Special needs teacher job description

This job posting is for the following areas: visual arts, music, band, drama, world language, etc. It is not for physical education, elementary science, or world cultures which also serve on the specials team but have a separate job posting. Please note that all of the specials positions do require teacher certification.

KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools seeks inspiring, certified specials teachers for our K-8 schools. Specials teachers should have a clear vision for their subject that includes students engaging in culturally appropriate and fun learning. This full-time position works closely with the existing specials departments. These departments vary by school. As a specials teacher, they would likely see students across all grade levels and be responsible for creating a positive classroom environment, implementing curriculum, assessing students, collaborating with their team, building relationships with families, and other duties as assigned. Full teacher responsibilities are ultimately outlined by their school leader.
OUR CURRENT MODEL
The specials schedule is subject to change and can vary from school to school. The specials team consists of up to seven teachers for the entire school, depending on the size of the school. Each specials teacher instructs students across multiple grade levels.

Depending on the specials area subject, the teacher may travel to classrooms or have students transition to their own classroom space. Class size is typically ~26 students and typically a teacher will see a class about once per week in a given rotation.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Our current compensation and benefits structure is very competitive and is commensurate with experience.

Our current starting salary for a first-year lead teacher is $50,000

Free individual health benefits (including medical, dental, and vision)

Free individual short-term and long-term disability insurance

403(b) retirement program with a company match

To support teacher practice and their growth, all lead teachers receive individualized coaching and professional development.

This offering is subject to change each school year. Terms would be outlined in an offer letter, if issued.

$12.80/hr, 40 hrs/wk, 41 wks/yr

NACOG is an Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) participating employer. The ASRS is a trusted, sustainable, and well-managed retirement system that provides long term disability, retiree health insurance, and lifetime pension benefits to educators, municipal, and state government employees who have dedicated their career to serving the citizens of Arizona.

Summary

In compliance with Federal Law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

The Special Needs Teacher Aide works directly with special needs children in the classroom. Acts as an integral part of the classroom teaching team; assists the classroom teacher in planning and implementing age appropriate activities based on IEP goals. Works under the supervision of the Teacher and is responsible for temporary assignments of teacher duties as assigned by his/her supervisor, the Center Director or the Head Start Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Directly supervise and assist children with special needs in performing daily activities in the Head Start Center.
Uses positive guidance and behavior management techniques as stated in IEP for student under the supervision of the Teacher and/or Center Director.
Assists children in performing daily activities in the Head Start classroom.
Completes paperwork, writes daily anecdotes, filing, and other documentation as required.
Attends and actively participates in staff meetings, training sessions, C.D.A./ECE classes, and related career development classes.
Is involved in parent/teacher conferences, IEP's and other meetings as necessary.
Assists special needs children in their daily routine, which may include diapering, feeding, etc.
Assists children in serving food, learning table behavior, and good nutritional habits.
Participates in playground supervision of children's activities.
Assists with developmental assessments/testing under direction of the Teacher or Center Director as needed.
Assists in transitioning activities under direction of the Center Director and/or Teacher.
Communicates progress and other information daily with therapist and classroom teachers.
Maintains strict child confidentiality.
High tolerance for paperwork, documentation and meeting program and federal deadlines.
Performs related duties, as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience

Experience and training equivalent to a high school diploma or GED and experience working with preschool children. Must meet all health and licensing regulations as prescribed by the Arizona Health Services Department. Must enroll in and actively pursue Child Development Associate credential (C.D.A.) or ECE training upon employment, as necessary.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Preschool classroom experience and knowledge of special needs, or related experience necessary. Must be able to communicate effectively in English in both verbal and written format. Knowledge of Head Start program and philosophy required. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with people of varied social, cultural, and educational backgrounds. Must be bondable.

Bilingual proficiency and/or experience working in a multicultural setting, preferred.

Other Skills and Abilities

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization. Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Certificates and Licenses

Obtain Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card

Obtain Food Handlers Certification if required by the County Health Department

Obtain CPR and First Aide Certification

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met, or are encountered, by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Benefits include: Arizona State Retirement (ASRS); Sick & Holiday Pay

NACOG follows all CDC Guideline for COVID-19.