Special Education Teacher - ESN 4-6 - Murphy Elementary - Starting School Year 2024-25

West Contra Costa Unified School District

Full-time - Entry Level

Educational Services

About the position

The Special Education Teacher for ESN 4-6 at Murphy Elementary is responsible for providing an age-appropriate functional educational program tailored for students with severe handicaps. This role encompasses a comprehensive approach to education, focusing on various curricular domains including domestic skills, vocational training, recreation and leisure activities, and community integration. The teacher will work within the natural environment to ensure that students receive the support they need to thrive both academically and socially. A key aspect of this position involves conducting annual parent and caregiver interviews for each student, which helps in understanding the unique needs and circumstances of each child. The teacher will also perform formal and informal assessments to evaluate the students' functional levels in critical activities and basic skill areas. Collaboration is essential, as the teacher will coordinate the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) with parents, Designated Instructional Services (DIS), and agency representatives to create tailored educational plans that meet the specific needs of each student. In addition to developing systematic instructional programs that utilize natural stimuli and consequences, the teacher will adapt curriculum materials and the learning environment to facilitate effective learning. Establishing domestic and community sites for teaching independent living and vocational skills is also a critical responsibility. The teacher will document student performance and communicate progress to parents, co-workers, and administrators, fostering a collaborative approach to education. The role requires the teacher to promote optimal age-appropriate social integration for students both at the school site and within the surrounding community. Advocacy for quality educational services for all students with exceptional needs is a fundamental part of this position. The teacher will also provide training and information on the Special Education curriculum to parents, encouraging their involvement and maximizing the carryover of instruction into the home environment. Annual IEP meetings will be scheduled and conducted in coordination with the Regional Center's Individualized Program Plan (IPP) development. In addition to the primary responsibilities, the teacher will perform all functions required of a regular classroom teacher, including planning and supervising the work of assigned instructional aides and participating in their evaluations. Collaboration with Special Services personnel and the school site Student Study Team is essential for the evaluation and placement of students with severe handicaps. Continuous professional development is encouraged, and the teacher is expected to maintain professional competencies through participation in self-selected growth activities.

Responsibilities

• Completes a parent/careprovider interview for each student annually.
• Conducts formal and informal assessments of student's functional level within critical activities and basic skill area.
• Coordinates development of an individualized education program (IEP) with parents, Designated Instructional Services (DIS) and agency representatives.
• Develops systematic instructional programs which utilize natural stimuli and consequences.
• Develops adaptations to curriculum materials and/or environment.
• Establishes domestic and other community sites for teaching independent living and vocational skills.
• Documents student performance and conveys information to parents, co-workers and administrators.
• Fosters the development of a transdisciplinary team including instructional aides, administrators, therapists, and other specialists.
• Promotes optimal age-appropriate social integration at school site and in surrounding community.
• Advocates for quality educational service for all students with exceptional needs.
• Provides training and information on SH curriculum to parents to foster their involvement and maximize carryover of instruction.
• Schedules and conducts annual IEP meetings coordinated with Regional Center Individualized Program Plan (IPP) development.
• Plans and supervises the work of the assigned instructional aide(s); participates in their evaluations.
• Works with Special Services personnel and/or school site Student Study Team in the evaluation and placement of students with severe handicaps.
• Maintains professional competencies through participation in self-selected professional growth activities.

Requirements

• Severely Handicapped Specialist Credential or Ed. Specialist Moderate to Severe Credential.
• Eligibility to enter or currently in an Intern Program for Severely Handicapped credentialing.
• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) as evidenced by transcripts.
• Clear or Preliminary (Level 1 or Level 2) Moderate/Severe credential or equivalent.
• English Learner Authorization (CLAD or equivalent).
• Passing scores on CBEST and CSET.