The Multi-level Special education teachers oversee the education and training of students with physical, intellectual, and/or significant autism disabilities at the secondary level (SMS). They design and deliver lessons geared towards the individual needs and capabilities of the students under their supervision.
This is a classroom with currently 7 students and 4 paraprofessionals. Students have classes within the special education classroom as well as in an inclusive environment. It currently has a student mentor program, in which we’d like to continue.
Special Education Teacher Duties & Responsibilities
Multi-Level Special education teachers' responsibilities:
- Collaborate with other classroom and special education teachers, school psychologists, behavior specialist, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapist, and school social workers to provide an integrated plan for developing the capacities of their students.
- Write individual education plans according to the present levels of the student’s performance in academics and functional skills.
- Write lesson plans and teach core instruction and life skills classes according to student needs.
- Set learning goals for each student, assess their progress, and record their evaluations.
- Update parents on the progress of their students and enlist parental support supplement their classroom lessons.
- Lead the IEP team meetings clearly and efficiently.
- Supervise and train para professionals.
- Secondary special education teachers help plan for the transition of their students to productive lives after the completion of their secondary education.
- Write lesson plans and behavior plans according to each students’ present level of performance.
- Instruct students with specially designed instruction in the inclusive environment and in the special education classroom.
Education
- Education: Require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in education to teach with a waiver from KSDE. Ultimately, the special education teacher needs a Master’s Degree in Special Education.
Special Education Teacher Skills & Competencies
There are many skills specific to special education teachers, including empathy, and organization.
- Critical-thinking skills: A special education must accurately assess students' progress and adjust lessons to their needs.
- Communication skills: A special education teacher must be able to communicate with parents, other teachers, and administrators, in addition to the children under their supervision.
- Innovation: A special education teacher will be able to conceive of different ways of reaching students and guiding them to progress.