ESE Elementary Teacher

Position summary

To guide the development and implementation of an instructional program that will provide the best possible academic and independent skills for each student.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to meet the needs of students within their individual needs.
• Execute and monitor Annual Education Plan (AEP) while informing family of progress on a regular basis.
• Modify teaching strategies as needed in order to promote mastery of IEP/AEP goals and objectives.
• Demonstrate and utilize individualized special education strategies, behavior supports, TEACCH, ABA, and classroom management skills in accordance with agency code of student conduct, policies and procedures.
• Develop individual visual schedules and Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) for students.
• Maintain frequent contact with parents to update them on strategies and techniques utilized in the classroom and make recommendations to parents on strategies they can utilize at home.
• Participate in parent/teacher conferences as needed.
• Foster an environment that supports individual achievement, team spirit and leadership.
• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and policies and procedures to maintain order among students
• Demonstrate and utilize appropriate guidance techniques, behavior supports, and classroom management skills
• Participate in the development of AEP during meetings with parents, administrators, teachers, social worker, and/or other professionals.
• Develop weekly lesson plans, establish clear objectives, and make modifications to strategies as needed to help students meet their targeted goals.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records, collect data on targeted behaviors for reduction and acquisition, and prepare reports on students and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
• Complete student assessments according to testing schedule and maintain a student portfolio of work samples to demonstrate progress.
• Report all suspected child abuse/neglect to the Hotline; as well as the school social worker and School Director.
• Attend staff and professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence in ESE and Autism fields.
• Attend special events after school hours and/or during weekends to help market the program to recruit new students.

Other Responsibilities

• Ensure confidentiality with all information; as well as the security and safety of all documents.
• Ensure the safety of all staff, volunteers, visitors and individuals receiving services at Easter Seals.
• Act in compliance with Medical and Non-Medical Emergency Procedures.
• Assist individuals in evacuating building during emergency situations to include but not limited to: fire drills and external disaster drills. Specific duties to be assigned by immediate supervisor.
• Assume assigned responsibility for non-clinical duties during disaster and/or drills including but not limited to safety of files/office areas, closure of doors.
• Work a flexible schedule as required.
• Other related duties as necessary to ensure the smooth running and efficiency of Easter Seals South Florida as a whole.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Teaching experience working with students with unique abilities.
• Teaching Certificate preferred

Physical demands

Health status appropriate to the physical and emotional demands of the job.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

• Ability to motivate students with unique abilities
• Ability to effectively communicate both written and verbal
• Fluency in English required; bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Ability to promote teamwork and build effective relationships
• Ability to take initiative and meet objectives
• High level of interpersonal, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding personal information of participants and staff
• Desire to improve the lives of people with autism and other special needs