SPED - Adaptive-Communication-Social Skills Teacher

Teacher – Special Education – Adaptive-Communication-Social Skills (ACSS)

Purpose Statement

The job of Teacher – Special Education – Adaptive-Communication-Social Skills (ACSS) is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional process by serving as a teacher with specific responsibility for developing special education students` success in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living; supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group an individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers, other professional staff, and administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom issues; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students` parents or guardians regarding instructional program and student progress.

This job reports to Executive Director of Special Education and Building Principal.

Essential Functions

·        Assist in early recognition and prevention of educational problems.

·        Adapt classroom work for providing students with instructional materials that address individualized learning plans within established lesson plans.

·        Administer developmental testing programs and/or subject specific assessments, etc. for assessing student competency levels and/or developing individual learning plans.

·        Administers, under supervision, first aid and assistance to medically fragile children (e.g. tube feeding, toileting, diapering, etc.) for providing appropriate care for children as assigned.

·        Advise parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for communicating expectations; student`s achievements; developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.

·        Assess student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals for providing feedback to students, parents and administration.

·        Collaborate with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents and a variety of community resources for improving the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan.

·        Counsel students for improving performance, health status, problem solving techniques and a variety of personal issues.

·        Demonstrate methods required to perform classroom and/or subject specific assignments for providing an effective program that addressing individual student requirements.

·        Direct assistant teachers, student teachers, instructional assistants, volunteers and/or student workers for providing an effective classroom program and addressing the needs of individual students.

·        Instructs students for improving their success in academic, interpersonal and daily living skills through a defined course of study.

·        Manage student behavior for providing a safe and optimal learning environment.

·        Monitor students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, naptimes, etc.) for providing a safe and positive learning environment.

·        Participate in a variety of meetings for conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.

·        Prepare a variety of written materials (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) for documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements.

·        Report incidents (e.g. fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to Education Code and school policies.

·        Respond to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers, parents, administrators, etc.) for resolving issues, providing information and/or direction.

·        Respond to emergency situations for resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.

·        Support classroom teachers for assisting them in the implementation of established curriculum and/or individual student plans.

Other Functions

·        Performs other related duties, as assigned, for ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using

pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percent, and/or ratios; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the

functions of the job include appropriate codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; and behavioral management strategies.

ABILITY is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include establishing and maintaining constructive relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; and working flexible hours.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; tracking budget expenditures. Utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job`s functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job`s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 40% sitting, 30% walking, and 30% standing.  The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a generally hazard free environment.

Experience: Job related experience is required.

Education: Master’s degree in job-related area.

Equivalency:

Required Testing                                           

Certificates and Licenses

Designated Subject Matter Endorsement

Low Incidence Special Education Endorsement

KSDE Educator’s Credential

Continuing Educ. / Training                           Clearances

Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses          Criminal Background Clearance

FLSA Status:       Exempt    

Salary Grade:      Determined by placement on teacher salary schedule                                                                                

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Geary County USD #475 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and/or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. For questions or complaints based on race, color, national origin, sex or age, please contact the USD 475 Executive Director of Personnel Services, 123 N. Eisenhower, Junction City, KS 66441. Telephone: 785.717.4000. For questions or complaints based on disability, please contact the USD 475 Executive Director of Special Education, 123 N. Eisenhower, Junction City, KS 66441. Telephone: 785.717.4000.

Geary County USD 475

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