Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for Special Education Teacher
A Special Education Teacher is a professional who teaches students using lessons, discussions and audio-visual presentations. They manage student behavior in the classroom to provide a safe and optimal learning environment. In this blog post we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Special Education Teachers.
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Main Responsibilities of Special Education Teacher
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Special Education Teacher:
Access
Access and implement existing curriculum and technology resource.
Adapt
Adapt lessons to meet the needs of students.
Administer
Administer effective and appropriate strategies during a crisis intervention.
Advise
Advise parents and / or legal guardians of student progress to communicate expectations.
Assess
Assess academic performance against IEP requirements.
Assess students' skills to determine their needs and to develop teaching plans.
Assign
Assign and correct homework.
Assign and grade class work, homework, tests and assignments.
Assist in
Assist Head Teacher in maintaining a safe, orderly and neat classroom environment.
Assist in the collection of quality indicator data metrics.
Assist in the Response to Intervention (RTI) process, and any testing necessary.
Assist the Head Teacher in the implementation of appropriate family activities in the program.
Assist with classroom curriculum.
Assume
Assume personal responsibility for the academic progress of all students.
Attend
Attend all professional development, team planning and data analysis meetings as needed.
Attend routine daily and weekly staff meetings.
Attend scheduled meetings, professional development trainings as schedule or assigned.
Attend & / or give input to all Case Conferences for students on assigned caseload.
Attend staff meetings and a minimum of 15 hours staff development training annually.
Belief
Belief in a structured school environment that promotes a positive culture of achievement.
Build
Build positive, meaningful relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and families.
Champion
Champion change, supports school leader in trying to apply new ideas and methods.
Collaborate with
Collaborate and provides instruction for small groups and individuals.
Collaborate in safe physical intervention as necessary.
Collaborate to design and deliver on and offline instruction.
Collaborate with ESL and general education staff in order to best reach all scholars.
Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Special Education for student transition planning.
Collect
Collect and analyze student data in order to make effective decisions to maximize achievement.
Communicate with
Communicate effectively and timely with the administrative team, teachers, and parents of students.
Communicate effectively with colleagues and contribute to positive staff culture.
Communicate regularly with students and families about progress and / or concerns.
Communicate students' progress with student and family on a weekly basis.
Communicate with and involve families in the educational program of each child.
Communicate with parents and encourage parental involvement.
Complete
Complete all annual reviews and behavior intervention plans required by Federal and State mandates.
Complete all duties, posts and tasks as assigned.
Complete all necessary paperwork, phone contacts & record keeping.
Complete all reports in a timely manner.
Complete all required special education paperwork.
Complete and submit course outlines and unit plans for each course.
Complete daily lesson plans per CDE certification standards.
Complete IEP documentation and participates professionally in student IEP meetings.
Complete other duties / projects assigned by Director of Special Education.
Conduct
Conduct educational assessment and record / interpret data.
Conduct educational assessments, write reports and present findings at Team meetings.
Consult
Consult with other school staff as necessary to complete the functions of the position.
Coordinate
Coordinate and invite necessary staff outside of Academic Support Office for the caseload.
Coordinate curriculum with regular education teachers as needed.
Create
Create and consistently use individual behavioral management plans as needed.
Create and execute lessons for small groups of students that meet their IEP goals.
Create a safe environment, prioritizing a safe relationship first over completing tasks or obedience.
Cultivate
Cultivate positive relationships with colleagues, students, parents and families.
Design
Design and implement effective behavioral management plans in all educational settings.
Design and implement lesson plans that use best practices for reading / dyslexia classes.
Design and implement small group instruction derived from student's IEP goals.
Develop
Develop and implement course curricula particular to assigned areas of teaching.
Develop and implement quality IEPs and attend annual meeting for each student.
Develop and track student progress toward IEP goals.
Develop and use a variety of assessment data to refine curricula and instructional practice.
Develop and use rubrics for evaluating student products and performances.
Develop Individualized Education Plans and integrated goals.
Develop individualized education programs (IEPs) for students.
Develop methods for improvement and / or reinforce classroom goals in the home environment.
Develop modified curriculum that is aligned to grade-level standards.
Develop reports on each student's individual progress, implementing goals and objectives.
