assesses and evaluates the needs of assigned students
• Develops individualized instructional programs and monitors their implementation and deadlines
• Completes and advises on the use of Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plans;
• Create lessons designed to instruct students in area(s) of specialization and subject matter specified by State law and administrative regulations and procedures of Portsmouth Public Schools;
• Establishes and maintains district and school-wide standards of behavior;
• Encourages students to think independently, develop and express original ideas;
• Evaluate students' progress, maintain appropriate records, and prepare progress reports/report cards;
• Communicates with students, student counselors, teachers/other school staff, and parents/guardians through conferences and other means;
• Maintains professional competence through professional development, in-service education and self-selected professional books and instructional materials;
• Supervises and monitors student movement and escorts students throughout the building, maintaining student safety at all times
• Participates in faculty committees and student activity sponsorship;
• Performs administrative functions in computer-based applications;
• Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities,
• Performs related tasks as required.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Thorough knowledge of the subject(s); thorough knowledge of education principles, practices, and procedures; thorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of effective teaching; thorough knowledge of school division rules, regulations, and procedures; ability to establish and maintain standards of behavior; ability to deliver articulate oral presentations and written reports; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, students and parents; ability to operate a personal computer.

This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects, and some light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions. Some teaching specialties (i.e. music, art, physical education, etc.) may require hearing, vision, physical coordination and/or exertion and effort in excess of those listed above.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Must possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in education or a related field. Must possess or be eligible for a Virginia Collegiate Professional License, Postgraduate Professional License or Provisional License with appropriate endorsement to teach specified subject area.

Detailed licensure information is available from the Virginia Department of Education online at:

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching/licensure/index.shtml

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Background Investigation
• Tuberculin skin test or screening results

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

All applicants please submit an on-line application along with copies of supporting credentials. Be sure to connect your application to the advertised position.

PORTSMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER