Special Education Teacher/Instructor Job Description
 
for
 
Hays Virtual School
 
Position Purpose 

• Under the general supervision of the School administrator, to maximize the learning experience of students with special needs, in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment. 

 
  Essential Functions 

• Provide technical and instructional support to Hays Virtual students in a variety of subject areas
• Use computer programs (such as Word, Power Point, Excel, Publisher)
• Maintain a quiet and orderly environment for learning
• Give directions and inservice to classified staff
• Evaluate classified staff
• Develop curricula
• Utilize and maintain the computerized curriculum program
• Understand and implement enrollment procedures
• Understand and implement graduation procedures
• Maintain student folders, grade assignments and record scores
• Model appropriate work skills and behaviors
• Other duties as deemed necessary
• Conducts assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning issues, and recommending courses of action or corrective procedures to overcome issues and maximize learning. 
• Participates in and develops Individual Educational Plans ("IEP") for students. 
• Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEP's and behavior management plans. 
• Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed. 
• Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with social work services. 
• Serves as ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school. 
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community. 
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws. 
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents. 

 
Additional Duties 

• Operate and maintain video conferencing software programs
• Troubleshoot computer/printer problems
• Inventory/Requisition materials and equipment
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the administrator and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent. 

 
Note:         The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility. 
  
 
Skills, Knowledge, Abilities 

• Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs. 
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles. 
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans. 
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students. 
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed. 
• Ability to organize and coordinate work. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents. 
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth. 
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work. 

 
Physical Requirements:

• Physically able to perform light cleaning tasks
• Physically able to lift items up to 15 lbs. in weight
• Physically able to move freely throughout a computer lab to assist learners 

 
Requirements/Qualifications:

• Must be eligible for Kansas Educational Licensure (Special education required, Secondary preferred)
• Experience with computer technology
• Ability to work with students with diverse needs
• Must understand and appreciate learning and cultural differences
• Must be a good ambassador
• Must be a team player
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Be reliable and flexible

  
Education: 

• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment. 

Experience: 

• Successful prior special education teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred. 

  
  
FLSA Status: Exempt