Primary Function: Develops and implements special education support services that align with the school’s constructivist & standards-based curriculum in the appropriate subject matter and grade level. Creates a healthy and safe learning environment that demonstrates respect for all and supports student success. Communicates and partners effectively with colleagues and parents to support student learning. Continually assesses student learning and adapts to evaluation data to continually improve the school’s academic program.
Essential Functions
Contribute to the design of a rigorous, project-based curriculum with a focus on social justice.
Implement and prepare IEPs: Formal testing, collection of informal data, communicate with general education teachers and parents, observe student performance.
Manage Special Education Data System (Welligent).
Work with special education students; modify/adapt general education curriculum; provide education services in varied environments.
Prepare student education plans in consultation with parents and IEP team members.
Design instruction, both individual and small group, which parallels the general education curriculum.
Serve as support person for IEP implementation with general education staff.
Monitor student progress and participate in review and revision of IEPs, as appropriate.
Articulate curriculum between and among student levels.
Maintain appropriate student data and other records and submit reports as required.
Plan, prepare, and implement lesson plans that utilize a variety of instructional strategies.
Differentiate teaching based on the diverse and individual needs of all students.
Maintain high expectations for students’ learning and overall conduct.
Develop and administer a variety of assessments to measure students’ growth towards goals and monitor students’ mastery of the content standards.
Participate regularly in professional development and reflection on teaching practice.
Communicate and build positive relationships with students, students’ families, colleagues and other stakeholders.
Work collaboratively in a professional learning community.
Use multiple student learning outcomes to inform learning progress and instructional practices.
Curriculum and Instruction
Plan and implement an integrated curriculum for assigned grade level based upon the California Common Core State Standards.
Create and maintain a classroom environment that supports learning utilizing constructivist methods.
Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of the students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and special needs.
Maintain effective and efficient record keeping procedures.
Provide assessment data to School Leadership as requested in a timely manner.
Collaborate with peers (grade level, cluster, enrichment, special ed., volunteers) in order to enhance the instructional environment.
Assume responsibility for meeting student performance goals and working with the faculty to meet defined achievement goals.
Classroom Management, Relationships, and Tone
Build personal relationships with all students that demonstrate respect and compassion.
Maintain a classroom atmosphere which is safe, accepting, positive, and interactive.
Create opportunities for students to learn with and from each other through varied groupings, partnerships, and shared learning experiences.
Involve students in the processes of the classroom including, but not limited to, creating class rules, accepting classroom responsibilities, understanding consequences of misbehavior, communicating effectively about problems and conflicts, and developing the skills to solve problems independently.
Communications
Communicate effectively, both orally & in writing, with students, parents, & other professionals routinely.
Respond to parent and colleague communications in a respectful and timely manner.
Complete and submit weekly lesson plans to supervisor and involved colleagues in a timely manner.
Complete and submit quarterly progress reports and/or narratives in a timely manner.
Participate professionally in scheduled meetings (grade level; faculty; Whole Child Assessments; Professional Development, etc.)
Professionalism and Teamwork
Model professional behaviors and ethical standards when dealing with students, parents, peers, and the broader community.
Maintain reliable, consistent attendance and punctuality.
Other Functions
Adhere to school policies, procedures, and deadlines
Assist in before/after school carpool, as needed
Perform other duties as assigned
Assist in other school programs when necessary
Knowledge of: Constructivist learning theory and its translation and application in the expertise of assignment (special education for Elementary, Middle and High School); Special education techniques and standards; CA Common Core State Standards in the subject matter and age range of assignment; Student support strategies and approaches to creating and maintaining an environment of safety, respect, and learning; Cultural and socio-economic differences in the student population; Conflict resolution strategies to support healthy social development in children; Professional skills for collaboration and teamwork with other education professionals; Written and oral communications skills
Ability to: Apply constructivist theory to special education support services; Translate standards into creative, integrated, project-based activities; Create and maintain a safe, respectful learning environment; Meet the needs of a diverse student population; Support student social and emotional development; Work collaboratively and professionally with the Larchmont Schools team; Communicate effectively with all stakeholders to support student success; Use modern technology for teaching, communicating and reporting.
Physical Requirements: Continual speaking; standing for long periods of time; frequent sitting, reaching, walking, bending, grasping, and pinching; occasional lifting and carrying; squatting, twisting, or kneeling.
Environment: Uneven surfaces, noise, quick work pace. Requires that the incumbent work effectively under stressful situations and respond to the unpredictable behaviors of students. Frequent use of computer screen. Occasionally involves working outdoors and exposure to inclement weather. Infrequently involves exposure to traffic congestion. May rarely involve exposure to biohazardous waste.
Other Requirements: Support the Mission and Vision of the School; exercise good judgment and moral character; fingerprint clearance & TB test clearance. Larchmont Schools has the right to revise this job description at any time. Larchmont Schools is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
Minimum Qualifications
(*) Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university;