Immediate Supervisor: Director of Special Education

Salary: In accordance with the Professional Agreement.
 

Job Responsibilities:

• Developing individual education programs for students who are intellectually challenged, emotionally disturbed, and learning disabled.
• Assessing student progress on a regular basis and adjusting instruction to better meet the needs of students.
• Collaborating with general education teachers to better meet the needs of special education students in their buildings.
• Providing specialized instruction for students working below grade level.
• Meeting with the principal and grade-level teams to stay abreast of the expectations of the general curriculum.
• Implementing evidence-based instruction.
• Implementing socio-emotional and behavioral supports.
• Differentiating instruction for classroom.
• Co-teaching with general education teachers to provide support for special education students in general education.
• Documenting student responses to instructional interventions to make informed educational decisions.

Qualifications:

The classroom teacher will meet all qualifications and behavior standards as set by the Kansas Department of Education.  In accordance with certification requirements and the performance expectations of Topeka Public Schools, all classroom teachers shall meet the following employment criteria:

• The minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• A valid Kansas Teacher’s Certificate (applicable level-area endorsements preferred).
• A completed credential file that meets the Topeka Public Schools' standards.
• Professional verification of successful classroom teacher performance and/or student teaching experience.
• Evidence of the willingness and the ability to comply with the standards for ethical and professional performance established by the State Board of Education.
• Regular and predictable attendance is essential.

Physical/Emotional Requirements: This incumbent may be required to use the skills and abilities outlined below during any part of the working day.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, and hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  The employee is required to interact with staff and to meet demands from several people.  The employee is responsible for the work output of others.  On occasion, the employee may be required to work extended hours.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Communicates high expectations to all learners
• Incorporates appropriate use of technology
• Effectively implements the district-adopted curriculum
• Develops lesson plans by incorporating effective lesson design
• Routinely integrates a variety of informal and formal assessments into instruction
• Administers standardized tests in accordance with district testing protocol
• Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve effective participation in activities and learning experiences
• Maintains up-to-date records of student progress
• Creates a positive, inviting, and safe learning environment
• Communicates effectively and promotes positive interpersonal relationships
• Supports the District’s educational mission for all students and implements all Board regulations and policies in a fair and equitable manner
• Maintains confidentiality
• Performs other tasks and assumes other responsibilities as the principal or superintendent may assign

Terms of Employment:

Salary and work year to be determined  in accordance with the Professional Agreement and approved by the Topeka Public Schools USD 501 Board of Education.

Evaluation: 

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education policies for professional certified employees.

Significant Associations:

The performance responsibilities are not limited to those outlined in this description and may include any other responsibilities as assigned by the administrator/supervisor.