The posting
Coventry Public Schools Job Description Job Title: Special Education Teacher Reports To: Building Principal and/or Special Education Directors
Primary Function: The Special Education Teacher is responsible for providing specialized instruction to students with disabilities in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). This role involves designing and delivering differentiated instruction, collaborating with school staff and families, managing IEP processes, and ensuring compliance with all state and federal special education regulations. The special education teacher is required to support student's social/emotional and intellectual growth.
Minimum Qualifications: >Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, specific to position posted >Valid Rhode Island Teaching Certification as a special educator in the area of the position posted >Basic knowledge of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and state special education regulations >Demonstrated ability to write effective, data-driven IEPs >Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills >Experience working with students with a range of disabilities, including learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional/behavioral disorders, and developmental delays is preferred >Candidate must be in good standing including attendance, professionalism and evaluation in previous position
Terms and Conditions of Employment: The position is full-time, in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the School Committee. Work year, salary, and benefits are in accordance with the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement. This position is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable employment contract and School Committee policies.
Key Responsibilities: Instruction and Program Development >Develop and implement individualized education programs (IEPs) tailored to each student's specific needs and learning goals >Deliver instruction in various settings (inclusive classroom, resource room, or self-contained classroom – in accordance with the position) using research-based strategies and accommodations >Provide direct instruction in academic, functional, and/or behavioral skills based on student needs >Administer assessments to gather data for progress monitoring, IEP development, and instructional planning
Student Support Services >Support student growth and development in all areas, including communication, gross and fine motor skills, social-emotional development, and academics. >Monitor and document student progress toward IEP goals and objectives; report progress to families and the IEP team >Must be willing to develop and implement behavioral and support plans in conjunction with school psychologists/social workers as needed >Participate in eligibility meetings, IEP meetings, parent conferences, and team meetings
Collaboration and Teaming >Collaborate with general education teachers, related service providers, support staff, and administrators to implement IEPs effectively >Willing to develop and maintain strong working relationships with families >Provide supervision and direction to paraprofessionals or support staff assigned to the classroom >Engage in ongoing professional development as provided by the district to stay current with best practices and legal mandates in special education
Compliance and Administrative Responsibilities >Maintain accurate, organized records in compliance with district, state, and federal guidelines, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act >Monthly Medicaid Case Management logging for services provided >Must comply with the Rhode Island Right to Read Act requiring educators to exhibit proficiency or awareness of the knowledge and practices of the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy
Additional Information: >The primary difference between Inclusion and Intensive settings is determined by the amount of specialized service time and the level of student need.
Essential Functions and Work Conditions: The essential functions of this position require the ability to communicate effectively, instruct and supervise students, and perform duties in a dynamic school environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The employee is regularly required to operate a keyboard, to view a computer screen, and to sit or stand for extended periods of time. Required vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
The employee is frequently required to bend, stoop, kneel, reach with hands and arms, grasp and manipulate large and small items. The employee is also required to move from location to location, lift items weighing up to 30 pounds, and may need to respond to behavioral situations as required by the position.
Evaluation: Performance of this position will be evaluated annually in accordance with the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.
Non-Discrimination Statement: The Coventry Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Must be RIDE certified in Elementary Grades Special Education Teacher. Must successfuly pass a state and national BCI (background check).