Develop schemes of work, lesson plans and tests that are in accordance with established procedures.
Discuss
Discuss student's progress with parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators.
Display
Display students work and stimulate student interest via bulletin boards and room displays.
Document
Document all lesson plans, assignments, rubrics and other instructional materials and methods.
Document all lesson plans, assignments, rubrics, and other instructional materials and methods.
Document critical incidents, as needed.
Encourage
Encourage students to embrace, multicultural opportunities and experiences.
Encourage students to set and maintain standards of behavior needed to achieve.
Enforce
Enforce School rules and policies.
Engage
Engage in learning about racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.
Ensure
Ensure smooth operation of all classroom instructional functions without exceptions.
Establish
Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
Establish and maintains strong classroom management.
Evaluate
Evaluate and assess student mastery of content to make instructional decisions.
Evaluate the progress of students and discuss results with students, parents and school officials.
Handle
Handle and maintain confidential information.
Help
Help develop social skills, gross motor skills and fine motor skills.
Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom and prepare classroom according to student needs.
Help overcome anxiety thoughts (I will train you how to do this).
Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
Help teenagers heal & grow.
Help teenagers in a therapeutic setting as they progress on their healing journey.
Help with inventory, care and maintenance of equipment.
Help young men in a therapeutic setting as they progress on their healing journey.
Host
Host necessary tutoring sessions to meet all students' needs.
Implement
Implement a coherent, research-based curriculum in consultation with Principal.
Implement all State and Federal mandates for students with IEP's.
Implement and evaluate success of prescribed curriculum and quality instructional techniques.
Implement appropriate middle and high school curriculums, lesson plans and IEP goals.
Implement behavioral management program within the classroom.
Implement each student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
Implement IEPs, assess students' performance, and track their progress.
Implement positive behavior support plan.
Implement state learning standards and assessments to meet ambitious academic expectations.
Implement the approved-course curriculum.
Instruct
Instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment.
Integrate
Integrate interdisciplinary objectives and strategies in the classroom.
Keep
Keep organized records of student progress and provides up-to-date reports.
Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
Lead
Lead an advisory that meets daily.
Lead the creation, execution, and modification of IEPs aligned with federal and state regulations.
Lead the creation, execution, and modification of IEPs and 504 plans.
Maintain
Maintain accurate and complete records of students' progress and development.
Maintain a clean and orderly classroom.
Maintain a grade book and lesson plans that can be checked by supervisor at any time.
Maintain an orderly classroom, follows health safety and sanitation procedures.
Maintain a professional relationship with parents and guardians of the students.
Maintain attendance records for each class or session.
Maintain a willingness to learn, reflect, and give / get feedback in a dynamic environment.
Maintain confidentiality regarding individual student information and needs.
Maintain daily lesson plans, data records and attendance.
Maintain discipline in accordance with the rules and disciplinary systems of the school.
Maintain grade based curriculum, ensuring compliance with CDE and contractual standards.
Maintain grade records for each class.
Maintain high expectations for students academic achievement and conduct.
Maintain records and write reports on relevant activities in timely manner.
Maintain records of all meetings, meeting invites and other staff responsibilities.
Maintain student confidentiality per agency policy.
Maintain student records and other pertinent data as determined by the school.
Maintain various classroom arrangement conducive to diverse student body.
Make
Make a difference in the lives of children.
Make a real difference at Oxbow Academy.
Manage
Manage family relationships for students on caseload receiving special education services.
Manage student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.
Manage student behavior to provide a safe and optimal learning environment.
Manage Teaching Assistants effectively.
Maximize
Maximize creating independence across all natural settings.
Meet
Meet all professional obligations and proactively communicate when changes come up.
Meet and confer with parents and guardians to discuss student progress.
Meet and maintain liaison with collateral staff as required and serve as student advocate.
Meet weekly with the Educational Director for supervision.
Model
Model positive character virtues and habits.
Model the school's core values and standards for professional behavior.
Modify
Modify and adjust curriculum to meet remedial and / or enrichment needs of students.
Modify existing instructional plans as necessary to accommodate individual student's special needs.
Monitor
Monitor and support implementation of prescribed behavior program.
Monitor IEP goal progress through progress monitoring.
