Elementary Special Education Teacher

Fairport Central School District - Fairport, NY

Full-time - Entry Level

Fairport, NY

Educational Services

About the position

The Elementary Special Education Teacher position is designed to support students with special needs in various aspects of their education, including academics, interpersonal skills, daily living activities, and post-secondary transition needs. Under the general supervision of the Director of Special Education and Building Administrators, the teacher will implement district-approved curriculum and document both teaching and student progress. The role requires addressing the specific needs of students, ensuring a safe and optimal learning environment, and fostering an inclusive atmosphere that promotes personal growth and self-understanding among students. In this role, the teacher will conduct assessments, testing, and diagnostic examinations to identify learning issues and recommend appropriate courses of action to maximize student learning. Participation in Student Support Teams (SSTs) is essential, as is assisting in the development of Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) for students. The teacher will work closely with students and teaching staff to implement these IEPs and behavior management plans effectively. Coordination with administrators and other staff members is crucial to ascertain individual students' abilities and needs, particularly for those with special needs, while also familiarizing stakeholders with available social work services. The teacher will serve as a resource for students and parents, providing counseling that encourages personal growth and behavioral management. This role also involves maintaining professional knowledge through ongoing education, attending seminars, workshops, and professional meetings, and conducting research to stay updated on current developments in the educational field. Accurate record-keeping is vital, as the teacher will organize and maintain student information for prospective colleges and employers, adhering to district procedures and applicable laws. Encouraging parental involvement in students' education and ensuring effective communication with both students and parents are also key responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments, testing, and diagnostic examinations of students to identify learning issues.
• Participate in Student Support Teams (SSTs) and assist in developing Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) for students.
• Assist students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEPs and behavior management plans.
• Coordinate with administrators and other teaching staff to ascertain individual students' abilities and needs.
• Serve as a resource to students and parents, providing counseling for personal growth and behavioral management.
• Maintain professional knowledge by attending seminars, workshops, and professional meetings.
• Organize and maintain accurate record-keeping for student information as required by district procedures.
• Encourage parental involvement in students' education and ensure effective communication with students and parents.

Requirements

• New York State Certification in Students with Disabilities (K-6) required.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in an education discipline applicable to the teaching assignment.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Successful prior special education teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.
• Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, and methods.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based on student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems and data analysis.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation regarding performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in developing and implementing behavior management plans.
• Familiarity with current educational technologies and teaching methods for special education.