Job Title: Teacher-Functional Academics
Experience: Job related experience is preferred
Education: Bachelor`s or Master’s degree in job-related area
Certificate/License: KSDE Approved Licensure
Status: School Year Term – Benefit Eligible
Salary: Certified Salary Schedule__Determined by qualifications and experience
Location: McPherson County Special Education Cooperative
Report to: McCSEC Assistant Director and/or Building Principal
FSLA Classification: Exempt
Purpose Statement
The job of Teacher-Functional Academics is done for the purpose(s) of providing support to the instructional process with specific responsibility for facilitating learning for special education students; instructing- assessing- and program
planning for students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities; monitoring and evaluating student progress and behavior; researching- obtaining- and providing instructional materials for special education services; serving as a
resource for students- parents- and District personnel; working within a pull-out environment or within a self-contained classroom.
Essential Functions
- Administers a variety of evaluative tools (e.g. developmental testing programs- subject specific assessments- etc.) for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and developing individual learning plans.
- Assesses student progress towards objectives- expectations- and goals (e.g. behavioral- motor development and communication skills- academic needs- vocational abilities- etc.) for the purpose of providing feedback to students- parents- and administration.
- Collaborates with parents- instructional staff- other school personnel (e.g. SLP- OT- PT- Vision- etc.) for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes and achieving student educational plan objectives.
- Demonstrates methods required to perform classroom and subject specific assignments for the purpose of providing an effective program that addresses individual student requirements.
- Differentiates instruction (e.g. online curriculum- alternative curriculum- multi-media- assistive technology- modified content- multi-sensory- etc.) for the purpose of providing students with different instructional avenues that address individualized learning within established curriculum guidelines.
- Informs parents and legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations- student`s achievements- developing methods for improvement- and reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.
- Instructs students for the purpose of improving their success in academic- interpersonal- and daily living skills through a defined course of study.
- Maintains complete confidentiality and professional discretion with a variety of confidential and non-confidential activities- files and records (e.g. conversations- emails- progress reports- IEPs- etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities- complying with mandated requirements- and providing up-to-date information.
- Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
- Monitors students` behavior and/or activities in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom- playground- field trips- etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
- Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g. IEP meetings- staff meetings- parent teacher conferences- etc.) for the purpose of conveying and gathering information required to perform functions.
- Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. grades- attendance- anecdotal records- IEPs- progress reports- exit plans- data sheets- lesson plans- evaluations- etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements.
- Reports incidents and appropriate documentation (e.g. fights- suspected child abuse- suspected substance abuse- bullying- emergency safety intervention- etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students- providing a positive learning environment- and adhering to the education code of ethics and school policies as a mandated reporter.
- Responds to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers- parents- administrators- etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues- providing information- and direction.
- Serves as a student primary provider for the purpose of ensuring each student is receiving services and all IEPs are in compliance.
- Supervises and evaluates paraeducators (e.g. training- scheduling- supporting- etc.) for the purpose of monitoring performance and ensuring standards are achieved.
Other Functions
- Performs other related duties- as assigned- for the purpose of 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 occasionally 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 pertinent software
applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and analyzing situations and taking appropriate action.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; 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 laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development;
methods of instruction and training; basic disabilities; behavioral management strategies; and conducting meetings.
ABILITY is required to schedule a significant 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 significant diversity of individuals and/or
groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize 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;
exhibiting tact and patience; demonstrating flexibility and creativity; diffusing confrontations; organizing tasks; setting
priorities; maintaining confidentiality; and communicating with diverse groups.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other
persons within a small work unit; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some 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: frequent
lifting and carrying up to seventy-five (75) pounds- some pushing- and/or pulling- significant stooping- kneeling-
crouching- and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 30% sitting- 60% walking-
and 10% standing. The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness and in some
varying atmospheric conditions.
https://mcpherson.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=2389