Under the direction of the school principal, the special education teacher plans and provides for appropriate learning experiences for students with disabilities in a variety of educational settings. Demonstrates accurate knowledge of the learning and behavioral characteristics of the disabilities of the students with whom they work. Experience working in an educational setting with students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Specific knowledge of functional and adapted academic instruction, assistive technology, interventions to support communication and social skills development. Familiarity with the Virginia Aligned Standards of Learning or comparable modified curricula and instruction on Activities of Daily Living. Able to provide instruction to students with extensive support needs in a collaborative setting, promoting inclusive practices.

• Provides direct and indirect instructional support to students in a positive environment.

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  Employs special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.

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  Instructs students in academic subjects using a variety of techniques such as phonetics, multi-sensory learning, and repetition to reinforce learning and to meet students' varying needs and interests.

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  Plans and conducts activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.

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  Establishes and enforces rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining an environment conducive to learning for all students.

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  Meets with parents to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their individualized educational needs.

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  Confers with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and other professionals to develop individualized education programs (IEPs) designed to promote students' educational, physical, and social/emotional development.

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  Maintains accurate and complete student records and prepares reports on children and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.

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  Establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicates those objectives to students.

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  Develops plans for effective communication, monitoring, and follow-up of students in inclusive classroom settings.

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  Assists students with learning personal hygiene.

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  Collects and analyzes data to inform educational decision making.

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  Assists in the development of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Improvement Plans(BIP).

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  Serves as a member of a multidisciplinary team as appropriate.

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  Assists in preparation of data for local, state, and federal reports.

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  Supervises paraprofessionals assigned to the classroom.

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  Maintains professional competence by participating in staff development activities, curriculum development meetings, and other professional opportunities.

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  Performs other duties as assigned.