POSITION: Online Special Education Teacher
CATEGORY: Certified
LOCATION: Online School
REPORTS TO: Principal
SUMMARY: To provide students with a virtual, interactive, daily, and ongoing instructional program that will provide for them the best possible academic knowledge and skills. To help pupils to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for continued education according to the guidelines outlined in each student’s Individual Education Plan.
\\\Preference will be given to those with dual certification and online experience. \\\
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Prepare for assigned virtual classes
- Design virtual lessons using a variety of district approved programs and software applications with an appropriate level of difficulty and which provide content in a logical and sequential manner
- Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media consistent with the needs of a virtual classroom and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups assigned
- Meet and instruct assigned classes the times designated
- Provide instruction to pupils in accordance with each pupil's Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Identify pupil needs and provide instruction appropriate to those needs
- Analyze and interpret student data to develop and modify instructional activities
- Follow modifications and accommodations as specified in Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
- Implement the Idaho Core Standards, as well as the district’s philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives in lesson plans, virtual classroom instruction, unit planning, and assessments
- Devise virtual assignments that require analytical and critical thinking as well as the reproduction of facts, and use them to evaluate student progress on a regular basis
- Prepare students academically for all district, state, and federal testing
- Display command of the subject matter
- Budget instructional time effectively
- Encourage students to strive to meet their highest potential
- Establish and communicate rules and expectations, and encourage students to set and maintain standards of behavior
- Engage children in conversation to encourage language development
- Make provisions for being available to students and parents for education\-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms. Assist students and parents with technical support requests relating to the course interface.
- Work to establish and maintain open lines of communication with students and their parents concerning both the academic and behavioral progress of all assigned students
- Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, and materials
- Prepare participatory lesson plans and establish course goals
- Attend and participate in faculty meetings
- Organize a meeting at least once annually with the case manager, parents, and other professional staff to review and revise the IEP and placement of each assigned pupil
- Keep immediate supervisor informed of activities and any issues that may arise
- Cooperate with other members of the staff in planning instructional goals, curriculum, objectives, and methods
- Work cooperatively with regular education teaching staff to coordinate instructional activities and to monitor the progress of each pupil
- Coordinate and cooperate with other members of the staff in the development of adaptations, modifications, accommodations, and instructional methods
- Provide needed and requested information on a timely and effective basis
- Provide home instruction to confined special education pupils as assigned
- Consult with members of the child study team regarding each pupil's educational program, academic program and personal growth
- Plan, coordinate, and lead the implementation of IEPs including modifications and accommodations
- Participate in the development of the District's plan for special education
- Evaluate student progress on a regular basis, as indicated on IEP’s, and as often as general education students are evaluated and informed of their progress
- Assist in the evaluation of students referred for special education services
- Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records in accordance with applicable federal and state law, (including IDEA, ADA, and 504\), administrative rules, and Board policy
- Input data in a timely fashion
- + Assist in upholding and enforcing school rules
- Current Idaho Teacher Certification with Generalist K/12 endorsement, required
- Highly Qualified Teacher per the standard set forth by the Nampa School District.
- Bachelor degree required and area of major study
- Teaching or student teaching at appropriate grade level
- Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.
- Strong background in teaching methods, developmentally appropriate activities, and effective virtual classroom management
- Strong background in behavior management, curriculum, and writing and implementing Individualized Education Plans
- Strong background in federal and state law, administrative rules, and Board policy pertaining to special education
- Knowledge of the diverse needs of children with disabilities and appropriate special education classroom practices
- The ability to work with students with and a track record of success with diverse students including those with emotional, physical, and mental disabilities
- Ability to engage and instruct students in a virtual classroom
- Demonstrated knowledge of subject matter and effective teaching methods
- Strong background in curriculum and the Idaho Core Standards
- Strong background in the integration of technology with instruction
- Ability to maintain a positive learning environment and high standards of conduct for students and peers
- Treats all students with fairness and equality
- Experience in test evaluation and measurements of achievement
- Demonstrated proficiency in programs and applications utilized in the virtual education program
- Knowledge and proven ability in positive behavior management
- Skilled in the use of internet, email, Microsoft Office, and other pertinent educational software systems (attendance, gradebook, grade reporting, etc.)
- Ability to work well with parents and community members
- Ability to work effectively as a team member
- Willingness to go above and beyond
- Capable of interpreting policy, procedures, and data
- Ability to maintain a positive learning environment
- Works well with students, staff, and the public
- Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Able to work under deadlines
- Maintain confidentiality of staff and students
+ Assume responsibility for his or her continuing professional growth and development by attendance at professional meetings, membership in professional organizations, enrollment in advanced courses, and by reading professional journals and other publications
+ Adhere to The Code of Ethics of the Idaho Teaching Profession adopted by the Professional Standards Commission and the State Board of Education
+ Seek assistance should emergencies arise
+ Represent the school district in a positive manner
+ Know and follow school district policy and chain of command
+ Perform other duties as assigned
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
None.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS \& ABILITIES:
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To perform job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
Ability to provide general district information and respond to questions from administrators, managers, employees, customers, and/or the general public in a professional and pleasant manner.
PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS:
Demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns.
PRODUCTIVITY/EFFICIENCY SKILLS:
Consistently demonstrate ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs, such as reprioritizing work as necessary; organize job functions and work area to be able to effectively complete varied assignments within established time frame.
REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral and diagram form. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing (Microsoft Office), spreadsheets (Excel), database (Access), presentation software. Knowledge and understanding of pedagogical requirements for a virtual classroom.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works inside and meets deadlines with severe time constraints in a fast paced environment on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit; walk and stand and reach with hands and arms; occasionally lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT**: 185 day calendar
Nampa School District \#131 is an equal opportunity employer/educator with an alcohol, drug and tobacco free environment, and does not unlawfully discriminate in employment. Equal access to employment, services, and programs is available to all persons. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the organization. The information contained in this job posting is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.