Mooresville Graded School District

Exceptional Children’s Teacher 

Job Description

REPORTS TO: 

School Principal & EC Program Coordinator

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: 

Bachelor’s degree in special education with at least one area of disability as a teacher. Must be licensed in North Carolina.

GENERAL NATURE OF WORK: 

Under general supervision, provide special education services to students identified as disabled in accordance with state and federal regulations in the Mooresville Graded School District. Work involves developing and implementing Individual Education Programs that are compatible with the student’s age and developmental level. The EC  teacher is responsible for developing lesson plans, adapting materials, and designing activities to assist EC students to develop appropriate academic, behavioral, and social skills and meet their IEP goals. The teacher is responsible for monitoring students’ progress and for maintaining EC records in compliance with state and federal guidelines.

When providing social skills instruction the EC teacher will develop engaging lessons focusing on the individual social skill needs of the student as written in the IEP.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Will serve as an instructor and case manager, providing student support, and building close learning partnerships with families and the teaching team.

• Follow all Regular Education Teacher Expectations - including but not limited to:

• Attendance
• Assignments
• Grades
• Communication Policies
• Attend Assigned Staff Meetings
• Reporting Concerns

• Develops and implements an instructional plan which is compatible with the school and system-wide curricular goals and the student’s Individual Education Program.

• Is responsible for the development of Individual Education Programs (IEP) for students with disabilities; implements the IEP, and uses diagnostic information obtained from, including but not limited to previous reports, cumulative folder, EOG/EOC test scores, psychological & educational assessments, discipline records, physician’s reports, retentions, and past, and present IEPs.

• Employs a variety of teaching methods to meet student needs. Implementation of these methods may require the adaptation or development of materials for an online environment.

• Communicates with parents regarding their children’s educational progress and complete required periodic written progress reports.

• Consults with parents, district-level professionals, and community support professionals to better understand and meet student needs (when appropriate).

• Maintains student records in accordance with North Carolina’s Procedures Governing Programs and Services for Children with Disabilities, and complies with state and federal education statutes. 

• Completes drafts of all necessary paperwork 2 weeks in advance of due dates (IEPs, Re-evaluations, Initials, transfers, etc.) and provides to parent and/or compliance specialist. 

• Conduct all IEPs, Re-evaluations, Initials, transfers, etc., meetings by the due date, ensure all required signatures are collected and paperwork is filed and sent home to parents in a timely manner.

• Ensure all general education teachers have the necessary paperwork to include but not limited to updated accommodation lists, behavior plans, and medical concerns. 

• Treats all students in a fair and equitable manner and effectively interacts with all students, co-workers, parents, and the community.

EC Teacher Social Skills Specific:

• Work with children in 1:1 or small group settings to provide social skills to children as written in the IEP.
• Create lessons, and strategies that meet the specific needs of the students and maintain progress monitoring records.
• Coordinate with school-based EC Case Managers and/or EC teachers to ensure consistent practices.
• Assist EC Case Manager in developing goals, interventions, or strategies based on evidence from social skill lessons and progress reports. 

• Collaborate with student services personnel and mental health staff to coordinate student goals and expectations (when necessary).

• Build meaningful relationships with students as individuals.

• Ability to constantly monitor the safety and well-being of students in all settings including working with and assigning responsibilities to support staff (position-specific).

• Monitors student behavior; maintains discipline in the classroom; deescalates inappropriate behaviors; teaches students to appropriate behavioral strategies; restrains students when necessary; records and reports all use of restraint techniques.

• Work with school administration and ensure specific discipline procedures are followed regarding suspensions and manifestation determination reviews.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Must be able to use a variety of equipment and classroom tools to include any necessary adaptive, occupational, or physical equipment for students to access the curriculum.

• Must be able to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

• Requires the ability to collect, interpret and use data to make decisions on student programs or progress.

• Requires the ability to receive instructions and/or support from program specialists, lead teachers, or superiors regarding the job role and responsibilities.

• Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.

• Follows a plan for professional development and demonstrates evidence of growth.

• Attends all required or necessary EC and school-related meetings. 

BASIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to maintain basic files and records. 
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Completes random moment-in-time studies as required by MAC program guidelines.
• Ability to motivate students.
• Ability to maintain a clean and orderly environment.
• Ability to perform general clerical duties.
• Ability to maintain order and discipline in a classroom.
• Ability to operate common office machines.
• Performs other related work as required.