2026-2027 Special Education Teacher

Teacher Special Education

Purpose Statement

The job of Teacher Special Education 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' plans that address academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living; supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines and instructional methodologies and strategies; collaborating with other teachers, 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 programs and student progress.

This job reports to Principal

Essential Functions

• Administers developmental testing programs, district assessments and/or state tests, etc. for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and/or developing individual education plans.
• Administers, under supervision, first aid and assistance to medically fragile children (e.g. tube feeding, toileting, diapering, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care for children as assigned.
• Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations; documenting student achievements; developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the school environment.
• Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations and/or goals (e.g. behavioral, communication skills, academic needs, vocational abilities, etc.) for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration.
• Collaborates with classroom teachers for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of established curriculum and/or individual student plans.
• Collaborates with professional learning community, instructional staff, other school personnel, parents, business partners, and a variety of community resources (e.g. OT, PT, SLP, etc.) for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan.
• Consistent interaction with students for the purpose of eduating students.
• Counsels students for the purpose of improving performance, and developing problem solving techniques.
• Demonstrates methods required to perform classroom and/or subject specific assignments for the purpose of providing an effective program that addresses individual student requirements.
• Differentiates classroom work for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized learning styles.
• Directs para-professionals, volunteers and/or student workers for the purpose of providing an effective classroom program that addresses the needs of individual students.
• Instructs students for the purpose of improving their success in academic, interpersonal, and daily living skills through a defined course of study.
• Maintains a variety of confidential and non-confidential manual and electronic files and records (e.g. IEPs, SEAS, etc.) for the purpose of providing up-to-date information and/or historical reference in accordance with established administrative guidelines and legal requirements.
• Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
• Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g. SAP, IEP, PLC, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. IEPs, grades, testing schedules, lesson plans, attendance, appropriate behavior plans, daily behavior charts, anecdotal records, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements.
• Reports incidents (e.g. fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to education code and school policies.
• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Responds to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g. students, teachers, parents, administrators, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction.
• Schedules students with para-professionals and other school personnel for academic and/or therapeutic instruction (e.g. OT, PT, SLP, etc.) for the purpose of meeting IEP goals.
• Supervises students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.

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 routinely upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: administering assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

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/or laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; and behavioral management strategies.

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. Independent 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; and operating within a defined budget. 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; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 10% sitting, 50% walking, and 40% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Experience

Job related experience is required.

Education

Bachelor's degree in job related area.

Equivalency

None Specified

Required Testing

None Specified

Continuing Educ. / Training

Units of Continuing Education

Certificates Licenses

Missouri State Teaching Certificate

Clearances

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

FLSA Status

Exempt

Approval Date

1/23/2014

Salary Grade

Certificated

The purpose and utilization of job descriptions in Liberty Public School District #53 are to ensure the essential functions of each position are articulated in order to create a clear understanding of job expectations for the incumbent while also providing a framework through which the recruiting, hiring, and retaining of employees may be enhanced.

Applicants for Liberty Public Schools must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.