STAR (Structured Teaching Autism Resource) Teacher - 2021-22 School Year

STAR Teacher(Autism Classroom) 

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

This position is for the Structured Teaching & Autism Resource (STAR) Classroom for K-4 students. The STAR classroom is designed to support identified students with Autism who require more intensive intervention in order to access general education through structured teaching methodologies and supports. Students will require services across a variety of settings for academic, social, behavioral and developmental needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Meets and instructs the student(s) in the locations and at the time designated.
• Develops and maintains the physical environment of the classroom that is conducive to effective learning within the limits of resources provided by the system
• Collaborates with general education classroom teachers to ensure that students are able to access instruction and assignments
• Modifies assignments, assessments and other expectations as needed
• Works with school staff and provides direct instruction to the student in order set and maintain high standards of classroom behavior
• Develops and implements functional behavior assessment and behavior intervention plans to address challenging behaviors and ensures that modifications to the environment are made
• Develops an effective program of instruction to include: instructional skills, knowledge of child growth and development, and knowledge and use of structured teaching practices.
• Function as Case Manager to Special Education Students in order to write, schedule and facilitate IEP meetings, implement Individualized Education Plans, evaluate student growth, maintain appropriate records, and prepare progress reports
• Support and maximize opportunities for inclusion of students with Autism
• Observe and assess students to make recommendations for appropriate programming
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with parents, colleagues and outside providers
• Organize and supervise the work of paraprofessionals;
• Maintain and uphold school and county policies and procedures and assure confidentiality of all students’ information;
• Understand and adhere to all laws, Special Education policies and procedures and District policies, and procedures;
• Maintain professional competence through staff development education activities provided by the school district and self-selected professional growth activities including accepting feedback and coaching from consultants.
• Attend and participate in faculty, department, and Vertical Alignment team meetings.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the administration in accordance with the school/system policies and practices.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Candidates must hold or be eligible for a Virginia Teaching certificate with endorsement in Special Education K-12.

Experience with Autism preferred.

Experience and certification in MANDT preferred.

Additional endorsement in Elementary Education PK-6 preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMAND/REQUIREMENTS:

Duties performed typically in school settings. Must be able to respond to the unique educational, behavioral and developmental needs of students with disabilities in a stressful setting. This may include total communication techniques, toilet training and physical restraint. Job may emphasize intervention with and management of aggressive and self-abusive students. Daily personal and close contact with children to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required. Regular contact with other staff members and parents is required. Regular contact with related services providers is required. Occasional contact with medical professionals may be required. Frequent contact with parents by phone and in person is necessary.

Regularly required to speak and/or hear. Frequently required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, or crouch. Occasionally required to use hands to handle or feel and must occasionally climb or balance. Must also frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.