Possible $12,000 sign on bonus Nature and Scope of Job:
The purpose of an Alternative Communications Teacher is to provide behavior or academic instruction for students who are identified under IDEA with a disability. The Alternative Communications Teacher will design an individualized program, along with the parent(s)/legal guardian(s), to teach students with disabilities when those disabilities affect learning. The focus of this program is to teach students expressive and receptive language skills, means of communication, social skills, functional routines, foundation pre-academic skills leading to future academic skills, and to provide opportunities for students to attain District and State Standards.
Job Functions:
Essential Functions:
1. Plans and implements a program of study that meets individual needs, interests, and abilities within the Sweetwater County School District #1 curriculum as well as the designed Individualized Education Plan (I.E.P.) for the student.
2. Implements curricula objectives and goals using effective teaching techniques and materials.
3. Develops, in a cooperative manner with the Principal and Director of Special Services, a plan for the improvement and enrichment of instruction in special education.
4. Writes specific lesson plans describing daily learning targets aligned to national, state, and district standards based on individual student needs.
5. Monitors and assesses student progress and provides feedback on a regular basis to students and parents/guardians as defined by the IEP.
6. Communicates goals and objectives to students in a well-planned, organized manner using clear and concise terms.
7. Creates a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity of the students.
8. Assists Administration in implementing all Sweetwater County School District #1 policies and procedures along with the district vision and mission.
9. Assists Administration in implementing all Sweetwater County School District #1 Special Education Policies and Procedures, Federal Rules and Regulations, and Chapter 7 Rules and Regulations.
10. Creates educational experiences to provide students with opportunities to develop social skills, communication skills, daily living skills, decision-making, and other life skills.
11. Respects the dignity of each student as an individual and attempts to gain an adequate understanding of his/her needs, interests, and abilities.
12. Communicates concerns and ideas with the appropriate Administration, colleagues, parents, students in a positive, confidential, collaborative manner.
13. Assumes legal responsibility for the discipline and supervision of students and maintains a high standard of professional conduct and good rapport with students within the school environment.
14. Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.
15. Assumes professional and personal responsibility for the management and progress of goals under his/her authority, direction, and supervision.
16. Assumes individual responsibility assigned by principal or supervisor which may relate to committee work, student activities, student supervision, or other planning and professional assignments.
17. Maintains compliant, accurate, complete, legible, and correct records as required by law, Sweetwater County School District Number One policy, and Administrative regulation.
18. Takes necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
19. Conducts oneself in a professional manner.
20. Strives to be a good employee as well as an effective teacher.
21. Seeks to establish friendly and cooperative relationships between the home and the school.
22. Provides parents with information that will serve the best interests of their children and is discreet with information received from parents.
23. Follows through with therapies within the classroom as stated on the IEP.
24. Uses Assistive Technology to support student learning.
25. Oversees daily activity of assigned special services paraprofessionals.
26. Develops and implements a behavior support plan and modifies as data indicates.
27. Writes individual education plans for students and facilitates required meetings.
28. Other duties as assigned by Administration.
Other Functions:
1. Attends and supervises school-sponsored field trips as necessary.
2. Attends parent and staff meetings.
3. Keeps informed by reading building and district communications.
4. Responds to requests for information in a timely manner.
5. Schedules students to address IEP services.
6. Attends trainings and Professional Development Opportunities.
7. Schedules times with Related Service Providers to work with individual students on IEP goals and objectives.
--EMPLOYEES ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR ALL DUTIES OF THIS JOB--
Job Qualifications:
Knowledge, Skills and Mental Ability:
Possess a strong knowledge of IDEA and Reauthorization of 1997, Rules and Regulations governing Students with Disabilities in Wyoming Public Schools, and local rules and regulations governing services to students with disabilities.
Possess a broad knowledge of special education process, procedures, documentation, and time frames.
Possess a broad general knowledge of all subject areas with specific knowledge needed in contract areas.
Possess teacher leadership skills within the decision-making process.
Possess group dynamics and interpersonal skills.
Possess knowledge of physiological, emotional, behavioral, and educational development of students.
Possess developmentally appropriate classroom management skills with data to support progress or revision.
Possess technological and computer skills.
Possess problem solving, imagination, patience, reasoning, creativity, judgment, and analytical abilities.
Possess excellent organizational and effective time management skills.
Education, License, Certification or Formal Training:
Degree in Special Education from accredited institution.
Valid Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board Certification or National License relevant to the position.
Continue professional growth.
Equipment Used:
Copier Docucam
Laminator Promethean board
Calculator Overhead Projector
Telephone Assistive Technology Equipment
Computer Data Support System for IEPs Microsoft Office iPads
Physical Demands:
Be able to stand, walk, and sit for long periods without fatigue or discomfort.
Be able to lift up to 50 pounds and carry a distance of 50 feet.
Be able to work at a computer monitor for a portion of each day without fatigue or discomfort.
Environmental Demands:
Be able to spend most of the time inside classrooms with some work outside in cold/hot weather. Be able to tolerate noise up to 90 decibels.