Special Education Teacher

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under direct supervision of the Principal, provides support to the Special Education students in an individual setting and inclusion in the classroom. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information. Must implement and assure fidelity to students’ individual education plans.
This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the direct supervision of the Principal

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

NATURE OF WORK

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and provides individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student.
• Uses varied learning environment to present subject matter in reading, language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, bilingual education, art, health, physical education, computer literacy, drug prevention and music to students in a classroom.
• Translates lesson plans into learning experiences to best utilize the available time for instruction/learning.
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Familiar with IDEA laws and other Special Education requirements.
• Able to maintain correct and up to date student records/IEP’S
• Prepares administers and corrects tests and records results.
• Evaluates students’ academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records and prepares progress reports.
• Communicates with parents through conferences and other means to discuss students’ progress and interpret the school program.
• Identifies student needs and cooperates with other professionals in assessing and helping students with health and emotional needs and learning differences.
• Maintains order in the classroom and on the playground.
• Keeps attendance, grade records and student assessment documentation as required by the school board.
• Instructs students in citizenship and basic subject matter specified in state law and administrate regulations and procedures of the school.
• Creates an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards and learning centers.
• Maintains professional competencies through in-service education activities provided by the school and self-selected professional growth activities.
• Participates cooperatively with the appropriate administrator to develop the method by which the teacher will be evaluated in conformance with school board guidelines.
• Selects and requisitions books and instructional aids; maintains required inventory records.
• Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities as assigned.
• Administers group-standardized tests in accordance with the school-testing program.
• Participates in curriculum development programs and implements the same.
• Participates in faculty committees and the sponsorship of student activities to include in and out-of-school activities.
• Performs other duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, SKILLS and CERTIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and pueblo customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of the functions and structure of Ohkay Owingeh.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Knowledge of records management procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of curriculum development.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of special education curriculum.
• Knowledge of childhood development, diet, and nutrition guidelines.
• Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and demonstrate leadership and team-building skills with empathy and enthusiasm.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.
• Ability to make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to demonstrate moral character, honesty, tact, fairness, lack of prejudice, and desire to help when dealing with people.
• Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.
• Ability to supervise and ensure a safe learning environment for children.
• Ability to adapt curriculum to meet the needs of all children including at-risk, special needs, gifted, and culturally diverse populations.
• Ability to respond to emergency or crisis situations.
• Ability to demonstrate excellence in everything, and continually seek improvement in results.
• Ability to prepare accurate, complete, and legible reports and create and present detailed, accurate, objective, and effective speeches and presentations.
• Skill in operating business computers and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and presentation software (such as PowerPoint).
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Skill in classroom management.
• Skill in preparing reports and correspondence.
• Skill in directing the activities of groups of children; evaluating progress, and maintaining an orderly classroom.
• Skill in writing lesson plans and using curriculum guides.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Master’s Degree in Special Education or Counseling or related field with three years’ experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Level 3 Education and/or Special Education Certification required. Current valid New Mexico Driver’s License. Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; sit; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee occasionally is required to climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIROMENT:

Work is generally performed in a classroom setting with a moderate noise level. Evening, weekend, and/or holiday work may be required. Travel is required for training, meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events.

NATIVE AMERICAN PREFERENCE
VETERAN PREFERENCE

SUBMIT APPLICATION AND RESUME TO:
OHKAY OWINGEH HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
PO BOX 1099, OHKAY OWINGEH, NEW MEXICO 87566
FAX (505) 852-0093
lydell.lewis@ohkay.org

When required of the position, attach a copy of high school /GED, college education, certification(s) or license(s).

Incomplete applications may delay or exclude consideration of your application.