Special Education Teacher Job Description
What Does a Special Education Teacher Do?
A special education teacher is a professional educator responsible for providing instruction and instruction-related services to students with disabilities. They are responsible for designing and implementing individualized education programs that address the unique learning and behavioral needs of each student.
Special Education Teacher Job Description Example
Tulsa Charter Academy, a reputable charter school in Tulsa, is seeking a dedicated and passionate Special Education Teacher to join our team. As a Special Education Teacher, you will have the opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of students with special needs, creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. If you are committed to empowering students, possess strong instructional skills, and have a genuine desire to help every child reach their full potential, we invite you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with special needs, ensuring their unique learning goals and accommodations are met
- Create and deliver engaging lessons that cater to diverse learning styles, adapting instructional strategies and materials as necessary
- Assess students' academic abilities and progress using a variety of assessment tools, providing ongoing feedback and adjusting instruction accordingly
- Collaborate with general education teachers and support staff to foster an inclusive classroom environment and promote the integration of students with special needs
- Provide specialized instruction and support in areas such as reading, writing, math, and social skills development
- Utilize assistive technologies and adaptive materials to enhance learning opportunities for students with disabilities
- Monitor and track students' progress, documenting their achievements and challenges, and communicating with parents or guardians regularly
- Collaborate with parents, administrators, and other stakeholders to address students' individual needs and develop effective strategies for academic and behavioral success
- Attend and actively participate in professional development opportunities to stay updated on best practices in special education and instructional methodologies
- Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards related to special education and student confidentiality
Qualifications:
Qualifications:
Training and Education:
- Valid state teaching certification in Special Education
- Demonstrated knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices
- Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of students with disabilities
- Strong classroom management skills and the ability to create a positive and inclusive learning environment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues
- Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for working with students with special needs
- Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines
- Familiarity with instructional technologies and assistive devices used in special education settings
Training or Education: To qualify for the Special Education Teacher position, you must have a bachelor's degree in Special Education or a related field. A master's degree in Special Education is preferred. Additionally, you must hold a valid state teaching certification in Special Education. Ongoing professional development and training in special education practices and methodologies are essential to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities.
If you are dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of students with special needs, possess strong instructional abilities, and are passionate about inclusive education, we encourage you to apply for the Special Education Teacher position at Tulsa Charter Academy. To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role, and any additional supporting documents. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to our team of dedicated educators committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities for all students.
What to Include on a Special Education Teacher Resume or Job Posting
Common special education teacher responsibilities
- Developing and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with special needs.
- Collaborating with other teachers, administrators, and parents to ensure the best possible learning environment for students.
- Assessing students’ abilities and progress, and providing feedback to parents and other professionals.
- Utilizing a variety of instructional strategies and techniques to meet the needs of students with special needs.
- Creating and implementing behavior management plans.
- Monitoring and evaluating student progress and adjusting instruction accordingly.
- Developing and implementing accommodations and modifications to the curriculum.
- Utilizing assistive technology to support student learning.
- Participating in professional development activities to stay current on best practices.
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of student progress.
Qualities & traits
- Patience: Special education teachers must have patience to work with students who may have difficulty understanding or learning in a traditional classroom setting.
- Empathy: Special education teachers must be able to empathize with their students in order to understand their needs and be able to provide the best possible instruction.
- Adaptability: Special education teachers must be able to adapt their teaching methods to the individual needs of their students.
- Creativity: Special education teachers must be creative in order to come up with new and innovative ways to teach their students.
- Organization: Special education teachers must be organized in order to keep track of their students’ progress and plan lessons accordingly.
- Communication: Special education teachers must be able to effectively communicate with their students, parents, and colleagues.
- Compassion: Special education teachers must have a compassionate attitude towards their students in order to provide the best possible learning environment.
What a typical day looks like for a special education teacher
A special education teacher works with students who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and special needs. On a day-to-day basis, they provide individualized instruction, assess learning and development progress, collaborate with other educational, counseling and healthcare professionals, modify the general education curriculum, develop and implement individualized education plans, implement behavior intervention plans, provide support for social and communication skills development, provide guidance for families, and create and maintain a safe and supportive learning environment.
Compatible jobs and work history
Becoming a special education teacher without prior experience may seem challenging, but there are a number of other positions and industries that are compatible with obtaining the necessary credentials to teach in a special education classroom. People from many different backgrounds can bring meaningful experience and perspectives to the role, which can be beneficial to both teachers and students alike. Employees from various roles and industries, including mental health, therapy, and social work, can use their skills and knowledge to transition to teaching in a special education classroom. Here are some of the most compatible job titles:
- Mental Health Counselor
- Occupational Therapist
- Child Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Behavioral Therapist
- Speech Language Pathologist
- Rehabilitation Specialist
- Para-educator
- Daycare Teacher
- Educational Aide
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