Job Description:

The Special Education Teacher develops special education students' success in academics, interpersonal skills, and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents, and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc.

Individuals hired into this role will join the George Washington University-ACPS Special Education Residency Cohort. This program combines enrollment into a Special Education Graduate degree program at GWU and employment within ACPS.

Participation is also dependent on acceptance into the GWU Graduate degree program.

More information about this program can be reviewed here: https://www.acps.k12.va.us/departments/school-community-relations/communications/media-relations/press-releases/~board/press-releases/post/alexandria-city-public-schools-acps-announces-partnership-with-the-george-washington-universitys-graduate-school-of-education-and-human-development.

This job reports to the Principal.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree
Certificates & Licenses: Valid Virginia Department of Education License with an endorsement in Special Education, or eligibility to obtain one.
Compensation: This position qualifies for an additional step placement on the Licensed Salary Scale under the umbrella of Specialized Instruction.

Essential Functions:

Adapts classroom work to provide students with instructional materials that address individualized learning plans within established lesson plans.
Administers developmental testing programs, subject-specific assessments, etc. to assess student competency levels and/or develop individual learning plans.
Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress to communicate expectations; student achievements; develops methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.
Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals and provides feedback to students, parents, and administration.
Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents, and a variety of community resources to improve the overall quality of student outcomes and achieve established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan.
Counsels students to improve performance, health status, problem-solving techniques, and a variety of personal issues.
Demonstrates methods required to perform classroom and/or subject-specific assignments to provide an effective program that addresses individual student requirements.
Directs assistant teachers, student teachers, instructional assistants, volunteers, and/or student workers to provide an effective classroom program and address the needs of individual students.
Instructs students to improve their success in academic, interpersonal, and daily living skills through a defined course of study.
Manages student behavior to provide a safe and optimal learning environment.
Monitors students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, nap times, etc.) to provide a safe and positive learning environment.
Participates in a variety of meetings to convey and/or gather information required to perform functions.
Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) to document student progress and meet mandated requirements.
Reports incidents (e.g. fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) to maintain the personal safety of students, provide a positive learning environment, and adhere to the Education Code and school policies.
Performs other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Clearances:

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
Tuberculosis Skin Test.

Public Health Compliance

Proof of COVID vaccination. Exemptions for religious/medical will be reviewed.
Must follow safety and health protocols.