TEACHER SPECIAL EDUCATION

Definition

Under direction is responsible for providing basic academic, living skills, and remedial instruction on the elementary and secondary level to further the education and social adjustment of emotionally disturbed, neurologically, perceptually, or physically impaired, mentally retarded, and/or socially maladjusted or atypical individuals; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Plans subject matter to be taught.
• Plans courses of study according to pupils= levels of learning, abilities, individual needs, and physical and/or mental limitations of students.
• Devises instructional methods/aids, such as audiovisual techniques/materials, to meet pupil needs.
• Teaches elementary/secondary school subjects to physically handicapped persons or those with mental disorders, adapting teaching techniques/methods of instruction to meet individual needs of such persons.
• Devises special teaching tools, techniques, and equipment.
• Instructs students in academic subjects and other activities designed to provide learning experiences.
• Teaches basic academic and living skills to mentally retarded persons and/or to those with other mental and/or physical disorders using various teaching techniques to reinforce the learning process.
• Instructs students in subject areas such as reading, writing, and basic arithmetic, utilizing various techniques such as those of phonetics, multisensory learning, and repetition.
• Instructs students in subjects and personal skills required to prepare them for independent maintenance and economic self- sufficiency.
• Encourages students to participate in verbal/sensory classroom learning experiences to ensure their comprehension of subject matter being taught, development of social skills, and development of the ability to identify objects encountered in daily living.
• May arrange for and conduct field trips designed to promote sensory learning experiences.
• May supervise work of a teacher aide or volunteer in the performance of routine instructional tasks.
• Teaches basic academic subjects and conducts activities in subjects such as music, art, crafts, and physical education to stimulate/develop interests, abilities, manual skills, and coordination.
• Administers mental ability and academic achievement tests and interprets results.
• Confers with psychologists, psychiatrists, and other interested persons on pupil progress and to develop curriculum to maximize students' potentials.
• Provides counsel/advice to individuals/groups on problems related to social behavior and personal relationships.
• Prepares reports and makes special studies of student behavior.
• Observes, evaluates, and prepares reports on progress of students.
• Maintains records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

License

Possession of a valid certificate as a Teacher of the Handicapped in the State of New Jersey.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of principles/techniques of elementary and/or secondary education.
• Knowledge of techniques used in group activities and individual counseling.
• Knowledge of student centered teaching.
• Knowledge of teaching and learning theories/techniques as they apply to individuals with physical, mental, or social/emotional disorders or learning disability.
• Ability to analyze, comprehend, and interpret problems pertinent to the work involved.
• Ability to apply an instructional program to meet learning needs and limitations of those being taught.
• Ability to work with a variety of types of persons with physical, mental, or social/emotional disorders.
• Ability to test for and teach basic skills such as reading and math and plan appropriate lessons for pupils.
• Ability to devise tests to measure students= progress, learning levels, and educational level of development.
• Ability to communicate with and relate to persons with mental, social, and behavioral problems.
• Ability to discern students= needs and interest.
• Ability to recognize learning problems.
• Ability to exercise initiative/discretion/judgment in developing course outlines, lesson plans, and individualized learning programs to meet needs of disabled or disturbed persons and to exercise initiative in dealing with problems presented by such individuals. Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.