Special Education Teacher (2024-2025)

JOB SPECIFICATION

POSITION: Special Education Teacher

JOB CODE: ESS4009

DEPARTMENT: ESS/SSS

LOCATION: Great Hearts Harveston

REPORTS TO: Head of School

EEO Classification: Professional

FLSA STATUS : Salaried-Exempt

Position Summary

The Special Educatio n Teacher is a campus instructional position that will play an important role in founding Great Hearts Harveston and building the footings and structures that will enable the school to provide access to the Great Hearts classical, liberal arts education to all families who want it for their children.

Specifically, the Special Education Teacher will provide instruction to students with disabilities in accordance with the goals and descriptions of specially designed instruction outlined by these students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) . They will collaborate with teachers and school leadership to ensure that the IEPs are implemented with fidelity and reflect the philosophy of Great Hearts with regards to providing access to our rich, classical liberal arts experience, and comply with federal, state, and local requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities

Instructional Planning and Services

• Reviews student IEPs to design effective lesson plans and learning activities based on student IEP goals and descriptions of individualized and specially designed instruction.
• Provides services outlined by IEPs, ensuring that each student receives the instructional minutes determined by their IEP team.
• Collects data regularly to track progress on student IEP goals and objectives .
• Collaborates with Special Education team on instructional service schedule for students .
• Consult s with school staff about implementation of the IEPs, appropriate accommodations and modifications, and strategies for learning.
• Partner s with other Special Education team members in pursuit of effective I EPs .
• Provides input into student present levels of academic achievement and functional performance in preparation for the review and revision of student IEPs.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of all Special Education evaluation s , IEPs, and any other student information

Organizational Management

• Provide assistance with the organizational needs of the Special Education Department.
• Collaborate s with Lead SPED Coordinator on student data reporting relative to state and federal funding and compliance, as needed.
• Support the organizational needs of campuses, upon request.

The Special Education Teacher Role in Student Achievement

• Work collaboratively with all c ontent teachers , leaders, and team members, as well as fellow members of the Special Education team in the creation of a supportive school environment that meets the academic and developmental needs of all students .
• Support the creation and implementation of special education services on the school campus in support of academic and skill development in students with special needs.
• As needed, aid teachers and school administrators in their understanding of the unique needs of all students.
• Provide assistance to teachers and school administrators in the creation of a school climate and culture that effectively manages student behavior in the pursuit of the habits of virtue and in accordance with the code of conduct.
• Interpret student data to assist with educational growth of students with disabilities .

Professional Learning

• In collaboration with the Lead SPED Coordinator, c reate and deliver staff development presentations to paraprofessionals, teachers and campus administrators on topics related to special education and service to students with disabilities .
• Proactively find and a ttend in-service training to promote and grow in knowledge and skill .

Qualities of an Effective Special Education Teacher

• Use effective communication skills, written and oral, to present information accurately and clearly to student , parents and staff.
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents and community members.
• Maintain familiarity with current trends in the areas of curriculum and special education.
• Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for staff, including daily attendance, punctuality and confidentiality.
• Attend and participate in Special Education Department meetings and serve on committees, as required .
• Demonstrate the following core values: integrity, high expectations , commitment, respect, dedication to teamwork and passion for a student centered environment .
• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job.

Personal Qualities and Values

Passionately Committed 

With humility and curiosity, we seek to know more about our core purpose; seek to share (with each other and with others externally as an advocate); seek to live the mission ourselves with relentless pursuit and intrinsic motivation; seek to understand our work and how it serves the mission…which should result in getting the right stuff done with measurable results because we love actualization – not just the theory .

Servant’s Heart 

The foundational element of having a servant’s heart is the acknowledgement of inherent dignity in their fellow human . Someone with a servant’s heart believes that their work is to promote the development of those around them and make it possible for others to be successful in serving the mission of the organization.

Team Player

We believe our mission can only be accomplished through collaboration and receive true joy in being a part of something greater than ourselves; Each of us is one part of a whole, each with different roles , expertise and responsibilities; working together in synchronicity.

Qualifications, Competencies & Strengths

Education: 

• Master’s Degree ( p referred not requi r ed )
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education (required)
• Valid Louisiana Special Education Certification

Experience: 

• One year of successful Special Education teaching experience , preferably in Louisiana .

Special Skills:

• Ability to interpret appropriate individual education program (IEPs)
• Basic understanding of navigation of eSER
• Basic understanding of IEP writing process
• Knowledge of local, state and federal rules and regulations pertaining to special education
• Knowledge of various special education eligibility conditions and the challenges to learning Knowledge of curriculum in grades K through 12
• Basic computer skills
• Strong organization and communication (written and oral)
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff, students and parents

Additional Requirements

Employment is subject to passing a fingerprint criminal history check, from the State Bureau of Criminal Identification.

Physical functions: Requires but is not limited to standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching. May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds approximately .

Travel required: May need to travel , albeit seldomly, to other GH regions (Texas, Arizona, Florida) .

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. 

Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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