Special Education Teacher
A Special Education Teacher works with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with special needs.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Special Education Teacher
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
Seeking a compassionate and dedicated Special Education Teacher to join our team. The ideal candidate will work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. You will be adapting general education lessons and teaching various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities.
Required Skills
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Patience and resilience
- Empathy and understanding for special needs students
- Ability to creatively solve problems
- Experience with instructional technology and software
- Organizational skills
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related field
- State certification in special education
- Understanding of teaching methods and legal educational procedures
- Willingness to comply with all school regulations and policies
Responsibilities
- Assess students' abilities and craft teaching plans
- Adapt learning materials to meet students' needs
- Implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Collaborate with parents, teachers, and counselors to promote student success
- Utilize various teaching methods to engage students with different learning styles
- Maintain accurate records of students' performance and progress
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
Seeking a compassionate and adaptable Special Education Teacher to provide tailored educational services to students with varying disabilities. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of creating individualized education plans and implementing strategies that support the unique needs of each student. An understanding of inclusive practices and a commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment are essential.
Required Skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to adapt teaching methods to suit different learning styles.
- Patience and empathy for students with special needs.
- Organizational and record-keeping skills.
- Problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations.
- Proficiency in assistive technology and software used in special education.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Special Education or a related field.
- State certification in Special Education.
- 2-5 years of experience working with students with disabilities.
- Experience developing and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
- Knowledge of special education law and best practices.
Responsibilities
- Assess students' abilities and craft personalized education plans.
- Implement individualized learning strategies and activities.
- Collaborate with parents, teachers, and specialists to support student learning.
- Monitor and report on student progress and adapt education plans as necessary.
- Create an inclusive classroom culture that respects diversity and promotes self-advocacy.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of special education practices and legislation.
- Manage classroom resources and ensure a safe learning environment.
- Participate in continuous professional development related to special education.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
Seeking a dedicated and experienced Special Education Teacher to create a supportive, inclusive, and adaptive learning environment for students with diverse learning needs. As a senior role, the candidate will lead classroom instruction, collaborate with other educators, and tailor education plans to student abilities, ensuring all students have the resources and support needed to succeed academically.
Required Skills
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational and planning skills
- Ability to work compassionately with students with diverse learning needs
- Proficiency in using adaptive technologies and educational software
- Patience and resilience in challenging teaching scenarios
- Leadership abilities to mentor and lead a classroom team
- A commitment to ongoing professional development and learning
Qualifications
- Master's degree in Special Education or related field
- Valid teaching certification in Special Education
- More than 5 years of experience working in special education
- A history of developing successful IEPs
- Strong understanding of federal and state special education laws
- Experience with various disabilities and learning disorders
- Background in working with students of various ages and educational levels
Responsibilities
- Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student, outlining personalized goals and strategies
- Assess students' abilities and craft instruction methods that meet their learning needs
- Collaborate with parents, teachers, and school counselors to promote students' educational progress
- Implement and adapt lesson plans to suit the dynamic needs of the classroom
- Utilize assistive technology and other resources to enhance learning for students with disabilities
- Monitor and report on student progress, keeping accurate and detailed records
- Advocate for students' needs and support their academic and social development
- Train and provide guidance to support staff and educational assistants
- Stay current with special education practices and participate in professional development opportunities
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