Special Education Teacher

Tippecanoe School Corporation - Lafayette, IN

Full-time

Lafayette, IN

About the position

The Special Education Teacher at Wea Ridge Middle School is responsible for maximizing the learning experience of students with special needs. This role involves implementing district-approved curriculum and documenting teaching and student progress. The teacher will address students' specific needs and provide a safe and optimal learning environment. Under the general supervision of the School Principal, the teacher will conduct assessments, testing, and diagnostic examinations to identify learning issues and recommend corrective procedures to enhance learning outcomes. In addition to conducting assessments, the teacher will participate in Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings and assist in developing Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) for students. The teacher will also coordinate with outside agencies and organizations, including state and federal authorities, to ensure that students receive the necessary support. Collaboration with administrators and other teaching staff is essential to ascertain individual students' abilities and needs, particularly for those with special needs. The teacher will serve as a resource for students and parents, providing counseling to promote personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management, while acting as a liaison between home and school. To maintain professional development, the teacher will continue to acquire knowledge of current educational developments by attending seminars, workshops, and professional meetings. The teacher will also organize and maintain accurate record-keeping systems to provide student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws. Encouraging parental involvement in students' education and ensuring effective communication with students and parents is a key responsibility. The teacher will assist in the orientation of new teachers and provide in-service training in guidance. Additionally, the teacher will select and requisition appropriate educational materials and maintain inventory records as needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments, testing, and diagnostic examinations of students to identify learning issues.
• Participate in PPTs 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 outside agencies, organizations, and institutions as needed.
• Work 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 systems for student information.
• Encourage parental involvement in students' education and ensure effective communication.
• Assist in the orientation of new teachers and provide in-service training in guidance.
• Select and requisition appropriate educational materials and maintain inventory records.

Requirements

• Valid Indiana Teaching License in Intense Intervention and/or Equivalent.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in an education discipline applicable to the teaching assignment.
• 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.