Job Description:
Position Summary:

The Special Education teacher assesses the needs of students and provides supports and interventions so students can meet their Individual Education Plan goals within a small classroom setting.  The Special Education teacher collaborates with general education or content teachers to co-plan, co-deliver, and individualize instruction for all students in a class; work together creatively to accommodate the special needs, diversity and educational backgrounds of the students in the class; and overcome instructional challenges constructively.  The Special Education teacher must be comfortable sharing ideas, modeling strategies, co-teaching and providing coaching to colleagues.  Special education teachers carry the responsibility of educating children who are diagnosed with a number of physical, mental and emotional disabilities. They work with legally required federal paperwork called an IEP, or Individualized Educational Plan, that outlines the necessary supports, accommodations and goals for an individual child. These goals can encompass both academic and behavioral concerns. The ideal Special Education teacher has experience working with students with a variety of disabilities, including, but not limited to:  Autism, Intellectual Disability, Emotional Disturbance, and Other Health Impairment. The Special Education teacher is a hardworking, goal-oriented and enthusiastic professional with excellent subject knowledge and a sound understanding of the Missouri Learning Standards and Common Core State Standards. The Special Education teacher should have experience with administering MAP-A (alternate state assessment).

Position Responsibilities:

• The teacher assesses the needs of students, and supports students in their educational goals as determined by the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).
• Performs educational assessments of students, including an observation of the student, review of the student’s educational history, conferences with the student’s teachers, and an evaluation and analysis of the student’s academic performance and learning characteristics.
• Provides individual and small group push-in or pull-out instruction as assigned.
• Reports educational assessment findings to parents, classroom teachers, supervisor and administration.
• In the classroom, work with children including those who have mild to severe disabilities, using specialized techniques to help them reach their goals.
• Collaborate with other staff, including paraprofessional, general education teachers, support staff, and administrators in advocating for student needs
• Maintains confidential records on all referred students and student/parent contacts in accordance with federal and state law, Board policy and the procedure of the school’s special education program.
• Serves as a resource to school personnel on the nature, causes, and solutions of the learning problems of students.
• Demonstrates gains in student performance
• Complete quarterly progress reports on each student in the program.
• Provides a positive environment in which students are encouraged to be actively engaged in the learning process.
• Act in a professional and ethical manner at all times and comply with school policies, procedures, and expectations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by their supervisor.

All applicants must apply on line by submitting a resume and cover letter at http://www.crossroadsschoolskc.org/careers. 

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Special Education
• Valid Missouri teaching certificate
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a Special Education Teacher preferred
• Experience determining eligibility for and administering MAP-A (alternative state assessment)
• Demonstrated success in urban education
• Excellent organization skills and an ability to coordinate multiple tasks and activities
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills and an ability to keep multiple stakeholder groups, including parents, teachers, staff, volunteers and partners, informed of critical issues, activities and schedules.
• An ability and enthusiasm for promoting the school and its mission to a broad and diverse group of people.
• Excellent work ethic, positive attitude, flexibility and willingness to perform tasks assigned
• Demonstrates ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students and teachers in a school environment and community.
• Must pass extensive background check.