AZTEC MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Job Description

Special Education K - 12 Teacher

Job Summary

Under the immediate direction of the principal, provide an individual education program for students who qualify for services under IDEIA and assist other school programs as assigned.

Reports to:     Building Principal/Assistant Principal

 Qualifications

1. New Mexico Teaching License in Special Education
2. Bachelor’s Degree, including all courses needed to meet licensure requirements
3. Passage of New Mexico State Licensure Testing
4. Passage of New Mexico Content Knowledge Assessment in area of specialty taught(Mid School and High School only)
5. Endorsement or License in the area of specialty taught
6. Valid Driver's License
7. Evidence of Leadership Ability
8. Demonstrate Communication Skills
9. Demonstrate Public Relations Skills

1. Must complete a finger-print background check

Desired Qualifications

1. Experience in the Related Field
2. Familiarity and Experience with Data Driven Instructional Practices and Professional Learning Communities
3. Experience using Power Teacher

Essential Functions

1. Provide individual learning experiences in a self contained, resource, inclusionary or team taught environment.
2. Maintain a working caseload of students and strictly adhere to all requirements as developed on the IEP
3. Monitor attendance and grades of your caseload students
4. Participate in and develop Individual Educational Plans
5. Participate in meetings necessary to accommodate the needs of the special needs child including, but not limited to; Initial Staffing’s, IEP meetings, Functional Behavioral Assessment meetings, Manifestations and other related meetings necessary to address the individual needs of the student
6. Instruct pupils in citizenship, basic communication skills and other general elements of the course of study specified in the state law, administrative regulations and procedures of the school district
7. Develop and use instructional materials suitable for verbal and visual instruction of pupils with a wide range of mental, physical and emotional maturities
8. Provide individual and group instruction designed to meet individual needs and help the pupils make a satisfactory transition to school
9. Establish and maintain standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve effective participation in all activities without interfering with the natural informal atmosphere of the learning environment
10. Communicate with parents through a variety of means including parent conferences, notes, emails, phone calls etc
11. Identify pupil needs and cooperate with other professional staff members in assessing and helping pupils solve health, attitude and learning problems through the Multi Layered Systems of Support
12. Create an effective environment of learning through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards and interest centers
13. Maintain professional competence through participation in required in-service education activities provided by the district and/or self-selected professional growth activities
14. Use technology as an instruction tool in the classroom where appropriate and model the use of technology for personal and professional task management
15. Perform basic attendance accounting and business services as required
16. Establish and maintain district standards as prescribed by board policies and district and school regulations
17. Communicate with students, staff, administration as well as parents
18. Develop, implement and practice continual improvement practices at both the professional and student level
19. Select and requisition books, instructional aids and instructional supplies and maintain an accurate inventory
20. Insure a comfortable room environment through control of heating, cooling lighting and ventilation to the extent possible
21. Perform supervisory duty as assigned before, during and after school
22. Participate in curriculum and other developmental programs within the school or at the district level
23. Share in the sponsorship of student activities and participate in faculty committees
24. Participate in school sponsored activities outside of the school day such as parent teacher conferences, Open House, Back to School Nights, activities and athletic events, seasonal programs and graduation.
25. Treat people with dignity and respect
26. Any and all other tasks as assigned by the Building Principal.

Necessary Abilities

• Ability to perform tasks quickly and efficiently and follow verbal instructions
• Ability to work around congested areas
• Ability to perform assigned duties under adverse weather conditions
• Ability to maintain working relationship with a variety of personalities and temperaments among other school personnel, students and public
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule around job responsibilities
• Ability to be mobile in a crowd

Supervisory Responsibilities

Students assigned to your classroom and the school in general

Educational Assistant if assigned one for your classroom

Confidentiality

Due to the sensitive nature of this position, the highest degree of confidentiality is required. 

Qualification Requirements

 To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above and below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to eligible individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Please see Qualifications

Communication and Language Skills

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general accounting periodicals, journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. 
• Ability to assist with the preparation of reports, correspondence, and grants. 
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of staff, students, peers and community.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents, and community
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely
• Ability to use computers and other technology to accomplish job responsibilities
• Ability to perform tasks quickly and efficiently and follow verbal directions
• Ability to work around congested areas
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule around job responsibilities
• Ability to be mobile in a crowd

Analytical and Reasoning Ability

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions in written, verbal or diagram form, and deal with several abstract variables

Temperaments

• Ability to teach others, work with people, and influence people in their opinions, attitudes, and judgments
• Ability to perform a variety of duties
• Ability to work with people who express conflicting opinions
• Ability to solve problems, make sound judgments, and reach conclusions
• Ability to express personal feelings professionally, and perform effectively under stress

Physical Attributes

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, talk or hear, and use hands to finger, handle, type or feel.  The employee may occasionally sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and reach with hands and arms.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee must possess and maintain a current driver’s license.  The employee is frequently required to interact with the public and other staff.

Term of Employment

• Salary per district schedule
• Contract duration per district calendar
• Evaluation annually.

Evaluation 

Performance of duty will be evaluated at least annually in accordance with the Aztec School Board Policy

Physical Rating Level

This position will require the employee to function at a “Medium” physical capacity as defined by Worker’s Compensation Statutes.  “Medium” physical capacity indicates the ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally or up to 25 pounds frequently.

Physical Requirement Details

Definitions:     R = Rarely = 1% to 9% of an eight hour day

                        O = Occasionally = 10% to 33% of a 7.5 hour work day

                        F = Frequently = 34% to 66% of a 7.5 hour work day

                        C = Continuously = 67% to 100% of a 7.5 work day

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work expected.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees in this job classification.

Updated 12/19