Job Title: Special Education Teacher
Department: School Operations
Reports To: Principal
Compensation: Teacher’s Salary Schedule + 5%
Number of Days: Contract days
Overtime Status: Exempt - Salaried
Last Revised Date: April 2024
We believe our students can and will create a better future through a quality education. When the student, home, school, and community unite in this effort, students will succeed.
Position Summary: As a Special Education Teacher at Savanna Public Schools, you’ll be a champion for equitable education throughout the district. Your primary responsibility will be to ensure each of your students master the objective of each lesson set forth by the curriculum. This will be accomplished through thoughtful planning, grade level/content area collaboration, and implementing best practices learned from school leadership, district professional development, and other sources. A growth mindset and a desire to receive actionable feedback will ensure you are prepared to meet the rigorous demands of educating students in our diverse district.
Minimum Qualifications: Education:
Bachelor’s Degree
Specialized Knowledge, Licenses, etc.:
Oklahoma Teaching Certification in one of the following: Blind/Visual Impairment, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Mild-Moderate Disabilities, and Severe-Profound/Multiple Disabilities or the ability to complete the state of Oklahoma’s alternative route to special education certification, OSDE Boot Camp
Other:
Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrate self-discipline and initiative
Abide by all district guidelines and policies as well, as the state of Oklahoma’s Standards of Performance and Conduct for Teachers, and any relevant state statutes
Responsibilities and Essential Functions: The following duties are representative of performance expectations. A reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential functions.
Culture:
Develop an affirming, achievement-oriented, and learning environment that invests students in learning as a life-long endeavor
Establish systems and routines in order to create a safe, purposeful, and welcoming classroom environment focused on learning
Implement classroom behavior management systems that are equitable and restorative
Communicate regularly, respectfully, and effectively with students, families, and colleagues
Participate in school-based events, that take place outside of school hours, including but not limited to parent-teacher conferences
Instruction:
Internalize lesson plans through thoughtful planning that leverages district-provided resources and proven best practice
Implement curricula to meet college and career readiness standards
Modify lessons to meet student needs
Use student data to inform and refine data-driven teaching practices
Provide students with feedback and support in setting goals
Differentiate instruction to ensure all students achieve at the highest level
Accountable for students’ mastery of college and career readiness standards
Development:
Attend and participate in regular professional development facilitated by district staff
Attend and participate in regular staff meetings, grade-level meetings, and content collaborative planning meetings
Other:
Display the ability to work collaboratively with others on a team
Perform other tasks, duties, or services consistent with this position as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities:
This role may be required to oversee teacher assistants and/or paraprofessionals and may require you to report to the administration on the effectiveness of teacher aid(s) in the special education programs.
Working Conditions: Exposure to the following situations may range from rare to frequent based on circumstances and factors that may not be predictable.
Subject to stress caused by a changing environment, tight deadlines, and heavy workload
Be able to sit for long periods without a break
Frequent use of electronic mail
Accidents improbable outside of minor injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, or bruises
No exposure to chemical or health hazards
Primarily require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions
Normal effort or occasional periods of light physical activity
Outside playground, cafeteria, morning, and/or afternoon duty