Emotional Disability Teacher

GPA uses both English and Spanish to instruct students in all core content areas. As a dual language school, we connect students from diverse linguistic backgrounds and educate them together in a highly rigorous, engaging and nurturing environment. Students will develop high levels of bilingualism and bi-literacy, as well as a deep value and understanding of other cultures. Through two-way immersion (TWI) in English and Spanish, students will affirm the values of their own cultures while acquiring an understanding and appreciation of other cultures. We are committed to providing relevant instruction pushing our students to be critical thinkers and change makers in an ever-changing world.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Principal and the Director of Exceptional Learners, the special education ED teacher plans and provides for appropriate learning experiences for students with emotional disabilities in a variety of educational settings. The person in this position is responsible for creating a flexible program and learning environment that provides specialized instruction for students with emotional disabilities, such that the students benefit from the general education curriculum to the greatest extent possible when supported with supplemental aids, accommodations, behavior interventions, and other needed supports. Ideal candidates possess experience in the field of special education working with students with emotional disabilities; experience creating and following behavior plans; an understanding of trauma and brain centered learning; and a growth mindset that will promote student achievement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide direct and indirect instructional support to students in a positive environment.
• Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.
• Instruct students in academic subjects using a variety of techniques such as phonetics, multi-sensory learning, and repetition to reinforce learning and to meet students’ varying needs and interests.
• Teach socially acceptable behavior, as determined by the students’ individualized education programs (IEPs) by employing techniques in an overall positive behavioral support system.
• Modify the general education curriculum for students with emotional disabilities based upon a variety of instructional techniques and technologies.
• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining an environment conducive to learning for all students.
• Meet with parents to discuss their children’s progress and to determine priorities for their children and their individualized educational needs.
• Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and other professionals to develop individualized education programs (IEPs) designed to promote students’ educational, physical, and social/emotional development.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records and prepare reports on children and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
• Develop plans for effective communication, monitoring, and follow-up of students in inclusive classroom settings.
• Provide crisis intervention, as needed, for students and those in inclusive classrooms. Assist in collection of data for providing appropriate classroom interventions.
• Serve as a member of a multidisciplinary team as appropriate.
• Assist in preparation of data for local, state, and federal reports.
• Maintain professional competence by participating in staff development activities, curriculum development meetings, and other professional opportunities.