SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER (24-25 SY)

Albuquerque Public Schools - Albuquerque, NM

Full-time

Albuquerque, NM

Educational Services

About the position

The Special Education Teacher for the 2024-2025 school year is responsible for creating a flexible educational program and an environment conducive to learning and personal growth. This role involves encouraging students to develop the necessary skills, attitudes, and knowledge for continuous growth and development. The teacher will provide experiences that integrate the affective, cognitive, and psychomotor dimensions of learning, while establishing effective rapport with students and their parents. A key focus will be on assisting students in developing positive self-regard and interpersonal relationships. The incumbent will cooperate in the development and implementation of the district's instructional program, planning and executing a program of study tailored to meet the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students. This includes compliance with State Department of Education Standards and the goals and objectives set by the APS Board of Education, as well as adhering to individual student IEP plans when applicable. The teacher will guide the learning process towards achieving curriculum goals, establishing clear objectives for all lessons, assignments, units, and projects, and communicating these objectives effectively to students. In addition, the teacher will employ instructional methods and materials that are most appropriate for meeting the stated objectives, while maintaining standards of appropriate student behavior and discipline as outlined in the school handbook and IEP plans. Regular evaluation of student learning progress is essential, along with prescribing effective learning programs and initiating referrals to appropriate personnel when concerns arise. The teacher will assess student accomplishments regularly and provide progress reports as required, administer standardized tests in accordance with the district testing program, and maintain open lines of communication with students and parents regarding academic, social, and behavioral progress. Creating a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students is a priority. The teacher will meet and instruct assigned classes at designated locations and times, select and request appropriate instructional materials, and maintain required inventory records. Additionally, the teacher will provide directions and materials for substitute teachers, plan for and supervise classroom aides, guests, and volunteers, and direct the activities of assigned classroom Educational Assistants. Participation in all IEP meetings is required to ensure that the educational goals of the IEP are met in the classroom.

Responsibilities

• Cooperate in the development and implementation of the district program of instruction.
• Plan and implement a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students.
• Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals.
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, assignments, units, and projects in harmony with curriculum goals.
• Employ instructional methods and materials appropriate for meeting stated objectives.
• Establish and maintain standards of appropriate student behavior and discipline.
• Evaluate the learning progress of students on a regular basis.
• Prescribe effective learning programs and initiate referrals to appropriate personnel when concerns arise.
• Assess the accomplishments of students and provide progress reports as required.
• Administer standardized tests in accordance with the district testing program.
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students and parents concerning academic, social, and behavioral progress.
• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students.
• Meet and instruct assigned classes in designated locations and times.
• Select and request appropriate books and instructional materials and maintain required inventory records.
• Provide directions and materials for substitute teachers and supervise classroom aides, guests, and volunteers.
• Cooperate with staff and support personnel in assessing and helping students with health, attitude, learning, and behavioral problems.
• Participate in all IEP meetings and ensure educational goals of the IEP are met.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Current New Mexico teaching certificate endorsed in the area(s) to be taught.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Flexibility, organization, decision making, and problem solving skills.
• Interpersonal skills with diverse populations in-person and on the telephone.
• Knowledge of APS community, computer system, financial procedures, and legal requirements.
• Ability to meet deadlines, work on multiple projects, and coordinate the work of others.
• Knowledge of district policies on immunization, medication, first aid, emergencies, and child abuse/neglect.
• Knowledge of all laws, regulations, and guidelines affecting teachers and students.
• Knowledge of effective classroom management techniques.
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with students, parents, community members, and staff.