RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:  Special Education Teacher

Location: RCHS

Reports to:  Principal

FLSA Status:  Exempt

SUMMARY:

The position is responsible for creating a classroom environment favorable to the learning and personal growth of every student; establishing effective rapport with students; and motivating students to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for becoming a responsible citizen in accordance with each pupil’s ability; and to establish good relationships with parents and other staff members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ASSIGNED TASKS:

• Instructs students in a program of study that meets stated objectives and provides transfer of knowledge;
• Instructs students in citizenship and basic subject matter specified in the state law and administrative regulations and procedures of Rappahannock County Public Schools;
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials, provides individualized and small group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student;
• Translates lesson plans into learning experiences to best utilize the available time for instruction;
• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of all IEPs and in harmony with the goals, establishes clear objectives for the students;
• Serves as the liaison between the classroom and specialty groups;
• Evaluate academic and social growth of students, prepare report cards, keep appropriate records to include attendance as appropriate, checklists, and other recordkeeping as necessary;
• Assesses the accomplishments of students regularly, seeking the assistance of appropriate personnel to provide accurate and objective statements relevant to student progress in a timely manner;
• Communicates regularly with parents or guardians through conferences and other means to discuss student progress;
• Supervises and monitors student movement and escorts students to resources, bathroom, buses, cafeteria, room changes, and other activities in the building as appropriate;
• Serves as a member of the multidisciplinary team;
• Administers standardized testing in accordance with division testing practices;
• Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities;
• Maintains professional competence by attending staff development programs, curriculum development meetings and other professional activities;
• Performs other duties as assigned by the building administrator on other appropriate administrative personnel.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of subject(s) taught; thorough knowledge of special education principles, practices and procedures; thorough knowledge of the principles  and methodology of effective teaching; thorough knowledge of school division rules, regulations and procedures; ability to establish and maintain standards of behavior, ability to deliver articulate oral presentations and written reports; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, administration and parents.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Candidate must be a graduate of an accredited college or university and possess or be eligible to acquire appropriate license(s) and/or endorsements for the position as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Candidates must possess demonstrated leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, staff, administrators, and parents.  The candidate must possess good moral character and is expected to be a role model, in and out of school.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS:

Duties performed typically in school settings to include: classrooms, gymnasium, cafeteria, auditorium, and recreational areas.  Frequent walking, standing, stooping, lifting, up to approximately 30 pounds, and occasional lifting of equipment and/or materials weighing up to approximately 40 pounds may be required.  Other limited physical activities may be required.  Occasional travel with students on field trips may be necessary.  Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise and hazards.  Occasional movement of students by wheelchairs and other mechanical devices may be required.  Regular instruction to special needs children may be necessary.  Daily personal and close contact with children to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required.  Frequent contact with parents by phone and in person is necessary.  Occasional contact with medical professionals may be required.

EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated on the ability and effectiveness in carrying out the above responsibilities by building administrators.

Rappahannock County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, creed, marital status, age or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA regulations. RCPS provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. For inquiries please contact Carol Johnson, Assistant Superintendent, Rappahannock County Public Schools, at 6 School House Road, Washington, Virginia 22747, (540-227-0023).