Special Education Teacher – Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Job Summary
 
As a Special Education Teacher specializing in Self-Contained Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you will play a crucial role in providing individualized instruction and support to students with diverse learning needs. Your primary responsibility will be to create a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment that fosters the academic, social, and emotional growth of each student. The teacher will follow all due process requirements under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Minnesota state statutes. This position works collaboratively with building staff, families, community partners, and students.
 
Job Functions:

• Develop and implement specialized lesson plans tailored to meet the unique needs of students with Developmental Cognitive Disabilities or Autism.
• Provide differentiated instruction to accommodate varying learning styles, abilities, and challenges.
• Conduct ongoing assessments to identify students’ strengths and areas for improvement.
• Regularly monitor and document students’ progress, adjusting instructional strategies accordingly.
• Modify and adapt standard curriculum materials to make them accessible and comprehensible for students.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure alignment with overall curriculum goals.
• Implement behavior management strategies to create a positive and supportive classroom environment.
• Work closely with support staff and parents to address and manage challenging behaviors effectively.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs for students.
• Collaborate with the IEP team, including parents, to set realistic goals and objectives for each student.
• Foster open communication with parents, guardians, and other stakeholders regarding students’ progress and individual needs.
• Collaborate with other special education professionals, paraprofessionals, and support staff to create a cohesive and inclusive learning environment.
• Stay abreast of the latest research, best practices, and methodologies related to special education
• Participate in professional development activities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
• Other duties as assigned 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
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, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Valid Minnesota teaching license in a Special Education field of either Developmental Cognitive Disabilities, Autism, or a related field; or
  • Authorization for the district to complete an Out of Field Permission (OFP) request; or
  • Ability to meet the Tier 1 or Tier 2 PELSB license guidelines.
• Excellent communication skills with families, students and staff.
• Sensitivity and compassion for the needs and issues for families and students with disabilities.
• Desire to provide assistance and advocacy to families and children with disabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, families, and school personnel.
• Knowledge of and understanding for the legal and ethical requirement to keep information about students and families confidential.
• Willing to learn the specifics of South St. Paul educational philosophy and goals for students.
• Excellent teaching skills.
• Excellent technology skills.
• Commitment to working effectively with culturally, economically and socially diverse students and families.
• Ability to understand and follow data privacy rules and regulations related to students

 
Physical Requirements
The physical demands and working environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions. Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee is frequently required to kneel, reach, stand, walk and climb stairs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.