WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

AREA: Special Education Teacher (Structured Learning Program)

REPORTS TO: Director of Student Services, Principal

Whitefish School District seeks a Special Education Teacher (Structured Learning Program) to join one of the leading school districts in the state of Montana. With the support of our community, Whitefish School District creates an educational environment where each student can reach their academic potential, prepare for career opportunities and become engaged citizens.

The Whitefish School District seeks educators with a track-record of raising student achievement to join the team of educators already dedicated to providing a deeper learning instructional program to all students.  At Whitefish Public Schools, educators are leaders who play an integral role in ensuring student success through the support of our school culture, the development and instruction of a rigorous curriculum, and the use of data to drive their daily practice.

SUMMARY OF ASSIGNMENT:

Provides individualized instruction to students with disabilities in accordance with assessed needs.   Provides leadership and management as the case manager in the implementation of individualized educational programs for each student with a disability in accordance with Montana Laws and Rules for Special Education. This position will provide individualized academic support with an emphasis on providing social-emotional and behavioral support to students who are eligible for the program.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Whitefish Public Schools seeks candidates with strong character, passion for excellence and a relentless commitment to student achievement. Applicants should also meet the following requirements):

• Valid Certificate or eligibility for Montana endorsement in special education.  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with children with disabilities with social-emotional and behavioral needs.
• Specific education or training related to supporting students with social-emotional and behavioral needs.

 JOB RESPONSIBILITIES (not limited to): 

• Will complete educational evaluations and progress monitoring of special education students in conjunction with other professionals and interpret data to parents and appropriate school personnel.
• Collaborates with other professionals to conduct Functional Behavioral Assessments and develop Behavior Intervention Plans. 
• Teaches students positive social-emotional skills and mental health strategies. 
• Utilizes a Positive Behavioral Support approach and utilizes de-escalation strategies.
• Follows Mandt  strategies for deescalation and assisting students if necessary. 
• Works closely with mental health professionals to support student success.
• Submits concise, clear and informative statements of educational test results.
• Participates in ER/IEP meetings as required by law and district policy and consults with parents, professional personnel and other agencies regarding special education needs of a student with a disability.
• Will assume the lead role in providing an appropriate individual educational program IEP for each student with a disability in the program.
• For each student with a disability, is able to prepare and maintain weekly lesson plan which clearly relates the goals and objectives described in the IEP.
• Utilizes instructional techniques or strategies and instructional materials consistent with the special needs, capabilities, and learning style of each student.
• Regularly coordinates remedial or tutorial special education instruction with regular education teachers where appropriate.
• Assists regular teacher to understand the relationship between the student’s disability and his/her classroom performance, suggesting and helping to develop classroom or curricular modifications where appropriate.
• Maintains a log of consultations or contacts with regular teachers and parents of each child in special education.
• Develops and maintains a classroom environment conducive to effective individual or small group learning, setting high expectations appropriate to each student’s ability level.
• Maintains students on learning tasks, actively engaging the student and avoiding unnecessary time off task.
• Gives students prompt, clear evaluative feedback with appropriate reinforcement and encouragement, keeping student instruction interesting and motivating.
• Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior, employing behavior management principles, behavioral contracting, token economy, etc., where appropriate.                                                              
• Takes all reasonable and necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
• Maintains accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, by administrative regulations and district policy.
• Maintains confidentiality of reports, files and all information relating to students with disabilities.
• Communicates student progress to parents on a regular basis.
• Supervises paraeducators and other classified staff, including behavior specialists, in providing IEP services using effective collaborative leadership.
• Assists in selection of special education-related instructional materials.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative, professional relations with others.
• Provides for his/her own professional growth through an ongoing program of reading, workshops, seminars, conferences and/or advanced coursework at institutions of higher learning.
• Fulfills other responsibilities as assigned.
• May be responsible for personal needs of students including feeding, toileting, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This type of work involves walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods of time as required by situations of job position. Perceiving the nature of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, providing oral and written information, the manual dexterity to move related equipment, and the skills necessary to handle and work with various materials and objects are important aspects of this job.May be required to lift or move up to 20 pounds. 

The physical demands & work-environment characteristics described within this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MENTAL/MOTOR DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee rarely performs routine work. The employee frequently exercises flexibility (ability to shift from one task to another). Guidance and reinforcement are usually available. The employee frequently works within time constraints and maintains attentiveness intensity. The employee is frequently involved in social interactions which require oral and written communications. The physical demands & work-environment characteristics described within this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

School year working days as set by the Board of Trustees.  Salary, benefits and other working conditions as negotiated between the Whitefish School District and Whitefish Education Association and as assigned by the administration.

EVALUATION:

Performance of said duties will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.