Special Education Teacher

BARBOUR COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

JOB TITLE: Special Education Teacher

REPORTS TO: Principal & Special Education Director

FLSA: Exempt

POTENTIAL LOCATION: Barbour County High School, Clayton (7-12)

CONTRACT PERIOD: 9 month / 187 days

SALARY SCHEDULE: Based on Board Approved Salary Matrix

SIGN-ON INCENTIVES FOR 2026-2027: $5,000 for fully certified K-12 Special Education Teachers (three-year commitment)

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The special education teacher is responsible for providing an educational environment in which special education students succeed academically, socially, and physically in accordance with system philosophy, goals, and objectives. Additionally, the special education teacher will implement an effective educational program for special education students in alignment with IEP annual goals and guidelines, incorporating the designated course of study, appropriate materials and resources, and best instructional practices. The special education teacher will also serve as a student advocate, role model, and professional resource for parents, the community, and the school system.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Alabama teaching certificate in the grade level, subject area(s) assigned.
• Ability to meet suitability criteria for employment and/or certification/licensure under the Alabama Child Protection Act of 1999 and Act No. 2002-457.
• Demonstrates proficiency in oral and written communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on communication and collaboration with a wide variety of people and groups, for the purpose of maximizing student achievement.
• Ability to develop and implement curriculum and programming specific to the needs of students at the designated grade level(s) and in the designated content area(s)/subject(s).
• Ability to identify and solve problems as a productive team member.
• Ability to use technology to communicate, plan and provide instruction, to facilitate student learning, manage data, and produce/submit required reports, correspondence, and/or financial information.
• Physical strength, mobility, dexterity, stamina, and acuity to perform job responsibilities.
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, and assist with student toileting and specific hygiene needs.
• Ability to transfer students, feed students, and provide physical intervention when required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, with assistance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrates support for the school system and its vision, goals, and priorities.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of child development and especially of characteristics of students in the age group assigned.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the prescribed curriculum, current educational research, and best instructional practice.
• Assess students' needs for transition and related services.
• Participates in the development of students' individual education plans (IEPs) as a member of the IEP team.
• Implements the students' IEPs.
• Schedules and participates in IEP meetings.
• Employs a variety of instructional strategies and techniques consistent with the individual needs and capabilities of students.
• Assists in managing student behavior to include crisis intervention when needed, including restraining disruptive and physically dangerous students within the guidelines of Crisis Intervention and Prevention (CPI) training.
• Monitor student participation in regular education programs as appropriate, collaborate with regular education teachers and other school system personnel to maximize student progress, and provide assistance and/or specialized materials or lesson modifications as needed.
• Utilizes technology to plan and provide instruction and facilitate student learning.
• Models appropriate and innovative use of technology for students.
• Facilitates and monitors the integration of technology and assistive technology equipment in the classroom.
• Maintains appropriate student supervision so that students have a safe and orderly environment in which to learn.
• Works effectively and collaboratively with peers, parents, administrators, and other school system staff to maximize student achievement.
• Creates or selects long-range instructional plans based on a review of system and state curriculum priorities, student IEPs and instructional priorities.
• Defines goals and objectives for long-range instructional, departmental, grade level and daily lesson plans.
• Identify specific intended learning outcomes that are challenging, meaningful and measurable.
• Selects, develops, modifies, and/or adapts materials and resources which support learning objectives and address students' varying learning styles, backgrounds, and special needs.
• Establishes routines and uses behavior management techniques which are appropriate and effective.
• Creates a learning climate that is challenging yet non-threatening.
• Organizes procedures, practices, materials, and routines for the effective use of instructional time and for the completion of administration activities.
• Interprets and uses data (including but not limited to standardized and other test results) for diagnosis, instructional planning, and program evaluation.
• Instructs and supervises the work of student teachers, volunteers and instructional aides when assigned.
• Uses ongoing assessment to monitor student progress, verify that learning is occurring and adjust curriculum and instruction.
• Communicates individual student progress in understandable, knowledgeable, and responsible terms to the student, parents and professional colleagues who need access to the information.
• Communicates high learning expectations for all students.
• Recognizes overt indicators of student distress or abuse and takes appropriate intervention, referral, or reporting actions.
• Serves on school/system committees, task forces, planning teams and advisory groups as required.
• Actively supervises students during assigned duty before, during and/or after school as directed.
• Participates in a state-approved evaluation program as required.
• Supervises and/or assists with extracurricular and co-curricular activities as assigned.
• Supports school improvement initiatives by active participation in school activities, events, ceremonies, services, and programs.
• Engages in personal professional growth, adheres to professional standards, and demonstrates professional ethics, sound judgment, and leadership.
• Maintains appropriate confidentiality regarding/student/school/workplace matters.
• Demonstrates initiative in identifying potential problems and/or opportunities for improvement in areas of responsibility.
• Reports potential problems, unusual events, or work irregularities to appropriate administrative or supervisory personnel.
• Responds to inquiries, requests, constructive feedback, concerns, and/or complaints in a timely and positive manner.
• Maintains and submits reports, records, and correspondence in a timely and accurate manner.
• Properly uses and cares for equipment and material resources of the school system and effectively supervises and monitors students in the care, maintenance, and use of tools, equipment, and inventory.
• Adheres to school system rules, administrative procedures, local Board policies, and state, federal, and local regulations.
• Reports absences and takes leave in accordance with Board policies and procedures; prepares for substitutes according to Board policies and school procedures.
• Performs any other job-related duties as assigned by the Principal or immediate supervisor.

EVALUATION:

The performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job goals, qualifications, and responsibilities and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned. The Barbour County Board of Education Division of Human Resources reserves the right to amend the job description as needed, without notice.

THE BARBOUR COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and does not discriminate based on age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religious preference, marital status, disability, national origin, or any other reason prohibited by state or federal law. Employees of the District are required to comply with the provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments.