Effective:  School Year 2021-2022

Job Focus:   SD#6 is looking for a compassionate Special Education Teacher who will work with students in K-5 elementary life skills setting.

Qualifications:  Montana Certification with a 32A SPE Special Education PK-12

Reports to:             Special Education Director / Building Principal

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists in development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Attends and participates in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings, IEP meetings, and other meetings as required.
• Provides an appropriate educational program for each student.
• Complies with Board policies, rules, regulations, and directives.
• Instructs individuals and groups in special education skill areas.
• Plans curriculum, lessons, and special education programs and teaching methods.
• Monitors students’ progress in and outside special education room.
• Reports cases of suspected child abuse according to state law.
• Maintains regular contact with parents of students.
• Participates in faculty meetings, educational conferences, professional training seminars, and workshops.
• Evaluates student progress based on work output and observation, determines goals, objectives, and directions.
• Prepares report cards, educational records, IEP forms, classroom observation records, and other forms.
• Consults with other professionals and teaching staff regarding progress of students and related educational matters.
• Assists students (e.g. diapering, lifting, transitioning from desk to wheel chair, etc…) for the purpose of attending to the student’s personal hygiene and care needs.
• Supervises students, classroom aides, and volunteers.

Only minimum duties are listed.  Other functions may be required as given or assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Be appropriately licensed and endorsed in accordance with state statutes and Board of Public Education rules, or be considered appropriately assigned if the administrator is enrolled in an internship.
• Ability to team teach with general education teacher on planning, conducting, evaluating, etc.
• Demonstrates an understanding of child and adolescent developmental issues.
• Ability to relate to and work with children and/or adolescents.
• Ability to effectively use technology to enhance instruction and communication.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
• Ability of effectively present information and respond to questions from students, parents, staff, and the community.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and the community.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written form.
• Ability to handle stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of employment and student matters.
• Ability to effectively manage time and responsibilities.

EQUIPMENT USED:

A variety of electronic and technology devices, as well as basic office equipment, copiers, calculators, personal computers, telephone/voicemail, fax.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works inside, and may on occasion work outside.  The employee must be able to meet deadlines with severe time constraints.  The employee frequently will work irregular or extended hours while performing the duties of this job.  The employee is directly responsible for safety and well-being of students.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, walk and stand; twist at the neck and waist; kneel.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  The employee is required to be able to hear conversations in quiet environments.  May be required to lift or move up to 20 pounds.

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 infrequently available.  The employee frequently works within time constraints and maintains attentiveness intensity.  The employee frequently involved in social interactions which require oral and written communications.

The physical demands, work-environment characteristics, and mental/motor demands 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. 

Application Process:

An application is considered complete when all of the items listed below are received on or before the closing date.  Only complete applications are eligible for screening.  You will be able to upload all documents into your application file during the application process.

1.  A letter of application.

2.  Professional resume which includes academic preparation, experience and other specifically related qualifications.

3.  Copies of transcripts for all college or university credits completed to date. (An official transcript will be required if you are successful in securing the position, including those credits you would like to have considered for salary placement.)

4.  Four signed letters of recommendation (within the past three years), or college placement file if available, current, and complete.  To upload letters properly, all letters  need to be in one document.  Uploading one letter at a time will replace the previous document.

5.  Written Statement - In essay format and in your own handwriting, please indicate specific reason(s) for wanting this position in Columbia Falls, and the attributes you believe especially qualify you and/or which mark your professional development for this position.

6.  Copy of your current Montana teaching certificate/license, or evidence of ability to secure Montana teaching certification/licensure.  For questions regarding the certification process, please contact the licensure department at the Montana Office of Public Instruction at (406)444-3150.