Special Education Teacher Job Description Template

Use this Special Education Teacher job description template to advertise the open roles for free using Longlist.io. You can use this template as a starting point, modify the requirements according the needs of your organization or the client you are hiring for.

Job Brief

We are looking for a Special Education Teacher to join our team of educators.

You will be responsible for teaching groups of students with mild or moderate disabilities. You will modify existing curriculum on basic subjects (e.g. math, writing) to meet each student’s learning requirements and build individual lesson plans tailored to their specific needs. You will also discuss with parents and support staff about important matters that might impede students’ progress.

Ultimately, you will help and inspire children to achieve important learning milestones.

Responsibilities

  • Assess students’ abilities and craft teaching plans
  • Adapt learning materials to students’ needs
  • Keep track of and reflect on students’ progress  
  • Monitor children’s behavioral patterns and arrange appropriate interventions if needed
  • Find engaging activities to teach skills (e.g. drawing and theater drama)
  • Manage classroom crises and resolve conflict
  • Prepare students for transition to the next grade
  • Inform parents about their children’s performance and potential problems
  • Coach/mentor other professionals who work with children with disabilities
  • Collaborate with the support staff (e.g. school counselors and speech therapists) to create holistic intervention plans

Requirements

  • Proven experience as a Special Education Teacher or relevant role
  • Good knowledge of current special education topics and methodologies
  • Experience working with children with a wide range of disabilities
  • Ability to create IEPs
  • A patient, resourceful, and resilient personality
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Valid state special education certificate
  • BSc in Special Education; MSc is a plus

What does Special Education Teacher do?

A Special Education Teacher's day-to-day responsibilities can vary depending on the students' needs and the school or educational setting they work in. However, some common tasks include:

  1. Lesson Planning: Developing and preparing lessons and materials that are tailored to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities.

  2. Instruction: Delivering instruction to students with disabilities, either in a one-on-one or group setting, using specialized teaching techniques and accommodations.

  3. Individualized Education Program (IEP) Meetings: Collaborating with parents, school administrators, and other team members to develop, review, and revise individualized education plans for students and ensure they are receiving appropriate support and accommodations.

  4. Assessments and Progress Monitoring: Administering assessments and tracking students' progress to evaluate their academic, social, and behavioral development, and making adjustments to instruction accordingly.

  5. Behavior Management: Implementing behavior management strategies and techniques to promote positive behavior and create a conducive learning environment for students with disabilities.

  6. Collaboration and Communication: Collaborating with general education teachers, therapists, and other related service providers to coordinate services, share information, and ensure consistency in support for students with disabilities.

  7. Documentation and Record-keeping: Maintaining accurate and comprehensive records of student progress, attendance, and behavior, as well as documenting any special accommodations or modifications provided.

  8. Professional Development: Engaging in ongoing professional development to stay updated on best practices, strategies, and research in the field of special education.

  9. Parent Communication: Regularly communicating with parents or guardians to provide feedback on their child's progress, discuss concerns, and provide support and guidance.

  10. Advocacy: Advocating for the legal rights and entitlements of students with disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate support, accommodations, and resources for their educational needs.

It's important to note that this is a general overview, and the specific day-to-day responsibilities can vary based on individual school requirements and the specific needs of students with disabilities.