Observe
Observe and evaluate student's performance and development.
Oversee
Oversee and assist with student arrival / dismissal.
Oversee the implementations of interventions.
Participate in
Participate in department, school, district and parent meetings.
Participate in IEP meetings and maintains compliance with state and federal requirements.
Participate in planning and implementation of quality in-services.
Participate in professional development activities to improve job-related skills.
Participate in school-wide professional development and activities, as well as cohort meetings.
Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings and special events as assigned.
Participate in staff meetings, educational conferences and teacher training workshops.
Perform
Perform all other assigned school duties.
Perform all other tasks and duties as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned by Principal / School Leader.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Plan
Plan and lead data-driven small group and individual tutoring sessions daily with students.
Plan, prepare and deliver lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning.
Plan and implement the educational program for children birth to 21 years of age.
Prepare
Prepare and help students transition from grade to grade and after graduation.
Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
Prepare and plan for instruction that aligns with State Frameworks and IEPs.
Prepare and plan lesson activities using a "brain-based” learning model.
Prepare classroom for class activities.
Prepare classroom, materials and lesson plans and implement research-based instructional practices.
Prepare, leverage and provide feedback to students regarding their assignments.
Prepare quarterly progress reports.
Prepare required reports on students and activities.
Prepare subject material for presentation according to an approved curriculum.
Promote
Promote anti-vandalism programs in the schools.
Promote social responsibility and conflict mediation.
Promote social responsibility and leadership of support staff and students.
Provide
Provide academic support to assigned students.
Provide accommodated testing conditions for classroom and standardized testing.
Provide appropriate feedback on work.
Provide appropriate guidance, leadership and direction to staff in a remote learning environment.
Provide a recent vulnerable sector criminal reference check.
Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities.
Provide consultation to other teachers who have learning disabled students in their classes.
Provide expanded opportunities and support for learner success.
Provide individualized instruction and support to students with special needs.
Provide life skills training, literary skills and academic instruction.
Provide orientation and assistance to substitutes teachers.
Provide resources and supports for classroom teachers to implement intervention strategies.
Provide school support and coverage duties deemed necessary by the Head of School or their designee.
Reach
Reach with hands and arms.
Record
Record of results for students who are academically at risk.
Record all meetings with team members and responsible for the case management notes.
Refer
Refer students when necessary for special services.
Report
Report student progress and provide verbal and written updates.
Respond to
Respond to emergency situations.
Set
Set high standards and goals for scholars.
Submit
Submit weekly lesson plans.
Support
Support and care from fellow teachers, administrators, and regional team members.
Support the social-emotional learning connected to college and career readiness.
Teach
Teach all academic subjects (Reading, Math, Science and Social Studies).
Teach Exceptional Education at LEAD Public Schools.
Teach students using lessons, discussions, audio-visual presentations and field trips.
Track
Track and analyze data to drive dramatic student achievement results.
Update
Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect students' progress and goals.
Uphold
Uphold Intrinsic student culture.
Use
Use appropriate and timely verbal de-escalation techniques whenever possible.
Use interactive aids and technology to supplement and support lessons.
Use relevant technology to support and differentiate instruction.
Use technology tools for instruction, planning, and communication and ensure student engagement.
Utilize
Utilize appropriate language, interactions and positive discipline.
Utilize lesson and unit plans to support effective delivery of instruction.
Utilize preventive discipline methodology with students.
Utilize appropriate resources available in the community.
Utilize a variety of teaching styles to accommodate student-learning needs.
Write
Write all IEPs, 504s and attend all necessary meetings.
Write and complete routine reports.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Special Education Teacher:
Valid Teaching License
Children With Behavior / Learning Disorders
Hipaa Privacy Rule Regulations
Student / Counselor Confidentiality
Teaching
Pounds of Force
Continuous Improvement Process
CPS Framework
Design Coherent Instruction and Assessments
Interactions with Administration
LBS1
Pedagogy
Select Learning Objectives
Children
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Special Education Teacher:
Written and oral communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Attention to detail
Positive can-do attitude
Force constantly to move objects
Professional judgment
Organizational capacity
Life-long learner
Problem-solving attitude
Thrives on feedback
