Certified Special Education Teacher (Education)
POSITION TITLE: Certified Special Education TeacherCLASSIFICATION: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Education SUPERVISOR: Director of EducationGRADE: E3 Position Summary:Under the direction of the Education Director, the Special Education Teacher willcoordinate and provide developmentally appropriate educational services to students whoseabilities differ from their peers. Will promote a favorable learning environment byencouraging students to develop skills, positive attitudes and knowledge needed to obtaina good foundation for continuous growth and development throughout the traditionalschool year and summer months.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:• Performs a variety of assessments and observations to determine the areas in which thestudent may need extra or modified educational services. Assessment areas may includeacademic performance, behavior, social development, or physical health.• Identifies the student's needs and provides case management plans.• Advocates for special needs students in early childhood through K-12. • Develops an integrated plan for the education of each child by collaborating withclassroom teachers, parents, psychologists, social workers, and other medical andschool staff. • Monitors individualized education programs (IEPs) for each student, setting learninggoals and adopting modifications as necessary; ensures each student's activities andlessons are planned and organized according to his/her abilities. • Develops lessons that provide engaging learning opportunities for small groups andindividual students while meeting required specifications of IEPs and 504 plans.• Monitors IEPs, provides ongoing or follow-up assessments, and continually tracksprogress and makes modifications as necessary.• Collaborates with liaisons and classroom teachers to ensure each student's needs aremet and plans are followed.
• Ensures programs comply with Individuals with Disabilities Education • Act (IDEA); ensures each applicable student is provided with Free Appropriate PublicEducation (FAPE) that is properly modified for his/her individual needs.
• Develops, completes, and maintains all paperwork mandated by local, state, and federalguidelines, laws, and regulations. • Maintains knowledge of special education teaching methods, research, and bestpractices through professional development and study. • Establishes and enforces classroom management structure and rules that ensureacademic engagement and the physical and mental safety of all students. • Celebrates the achievements and successes of students. • Take precautions to protect equipment, materials, and facilities.• Attend and participate in Department meetings.• Follow Santa Ana Pueblo policies and administrative rules and regulations.• Performs other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in special education is required plus three years teaching experience; orequivalent combination of education and experience. Must be a Current New Mexico SpecialEducation Teaching Certificate. Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employmentdrug/alcohol screen and background investigation including a motor vehicle check. Mustpossess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver's license and be insurable under thePueblo's insurance.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Certifications:• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to maintain a calm and patient demeanor withall students.• Thorough understanding of various special education needs and services. • Thorough understanding of and the ability to implement a variety of effective teachingmethods.• Thorough understanding of policies, laws, and guidelines related to special educationincluding IDEA, IEPs, SAT, and 504. • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
Physical Demands:Sitting, standing, lifting and carrying (up to 50 pounds), climbing stairs, reaching,squatting, kneeling, having full mobility of fingers/hands, talking and hearing, andmoving light furniture may be required, unless ADA accommodations have been mutuallyagreed on and does not create an undue hardship upon the Pueblo. The employeefrequently is required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee occasionallyis required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
Safety and Health:Knowledge of universal hygiene precautions (blood borne pathogens, body fluids, etc.) Equipment/Material Handled:
Must know how to properly operate, or be willing to learn to operate, multimedia equipment including current technology asneeded.
Work Environment:Work is generally performed in a classroom setting with moderate to loud noise levels andwhere employees may be exposed to unpleasant odors, hazardous material and infectiousdisease. There is frequent interaction with children, the public, and Pueblo of Santa Anaemployees
