Special Education Instructional Assistant Jobs in Iowa

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The special education teacher is the educational leader in the classroom and will ensure that the Sioux City Community School District programs and curricula are implemented in a way that maximizes student-learning experiences. The teacher is responsible for the supervision and evaluation of all students within his/her teaching assignment. Consistent with the Department of Education and Sioux City Community School District policies, the teacher will work within an established framework for the delivery of educational services which support student learning for students with mild/moderate disabilities affecting behavior, academics, or communication. This may include students who have specific learning disabilities, those who learn like students with autism, and those who have mild behavior challenges. Working collaboratively with a team of educational professionals, the teacher will demonstrate a strong commitment to planning for the improvement of student achievement. Teaches students academic, social, executive functioning and communication skills, organizes and presents instruction in an environment which helps students learn the subject matter and teaches skills that will contribute to their educational and social development.

Qualifications: An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and maintain long-range and daily instructional plans. Prepare course objectives and outlines by following curriculum guidelines. Emphasis on teaching academic, social emotional, executive functioning, and communication skills that allow students to successfully participate in general education settings.

Use a variety of teaching strategies such as group work, exploration, questioning, discussion, demonstrations, audiovisual aids, and cooperative teaching techniques.

Provide Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) based on identified student need, aligned with the goals documented in the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Instruction will occur in a variety of settings and may include co-teaching and/or supplemental instruction outside of the general education classroom.

Use a variety of assessment strategies and continually evaluate student's academic and social growth, readjusting the teaching procedure to stimulate continuous progress.

Maintain records for student attendance, evaluations, report cards, discipline records, and documents required by the School Board or Department of Education using prescribed formats.

Comply with Special Education Laws, regulations, and procedures. This includes development of Individualized Education Programs within the State developed system. This also includes regular progress monitoring documented within the State developed system.

Schedule and facilitate IEP meetings as required for caseload of approximately 7-18 students. The number of students per caseload is dependent on the level of need for each student.

Implement IEPs and basic Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) with fidelity.

Make provision for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.

Communicate with parents through a variety of methods or means to develop a positive reinforcement of interest in student's progress.

Attend scheduled in-service meetings and training as directed by the building and district administrators. Specific trainings may be required depending on caseload.

Participate in evaluating textbooks and other materials, curriculum, and other developmental programs by working with teams or sharing within the school or district.

Provide leadership to one or more Instructional Assistants assigned to the classroom or to individual students.

Demonstrate effective classroom management.

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, education, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies - To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies as defined and approved by the Iowa Department of Education.

• Demonstrates ability to enhance academic performance and support for the implementation of the Sioux City School District’s student achievement goals.
• Demonstrates competence in content knowledge appropriate to the teaching position.
• Demonstrates competence in planning and preparing for instruction.
• Uses strategies to deliver instruction that meets the multiple learning needs of students.
• Uses a variety of methods to monitor student learning.
• Demonstrates competence in classroom and resource management.
• Engages in professional growth.
• Fulfills professional responsibilities established by the school district.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Minimum qualifications include a valid Iowa teaching certificate, a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major or endorsement in Special Education. Must possess proper state certification and licensure for the position. A candidate who has, or is able to obtain, a Conditional License for the Instructional Strategist I 5-12 endorsement will also be considered. The employee is expected to demonstrate continued professional growth specific to the program(s).

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Strong written and verbal communication skills are critical to the success of this position. Must possess the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of individuals and groups from all levels of the organization, including staff, principals, and central administration. The individual must have effective listening skills.

ANALYTICAL and REASONING SKILLS

The individual must have a solid background in assessment and have the ability to interpret data, which may be very complex and varied. Must be able to apply assessment strategies and link assessment data analysis to school improvement, curriculum, and professional development.

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS

Position requires the individual to be competent in a variety of methods in research and information gathering through technology. The ability to present and communicate through technology is required. Ability to learn and utilize a variety of platforms for data collection and instruction is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Normal office physical demands. May periodically have moderate physical demands and may be required to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally. The environment is fast paced and will require physical movement throughout the school day. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Generally, the employee works inside. Candidate may be required to successfully complete Crisis Prevention Institute Training, which is offered by the District. This training includes components of de-escalation and physical intervention to be used to prevent or respond to significant behavior concerns.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Will perform other duties as may be assigned by the superintendent or designee, necessary and appropriate to the achievement of the program and/or District goals and objectives.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The Sioux City Community School District offers career and technical programs in the following areas: Business & Marketing, Family & Consumer Science, Health Science, and Industrial Arts, Technology, & PLTW. The Sioux City Community School District is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information (for employment), national origin, religion, age (for employment), disability, socioeconomic status (for programs), marital status (for programs), or veteran status (for employment) in its educational programs and its employment practices.

The District is required by Title IX and 34 CFR Part 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs, activities, or employment. Inquiries or grievances under Section 504 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act may be directed to the Compliance Coordinator, at 627 4th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101, (712) 279-6075, TitleIX@live.siouxcityschools.com. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations to the District may be referred to the Compliance Coordinator, the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, or both. Please see District board policies 103 and 504.4 for additional information on available grievance procedures.