Teacher – Special Education Day Program - Autism

Essential Job Functions:

• Plans, delivers and evaluates instruction based upon specific standards and objectives established by Chesterfield County Public Schools and as indicated in the student's Individualized Educational Program (IEP). 

• Completes required training as well as performs other best practices in providing consistency through autism classrooms in the school division.

• Applies knowledge of curriculum and specialized instructional strategies to improve student performance with regard to standard-based assessments.

• Performs instruction in compliance with instructional program guidelines and legal requirements of IDEA and Federal regulations.  

• Assesses student's learning on an ongoing basis and alters instruction to meet group and individual needs.

• Consults with teachers, administrators, related services providers and instructional/health specialists to determine individual student eligibility and classroom placement and to evaluate student progress.

• Documents and evaluates student progress. Communicates progress frequently, thoroughly and effectively with parents multiple channels as needed.

• Provides supervision and work direction to instructional assistants.

• Maintains order within the classroom in accordance with division guidelines regarding student behavior management.  

• Supervises students during non-classroom time (lunch, fire drills, etc.).

• Writes effective, instructionally sound standards-based Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) attuned to the individual needs of students with autism in compliance with division procedures and VDOE regulations.

• Demonstrates commitment to improving professional competence.

• Performs other duties as required.

Budgetary Responsibility: 

NA

Report Preparation: 

NA

Equipment Operation:

Utilizes a personal computer, general office equipment and various assistive technology devices.

Contacts:

Teachers, instructional assistants, building administrators and parents. Coordinates with other school and community resources in delivery of services.

Work Direction: 

NA

Supervision:  

NA

Decision Making:

Functions independently within the context of daily activities.

Formal Policy-Setting Responsibilities:  

NA

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met 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 regularly required to use hands to handle or feel objects, manipulate or handle controls, objects and or other materials; reach with hands and arms, talk and hear.  The employee is required to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop and kneel.  May be required to use verbal, non-verbal and physical crisis prevention/intervention.  May be required to lift up to 25 pounds and assist students with toileting and personal hygiene issues.  

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a public school.  The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

Working knowledge of the concepts, principles and methodologies of instruction, learning theory and teaching methodologies for special education students and specific to students with autism and behavioral, social and communication strategies for individuals with autism. Demonstrated ability to: identify students appropriate for special education programs; develop instructional goals for students within special education programs; design and deliver instruction and assess student's learning; develop IEP’s through online systems and to generate and access data through online sources and the student record. Demonstrated ability in decision making, problem analysis, conflict resolution, interpersonal relationships and planning.

Requires handling of sensitive information and/or dealing tactfully with others. Requires knowledge of the characteristics of Asperger Syndrome and high functioning autism and be familiarity with Applied Behavioral Analysis utilizing, discrete trial, pivotal response, functional routines and picture exchange communication methods.