Special Education Teacher
REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education
DATE of DESCRIPTION: February 24, 2023
DEPARTMENT: Nenana City School
JOB CLASSIFICATION: Certified
NATURE AND SCOPE OF JOB:
Under direction of the Director of Special Education, the special education teacher will provide quality instruction and services to students in grades Kindergarten through twelve with special learning needs. The position includes a commitment to team participation in planning and implementation of individualized education programs including specialized instruction, tutorial assistance, modifications and accommodations to general education curriculum, and consultation and collaboration with general education staff.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
1. Possess or be eligible to obtain a valid Alaska Teaching License with Special Education Endorsement. Master's Degree in Special Education or related field preferred.
2. Knowledge, abilities, and experience working with students from diverse, backgrounds and varied educational experiences.
3. Prior successful experience working with Alaska Native youth in rural settings preferred.
4. Strong interpersonal relations and communications skills.
5. Strong behavior management and positive discipline skills.
6. Experience working with students with disabilities, modifying/adapting general education curriculum, and providing services in varied environments.
7. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of Alaska special education law, procedures, and best instructional practices for students with disabilities.
8. Demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in various educational settings.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Demonstrate consistent punctuality and regular attendance.
2. Interpret evaluation and assessment data to determine special education program eligibility and make recommendations about student learning needs.
3. Work collaboratively to prepare individualized education plans with parents and IEP team members that reflects students’ identified educational needs.
4. Design instruction, both individual and in small group, which parallels the general education curriculum and addresses students’ identified educational needs.
5. Act as coordinator of IEP implementation with general education staff.
6. Monitor and report student progress; participate in review and revision of IEP, as appropriate.
7. Communicate with staff about students, providing direction and support to address student learning needs.
8. Assist other professional staff in understanding special education laws and processes, development of planned remediation, and evaluation of student progress.
9. Direct paraprofessionals to best support student learning needs in the general education curriculum.
10. Maintain appropriate student data and other records and submit reports as required.
11. Communicate regularly with parents and district administration.
12. Manage classroom and group organization.
13. Perform other duties as assigned.
EQUIPMENT/MEDIA USED:
Computer, iPad/Tablet
Video/Audio Conferencing (i.e., Zoom/Team)
Telephone, Intercom System
Copier
Technology-based Audio/Visual Equipment (Projector, SmartBoard, SmartTV, DVD, etc.)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
1. Finger strength required to type effectively on a computer keyboard
2. Finger, hand and arm strength necessary to write on paper, whiteboard, overhead projector sheets, etc. throughout the workday.
3. Visual acuity and stamina to work at a computer monitor
4. Lower body strength to kneel, stand, and walk throughout the workday.
5. Verbal stamina to articulate clearly and with appropriate volume throughout the workday.
6. Auditory discrimination sufficient to receive detailed information through normal speech at 5 feet and warning cries or alarms above normal classroom and playground noise.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
1. Occasional exposure to weather extremes.
2. Occasional exposure to loud noises.
-EMPLOYEES ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR ALL FUNCTIONS OF THIS POSITION-
Vision: To be the exemplary rural Alaskan district that is flexible and responsive to the needs of students while developing academic and personal excellence.
Mission: To provide an innovative education, using trauma-engaged techniques and relevant activities promoting problem-solving and citizenship, that empowers each student to achieve their highest potential.
The Nenana City School District is located in Nenana, Alaska. We are 55 miles south of Fairbanks and 300 miles north of Anchorage on the Parks Highway. The City of Nenana is positioned at the confluence where the Nenana River enters the Tanana River.
On average, our district serves 200 K-12 students at the Nenana City School and 1700 correspondence students through the CyberLynx K-12 program, with satellite offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Wasilla.
The Nenana Student Living Center (boarding facility) is home to up to 120 high school students who come from all over Alaska to attend Nenana City School. Please see the Nenana Student Living Center and CyberLynx pages for more information on these programs.
Nenana is also home to the Nenana Ice Classic, a longstanding Alaskan tradition.
Nenana City School District is privileged to have an outstanding and experienced staff. The District has a strong record of academic and vocational education success. Staff takes seriously the mission of providing the best possible education to prepare youth for advancement in today’s complex world.