NON-CLASSIFIED - Special Education Teacher / School for the Blind.

Department Information

This position reports to the Principal, School for the Blind, and is responsible for providing standards­ based instruction to learners who have additional disabilities. Utilizes Colorado State Standards (Extended Evidence Outcomes) and access skills in establishing instructional goals; and provides assessments that monitor learner progress, in a safe and civil school environment.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Full-time; scheduled to work the standard number of days in the academic year (as per established School Calendar, currently 195 days, August to June).
• The annual base salary shall be established pursuant to the Teacher Salary Schedule and based upon appropriate education and experience.
• Employment is at-will, with no actual, expressed or implied contract.
  
  

Description Of Job

JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs work associated with standards-based instruction, prepares lesson plans, adapts instructional materials, develops input for and presents daily instructional/learning activities based upon the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and school reform tenets under the direction of the Principal, School for the Blind, maintains a positive learning environment utilizing appropriate positive behavior support strategies, keeps learners on task and engaged.
• Demonstrates knowledge / skill in the development and use of accommodations for learners who are visually impaired and who have additional disabilities, in the areas of task analysis, assessment, progress monitoring, daily living skills, behavior management, organization / planning, curriculum development, current technology practices relative to learners who have vision loss, parent relations and teamwork.
• Utilizes technology to model, teach, and assist learners relative to instruction and activities.
• Demonstrates knowledge / skill in the areas of project and technology-based learning.
• Organizes the instructional environment for collaborative group work.
• Works in co-teaching teams with others.
• Works as part of an education / assessment team responsible for identifying, developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating individual objectives for assigned learners.
• Understands and supports learners'. social-emotional development.
• Serves as a case manager for assigned learners.
• Coordinates effectively with other service staff in facilitating instruction, supporting school reform efforts, strategic planning, and positively contributing to co-curricular activities.
• Positively serves as a team member in the School for the Blind, and of the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) as a whole; and participates in regular team and departmental meetings, school and instructional meetings as required.
• Provides consultation to staff members who instruct or interact with learners with additional disabilities.
• Provides parent consultation; participates in selected parent-focused activities, etc.
• Seeks opportunities for and participates in activities related to professional development and training/workshops as appropriate.
• Performs other appropriate duties as assigned.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of and ability to apply current standards-based educational practices associated with learners who have additional disabilities within a variety of settings.
• Knowledge of appropriate curriculum for learners with additional disabilities.
• Knowledge of Expanded Core Curriculum for learners with visual impairments, including those with additional disabilities.
• Knowledge of and ability to assess and apply technology to perform the requirements of the position; ability to effectively utilize a variety of computer software applications, which may include but is not limited to e-mail, Internet, word processing, electronic calendar, presentation development, spreadsheet, database, etc.; willingness to stay current and develop skills as needed with or without direct support from CSDB.
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively adapt and apply teaching skills, classroom management and lesson preparation in a technology rich environment, which may include but is not limited to on-site classroom, telepresence, and multiple distance education technologies and delivery modes; ability to effectively implement technology necessary to model, teach, and assist learners relative to classroom instruction and activities.
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively implement current technologies utilized by learners who have additional disabilities and/or are blind/visually impaired.
• Ability to establish high standards for what learners must know and be able to do.
• Ability to respond effectively and positively to feedback.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and participate effectively in a team setting.
• Strong, positive interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency or commitment to work toward proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) at the Novice (Level A) skill level as demonstrated through an American Sign Language Proficiency Interview.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

• Bachelor's or master's degree in special education or closely related field from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Must hold or be eligible for appropriate educator licensure in the State of Colorado, endorsed as a Special Education Generalist / Specialist.
• Subject area endorsement in Elementary Education, or must be 'In-Field' in Elementary Education.
• Experience teaching / working with children in an educational environment who have additional disabilities (preference toward those who have some knowledge and experience with students who are blind or visually impaired)
  
  

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions / Physical Demands

Generally speaking, the work is performed in a typical school office environment and involves mostly sedentary to light physical activity, typically requiring exertion of up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally and usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree. Typically, workers are required to climb stairs, bend, reach, and handle objects, and use fingers to operate computer and/or typewriter keyboard. Work requires expression or exchange of ideas and the ability to receive detailed information. Work requires ability to compare, compile, analyze, and coordinate data/ information; ability to instruct/train others; and ability to utilize effective interpersonal skills/ behaviors.

In addition, work at the elementary school level involves heavy physical activity, requiring exertion of up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally, and routinely requires stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling. Work at the middle school / high school level involves very heavy physical activity, requiring exertion in excess of 100 lbs. of force occasionally. Work with Special Needs students will require exertion of force frequently.