Instructional Support Teacher

Instructional Support Teacher

Assists school-based personnel in improving the quality of teaching and student learning for students with disabilities; Assumes responsibility for the knowledge and application of the appropriate curriculum and the instructional programs for students with disabilities in compliance with all State and Federal laws, State Department of Education, and Fulton County Board of Education policies, rules, and regulations, including the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards.

Essential Duties

Instruction:

• Models for and supports special education instructional staff in organizing, identifying, and implementing standardsbased and adapted curriculum
• Plans and delivers professional learning activities to staff, parents, and others to increase achievement for students with disabilities
• Participates in professional learning activities to increase achievement for students with disabilities or to improve skills related to compliance and IEP case management
• Collaborates with parents and local school staff regarding instructional decision-making for students with disabilities
• Routinely analyzes student data to assist staff in utilizing effective teaching strategies and methodologies for students with disabilities
• Provides coaching and follow-up to support district initiatives, including but not limited to effective literacy and math instruction, personalized learning and individualized instruction for students with disabilities
• Assists teachers in improving classroom management and climate through the implementation of effective instructional methods and behavioral supports
• Assists with teacher evaluation process by completing TKES formative observations and/or classroom walk-throughs at the direction of the school administrator
• Provides IEP service data/forecasting to support the creation and implementation of building and effective master schedule

Compliance/Due Process:

• Maintains regular communication with special education staff, local school personnel, and parents regarding the referral, evaluation, identification, and effective programming for students with disabilities
• Consults with school-based instructional staff regarding Individual Education Program (IEP) development, extended school year, behavioral interventions and transition plans for students with disabilities
• Collaborates with appropriate school-based personnel to assure timely data input/submission for students with disabilities
• Ensures timely and accurate educational evaluations of students referred for special education eligibility.
• Monitors evaluation timelines to ensure adherence to State regulations
• Assigns and/or conducts meetings to develop IEPs, as required within assigned school(s)
• Coaches and assists teachers in conducting effective functional behavior assessment and developing appropriate behavior intervention plans
• Consults with local school staff and coordinates/conducts discipline review/manifestation determination meetings with the appropriate communication to Services for Exceptional Children (SEC) Department Coordinator or central office staff
• Monitors, assists and supports special education teaching staff with the accurate documentation of data to reflect student progress for students with disabilities
• Collaborates with appropriate school-based personnel to assure accurate FTE reporting for students with disabilities
• Collaborates in SST/Rtl process to support students with learning and behavioral needs.
• Routinely monitors school-level discipline data and provides consultation to teachers/administrators regarding positive behavior strategies for students with disabilities
• Routinely monitors IEP and eligibility timelines to ensure school-level compliance
• Routinely provides training and feedback on how to write appropriate data-driven IEPs, monitors the process of IEP data collection and analysis and ensures consistent practice and compliance for these activities
• Attends District IST meetings, as assigned, and shares information with appropriate local building personnel
• Contributes to, but does not bear final responsibility for annual evaluations of staff
• Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator

Required Education

Master's Degree

Certification/Licensure

Must hold or be eligible for a valid and clear teaching certificate in one or more areas of Special Education. Leadership Certification strongly preferred.

Experience Qualifications

Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience or related educational experience providing services to students with disabilities required, including writing effective IEPS and behavior intervention plans.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to apply critical thinking skills in rendering solutions to various issues
• Ability to plan and implement short and long-range goals and objectives
• Ability to work with collaborative teams
• Ability to use Microsoft Office and other system software programs
• Excellent interpersonal skills needed to work effectively with students, parents, administrators, school psychologists, and teaching & related services staff
• Excellent organizational skills
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and regulations pertaining to special education

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment
• Requires travel to multiple schools within the District

Physical Demands

• Routine physical activity associated with normal office environment
• Ability to lift and carry 30-50 pounds with assistance
• Ability to push or pull a maximum of 50 pounds
• Ability to restrain students with disabilities, if necessary, using proper restraint techniques