Special Education Teacher - 7-12

ABOUT RCSD:  The Rochester City School District (RCSD), located in vibrant Monroe County on the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario serves over 26,000 students, of whom more than 85% are students of color, in 46 schools and 10 alternative programs.  The RCSD Board of Education and Superintendent believe that each student has recognizable and untapped potential that we all strive to discover and fulfill.  In a partnership of family, school and community, our mission is to provide all students equitable access to a high quality education and graduate students who are prepared to become productive members of society.  The Rochester City School District’s vision is to provide a high quality education that fosters the development of the individual talents and abilities of our students in a nurturing environment of equity.  Students are our first priority and will drive each decision.  Our work is centered in respect, trust, integrity and accountability. 
 
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION OF UNIT:  Under the supervision of the principal, evidences support to the vision and mission of the school and works to achieve goals as stated in the School Improvement Plan.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
 
Standards and Assessment:

• Demonstrate knowledge of federal and state legislation regarding students with disabilities
• Implement the students Individual Education Plan
• Implement testing accommodations for students when indicated on the students Individual Education Plan
• Demonstrate knowledge of the continuum of services available for students with disabilities
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in delivering special education services using different models such as resource room, consultant teacher and integrated special class
• Modify instructional strategies to meet the needs of students
• Use appropriate instructional materials consistent with student needs
• Collaborate with the general education teacher in planning and delivering instruction
• Plan, develop, and deliver an instructional program based upon world class standards of performance for all students.
• Design developmental and interdisciplinary learning experiences that stimulate

inquiry, creativity, discovery and participation.

• Teach to specific learning styles.
• Utilize performance based, content appropriate and authentic instruments to assess student performance and achievement.
• Demonstrate content matter knowledge and content related skills. 

Learning Environments:

• Utilize instructional resources, information technology and school to work transition systems to achieve world class standards.

• Design instructional strategies that celebrate and reflect multiculturalism. Develop and manage a safe learning environment.
• Model, exemplify and teach values that strengthen and protect the fabric and cohesiveness of a democratic society.
• Create, enrich, maintain and alter classroom to capture and sustain the interests of the students.

Community Services and Support:

• Utilize opportunities for neighborhood and community involvement to support student performance.
• Participate in professional development activities in collaboration with community partners to support student performance. 

High Performance Organization:

• Work collaboratively and professionally with all members of the staff and school community.
• Support the school-based planning process and its decision.
• Work a professional day to make time to meet the needs of students during and beyond the school day.
• Collaborate with colleagues to enhance student performance and the quality of the school.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and implement activities for self-improvement and to meet District expectations.
• Respond positively to supervision.

Public Engagement:

• Initiate parent and community involvement to support student achievement.
• Involve parents in school and learning activities.
• Initiate meaningful and regular communication with parents in a variety of ways that are clear and supportive to meet the needs of the student’s family.
• Respond to parents to meet their interests and needs. 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor’s degree for certification and appropriate additional graduate work for permanent certification.
• New York State Teaching Certificate in Special Education N-6, K-12 or 7-12 with Content Area Specialty.
• Candidates must meet all criteria established for teachers applying to teach in the Rochester City School District.  Information is available from the Human Resources Department.