POSITION GOAL:

To provide learning opportunities and experiences to students with disabilities, from Local School Districts throughout St. Joseph County. Varying disabilities include severe multiple impairment, cognitive impairments, emotional impairments and autism. The goal of the teacher is to help the students achieve the maximum level of functional independence possible within their capabilities, through development of a classroom program that meets the students' needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 
  Current Michigan Teacher's Certificate.
• Special Education Endorsement.
• Health Education Certification recommended (Secondary and Life Skills Center Teachers).
• Meet Highly Qualified Standards.
• Responsibility of employee to obtain and maintain all training(s), certificate(s), approval(s), etc. and provide documentation to the business office before expiration date of said document(s).
• Must have regular and reliable job attendance, performance, and the physical ability to do the job.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 
  Develop and work toward achievement of performance objectives for each assigned student, with a system for data collection and evaluation for these objectives, along with administering Transition.
• Demonstrate ability to instruct students individually and in groups, based on knowledge of child growth and development and using multi-sensory techniques.
• Work as a team with assistant teachers to pursue and meet individual performance objectives, collect student data and create an organized, positive and safe classroom environment which maintains the dignity of the individual student.
• Maintain appropriate records (i.e. Accident forms, medical, Department of Human Services reports, educational and attendance records).
• Involve students in community-based instruction and be responsible for student safety in community training.
• Establish a positive relationship with parents and home providers, and communicate with them regularly about growth, progress, problems and successes.
• Analyze student behavior, develop and implement behavior supports, as needed.
• Serve as a resource to parents of students with impairments, providing information and/or contacts for support, assistance or knowledge of their child's impairment.
• Serve as a member of the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team, Individual Educational Planning Committee and program/department teams.
• Work cooperatively with ancillary staff, office staff, administration and community service agencies.
• Supervise assigned student teachers, interns, vocational students and volunteers.
• Demonstrate professional improvement through in-service attendance, SCECH's or college credit, conference attendance and reading professional literature.
• Prepare required reports and provide necessary information accurately and punctually.
• Identify program needs and assist in finding solutions for special education problems.
• Participate in activities and schedules for school wide events.
• Oversee and share information/knowledge with assistant teachers/program assistance.
• Assist in creating objectives for students in gross motor, fitness and fine motor domains, as needed.
• Maintain positive school/community relationships.
• Arrange efficient instructional schedules cooperatively with other instructional staff.
• Be aware of various augmentative/assistive devices and techniques and utilize them in the classroom whenever possible.
• Work on related service goals - including OT, PT, speech, PE (throughout classroom routine).
• Dispense and record student medications and communicate regularly with school nurse.
• Arrange transportation for community-based instruction.
• Be responsible for classroom funds and for individual student accounts (i.e. lunch accounts, etc.).
• Address transition needs of all students.
• Work with individuals and agencies to successfully integrate students into the community.
• Constantly monitor & evaluate the safety & well being of all students and report any concerns to the proper authorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the St. Joseph County ISD Administrators.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF THE JOB:

• 
  Climb steps as needed.
• Walk long distances in community-based instruction.
• Lift and position physically involved students.
• Physically assist with aggressive student behavior.
• Assist students in sports events (i.e. skiing, winter field day, track & field events).
• Change diapers or assist any students in toileting and other self care skills.
• Demonstrate home living skills and physically assist students with hands-on experiences.
• Assist with P.E. and swimming.
• Participate in yearly CPI, CPR/AED and first aid training biyearly.
• Use universal precautions at all times for personal health and safety.
• Must be able to lift 30 pounds.
• Required to have a physical presence at the designated job site each scheduled work day.

REPORTS TO: Special Education Supervisor/Principal

PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS: Special Education Supervisor/Principal

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Salary for this position is based on the IEA Master Agreement