Teacher (Special Education)

St. Landry Parish School Board - Opelousas, LA

Full-time - Entry Level

Opelousas, LA

Educational Services

About the position

The Classroom Teacher position encompasses the responsibilities of planning and implementing educational programs that foster an optimal learning environment for students. The teacher is expected to establish clear instructional outcomes, ensuring that students understand what they are expected to learn. This includes writing student learning targets and determining suitable instructional activities and resources tailored to diverse learners. The teacher must also plan appropriate assessment methods to gauge student attainment and differentiate instruction for students with varying abilities. The role requires creating measurable outcomes that are central to the discipline and interconnected with other subjects. In managing the classroom environment, the teacher is responsible for establishing and monitoring routines and procedures that facilitate smooth classroom operations and efficient time management. This includes effectively managing instructional groups and ensuring that non-instructional tasks are completed efficiently. The teacher must maintain momentum during transitions between activities and manage materials effectively to maximize instructional time. Establishing efficient routines and teaching students to employ them effectively is also a key responsibility. Instructionally, the teacher must engage students in learning through questioning and discussion techniques that deepen understanding. This involves using a variety of questioning strategies to promote critical thinking and encourage students to make connections among concepts. The teacher should actively involve students in challenging content aligned with lesson objectives, providing opportunities for choice and promoting student contributions to the class's intellectual life. Activities and assignments should be designed to promote depth of understanding and reflection, allowing students to take a major role in their learning. Assessment is an integral part of the instructional process, and the teacher must monitor student learning through various techniques, providing timely feedback and guidance. The teacher is expected to circulate in the classroom to assess understanding and engage students in self- or peer-assessment. Professional responsibilities include regular attendance, effective communication with stakeholders, participation in professional development, and supporting school programs. The teacher must also maintain a professional appearance and adhere to the guidelines set forth in the St Landry Parish Personnel Evaluation Program. The position is evaluated by the Principal or their designee, ensuring that performance aligns with the Board's policies.

Responsibilities

• Establish instructional outcomes by identifying what students will be expected to learn.
• Write instructional outcomes in the form of student learning targets.
• Determine instructional activities and the resources needed to complete them.
• Plan for appropriate methods of assessment to determine student attainment.
• Differentiate instruction for students of varied abilities.
• Create measurable outcomes central to the discipline and related to other disciplines.
• Establish and monitor routines and procedures for classroom operation.
• Manage instructional groups effectively and complete non-instructional tasks efficiently.
• Maintain momentum during transitions between activities and manage materials effectively.
• Use questioning and discussion techniques to deepen student understanding.
• Engage students in important and challenging content aligned with lesson objectives.
• Provide choice of work and assist students in making contributions to the class.
• Create activities and assignments that promote learning and require student thinking.
• Monitor student learning and provide timely feedback for improvement.
• Engage students in self- or peer-assessment.
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, parents, and the community.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance effectiveness.

Requirements

• A valid Louisiana Teaching Certificate (Type C or Level 1).
• A Bachelor's Degree in the relevant field.
• Ability to create a positive learning environment for diverse learners.
• Strong communication skills with students, staff, and parents.
• Commitment to professional development and continuous improvement.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in special education or as a librarian.
• Familiarity with differentiated instruction techniques.
• Ability to engage students in discussions and critical thinking.

Benefits

• Professional development opportunities.
• Supportive school environment.
• Collaboration with colleagues and parents.