The Special Education Teacher works collaboratively with the Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and other members of the IEP team in achieving the best possible outcomes for the students served and in creating a culture of excellence within VIA Day Schools. The Special Education Teacher contributes to student programming by working in partnership with the IEP Team for IEP development and implementation, program monitoring, parent and classroom communication, and summarizing student progress for reporting purposes.
Duties and Responsibilities
IEP Development and Implementation
_Completes the following in collaboration with the Behavior Analyst & other members of IEP Team:_
Ensures the quality of all IEP documents with goals/accommodations that reflect the unique needs of each student; include parent input; and meet all regulatory requirements for both content and time frames
Identify educational assessments and lead/conduct administration for annual IEPs and Eligibility Meetings
Ensure assessment was completed within 30 days of admission and prior to each Pre-IEP meeting
In collaboration with school leadership, ensure for the administration of statewide assessments (SOL or VAAP)
Lead Pre-IEP & IEP meetings
Completes IEP Checklists annually for each student
Complete accurate and complete progress reports at required intervals
Provide staff training, implementation, and oversight of policy and procedures as they pertain to the IEP process
Curriculum & Daily Instruction
Leads instruction for the duration of the school day
o This position will be allotted 5 hours of planning time each week for when the students are present
Arrange classroom environment to support needs of assigned students
o Ensure for an organized and structured classroom with access to a variety of activities and preferred items
o Incorporate VIA Tier 1 behavior support guidelines
Consult with the cooperating behavior analyst for specific strategies
Develop individual and group classroom schedules based on the needs of the learners.
Collaborate with BCBA to determine how and when to include students in groups
Plan and prepare for group instruction which may include but is not limited to morning/afternoon meetings, movement, academic groups, art activities
Differentiate instruction for learners to actively participate in instruction at a pace that promotes engagement and competes with challenging behavior
Initiate consultation with BCBA for low motivation, low acquisition, and/or challenging behavior in the classroom
Work with individuals one on one or in small groups to provide specialized instruction driven by IEP goals
In collaboration with school leadership, identify and provide resources to help direct curriculum scope & sequence for students
Communicate and coordinate with related service providers to schedule service delivery times for individuals within the classroom schedule as well as consultation times with the service providers, teacher, and BCBA
Classroom Management
_Completes the following in collaboration with the Behavior Analyst as appropriate:_
Provide behavioral skills training to new instructional staff
Perform proficiency checks for instructional staff
Provide feedback to staff regarding strengths and/or concerns on an ongoing basis
Foster positive staff-staff relationships
Develop and maintain daily staff rotation schedule
Monitor attendance and timeliness of classroom's instructional staff
Communicate and monitor classrooms jobs/chores
Oversee that student information sheets are completed and/or on a monthly basis
Program Monitoring
_Completes the following in collaboration with the Behavior Analyst as appropriate:_
Schedule and ensure consistent and accurate implementation of Monthly Data Review (MDR) process for all students
Attend/ensure troubleshooting of programs takes place when necessary
Lead weekly classroom meetings & create agenda
Organize & schedule new hire training in classroom/provide support with training when necessary
Develop & monitor student transitions to lesser restrictive environments. Collaborate with BCBA when necessary on student transitions
Conduct electronic data collection system audits at 3 and 6 months of IEP commencement.
Ensure all IEP goals have been implemented daily or at prescribed interval
Family Interactions
Communicate with families in a professional and compassionate manner at all times
Document all communications in log accessible by school leadership
Participate in new student admissions orientation
Respond to all parent communication within 24 hours. Assign designee if unable
Notify parent/guardian for any student illness, injury, unusual incident, or use of protective hold on day of incident
Oversees professional home/school contact by daily review of communication logs (i.e., home to school note or SOAP notes)
Schedule & lead parent meetings. Ensures all members of the team are notified
Staff Supervision
_Completes the following in collaboration with the Behavior Analyst as appropriate:_
Monitor attendance & timeliness of staff & deliver appropriate feedback as needed (including Performance Improvement Plans)
Assists with completing annual performance evaluations in collaboration with BCBA
Monitors, tracks, approves, or denies Behavior Technician's leave in Paylocity
Assist RBTs with tracking supervision hours
Collaborate with the BCBA to schedule observations/meetings to ensure RBT supervision and training is met
Collaborate with the Quality Improvement Manager-Staff Development & Training to ensure all new staff are trained in accordance with VIA procedures
Deliver and complete trainings for new staff to complete instructional/skill acquisition routines
Management Duties
_Completes the following in collaboration with the Behavior Analyst as appropriate:_
Takes a leadership role at all times (e.g., in classroom, clinic, home session, community outing, staff meetings, program events) and serves as an ambassador for VIA
Ensures staff adhere to policies and procedures of the organization
Develops staffing and student/client/consumer classroom/service schedules according to established systems to ensure proper implementation of IEP/ISP/Treatment plans
Demonstrates problem-solving (solutions to challenges) and mediates conflict with staff members
Provides supervision and regularly delivers performance feedback and conducts written annual performance evaluations of staff
Provides Staff Training/Caregiver Training using VIA standards and methods
Assists with car & bus duty as scheduled assuring for the safe dismissal and arrival of students
Participate in interviews as needed
Maintains classroom budget as directed by Director of Roanoke VIA Day School.
Maintains a well-organized work environment (including classrooms, treatment rooms, day support space, VIA common spaces) and ensures the professional presentation of electronic data collection system logs, client graphs, billing notes, supplies, and materials, in a VIA approved manner
Assists with providing and developing ongoing staff development
Implements relevant systems consistently
Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in Education, Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis or related field required
Valid Virginia Special Education Teaching license (adapted curriculum K-12 or with an endorsement in a specific disability area) required
Valid driver's license required
One year of experience in the instruction of individuals with autism using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) preferred
Position Type
This is a full-time position. The position involves working with students who exhibit challenging and/or aggressive behavior and participation in community outings.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $45,500.00 - $54,590.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Day shift
Holidays
Monday to Friday
No nights
No weekends
Experience:
Teaching: 1 year (Required)
Special education: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
Special Education Certification (Required)
Ability to Commute:
Lexington, VA 24450 (Required)
Work Location: In person
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