Licensed Special Education Teacher

Licensed Special Education Teacher Job Description

Job Summary:
Under the direction and supervision of the Assistant Principal, the Licensed Special Education Teacher will be responsible for the administration and supervision of the educational programs for students with disabilities. This position involves both teaching students as well as carrying a caseload of special education students to ensure special education instruction is provided to meet State of Nevada as well as federal standards for special education. The Licensed Special Education Teacher will assist in the department's goal that all students are in an educational atmosphere that encourages effective student learning.

The Licensed Special Education Teacher will be expected to adhere to Amplus Academys professional standards as well as Nevada Department of Education licensure standards. Amplus Academy is a classical education charter school located in the southwest area of Las Vegas. Amplus Academy has two campuses; a K-5 elementary campus and a K-12 campus.

Terms of Employment: 10-month per Contract of Employment (182 contract days)

Salary: The compensation for this position is in alignment with the Amplus Governing Board approved Salary Schedule; Salary Schedule based on years experience and degree held. Compensation for all positions are determined by the Governing Board and Administration of Amplus Academy. Consideration is given for experience and specialized skills in determining salary.

Salary Range: $50,840- $80,000 with 100% Employer Paid PERS

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervises the behavior of students in the classroom, on school grounds, and on educational trips

Duties/Responsibilities:

The list of Duties and Responsibilities is not exhaustive and may be supplemented.

• Teach special education students in a classroom setting

• Create Individual Education Program (IEP) and behavior plans for students

• Assess students for eligibility of special education services using approved protocols and evaluations

• Provides a classroom management/discipline plan ensuring safety at all times

• Provides consistent communication on special education issues to all stakeholders

• Participate with Administrations guidance in the informal resolution of complaints and due process issues

• Provides instruction in core subject areas

• Participate in a special education program that focuses on integration, inclusion, and learning opportunities for all students

• Builds and maintains relationships in the community to foster understanding of and support for special education programs

• Works professionally with administrators, staff, and parents.

• Maintains current knowledge of laws and regulations related to special education and adheres to federal, state and local mandates in special education

• Assists students with disabilities in regular education classrooms

• Performs other related duties as required

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Involves tasks directly associated with teaching students in the special education programs of a school, such as:

• Visually impaired

• Hearing impaired

• Adaptive physical education

• Medically fragile

• Severe/ profound

• Other vulnerable populations

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Thorough understanding of the pedagogy and best practices of education

• Desire to teach elementary school aged children and ability to adapt to their individual needs

• The ability to design lessons that teach in an engaging manner and guide the learning process toward achievement of curriculum goals

• Thorough understanding of pedagogy and various implementation options

• Thorough understanding of best practices related to special education

• Thorough understanding of laws and regulations related to special education

• Strong supervisory and leadership skills to manage and control the classroom

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the proven ability to maintain professionalism and tact in high-stress situations

• Ability to negotiate with people with different or opposing viewpoints

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

• Creative analytical and problem-solving skills

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Classroom or related software

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Special Education preferred

• Nevada Special Education License or ability to transfer an out of state license to Nevada required

• Current Nevada Substitute License and enrollment in an accredited special education program may be accepted in lieu of full licensure at the time of hire

• At least two (2) years experience in special education preferred

• Working knowledge of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) required

Physical Demands:
The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that a person holding this position must perform in carrying out essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential job duties.

• Must be able to traverse school facility to observe students and staff in classrooms

• Sufficient vision to read printed material, see distance objects with clarity, identify and distinguish objects, and be visually observant of classroom behavior and learning activities.

• Sufficient hearing to hear conversations in person and on the telephone, hear sounds clearly up to 20 feet and be cognizant of verbal altercations in the classroom.

• Ability to speak in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversation and on the telephone, and in addressing groups.

• Ability to exert up to 25 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; ability to occasionally restrain or move up to 50-100 pounds if required to intervene during student safety issues.

• This type of work requires occasional or frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, or reaching for extended periods of time.

• This type of work requires occasional or frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling during crisis scenarios such as hard lockdowns, earthquake drills, etc.

• Sufficient manual dexterity and/or mobility to grasp and/or manipulate objects, operate mechanical equipment, and move about the work area.

• Ability to operate, activate and use a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a calculator, copy machine and printer.

• Employees in this classification may be subject to work environments that have exposure to weather or interiors with extremes of heat and/or cold, wet and/or humid conditions, temperature fluctuations, high noise levels, and various work related hazards such as bloodborne pathogens or other potentially infectious materials.