Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

It is the policy of Norfolk Public Schools to not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, religion, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, or other protected status in its educational programs, admission policies, employment policies or other administered programs.  Persons requiring accommodations to apply and/or be considered for positions are asked to make their request to the Director of Human Resources.

JOB TITLE:  Early Childhood Special Education Teacher – Little Panthers Preschool

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from an accredited college or university
• Valid, current Nebraska teaching certificate
• BA in Early Childhood Unified meets these requirements / BA in Early Childhood Inclusive

REPORTS TO:  Little Panthers Preschool Principal

RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM:  Little Panthers Preschool Principal

JOB GOALS:

• To create, organize, implement and sustain a highly effective learning environment which enables students to master appropriate levels of subject matter, develops and enhances practical communication skills, fosters an appreciation of our culture and heritage, and facilitates a respect for the rights of others.  The teacher will assist all students in his/her development.
• Implements Board policy regarding education philosophy/curriculum under the direction of the administration through planning, organizing, managing, interacting with students; establishing rapport with students, staff, parents, and community; and continuing professional development

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  Nine-month year or as established by the Board of Education, additional stipend pay for Special Education services provided during the summer

EVALUATION:  Evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the district’s Personnel Evaluation Policy

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education or Early Childhood Inclusive Education
• Experience working with children ages birth to five and families in rural areas
• Home visiting experience
• Demonstrated early childhood knowledge, including developmental milestones birth to age five
• Demonstrated knowledge of special education vocabulary and forms of support for families
• Demonstrated knowledge of Nebraska Department of Education Rule 51 and Rule 52
• Energetic, motivated and creative
• Ability to work independently and with a flexible schedule
• Ability to collaborate with a team to meet the needs of the children served
• Available and reliable vehicle for visiting families (mileage reimbursed)
• Competency with technology
• Willingness to travel regionally for necessary trainings and professional development
• Willingness to collect data and participate in program evaluation

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Consistent and punctual attendance at the work site
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families served
• Conduct evaluations of children birth to age five
• Work in tandem with a team to determine qualification for special education
• Provide regular home visits to families
• Serve as case manager for students receiving special education services
• Lead special education meetings that involve parents, educators, and providers
• Complete special education paperwork on the Student Record System (SRS)
• Participate in training and technical assistance activities
• Receive training and be able to implement Routines Based Interviews with families
• Receive training and be able to document/score within the Teaching Strategies GOLD system

INTERPERSONAL RELATONSHIPS

• Student behavior does not detract from the effective learning climate in the classroom
• Teacher exhibits patience, openness, and concern in dealing with students
• Rapport within and outside the classroom evidences mutual respect between the students and teacher
• Teacher exhibits tact and self-control in dealing with parents
• Communicates readily and cooperates with fellow staff members
• Teacher accepts suggestions from administrators without resentment

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Teacher dresses appropriately and is well groomed
• Teacher shows enthusiasm and initiative
• Teacher is punctional and professional in job responsibilities
• Teacher is willing to spend time outside the regular school day to assist students and supervise school activities

OCCASIONAL

• Relates with staff, parents and community through positive professional cooperation
• Suggests positive recommendations for the continuing review and development of curriculum
• Remains current with professional training and shows evidence of regular professional growth
• Actively participates at scheduled staff meetings and serves on district committees
• Assumes responsibility periodically for conferences with parents
• Recognizes the extra curriculum program as integral to the educational development of the child
• Performs other duties within the scope of employment and certification as assigned by the appropriate administrator

OTHER REQUIREMENTS (Intellectual, Sensory):

• Exemplary command of oral and written communication skills
• Skills in leadership, interpersonal relations, organization, prioritization, problem solving and conflict management, assessment and evaluation
• Visual acuity in supervisory rules; teaching
• Auditory acuity in teaching functions

Hazards:

• Communicable diseases
• Stairs in some buildings
• Playground equipment