Special Education Teacher (Adapted Curriculum)

Job Title: Special Education Teacher - Adaptive

Terms of Employment: 200 days

Pay Grade: 200 day Teacher + $4,000 Hard to Fill Stipend

Job Summary:

The Special Education Teacher - Adaptive Curriculum provides specially designed instruction to students with significant cognitive disabilities who access the Virginia Essential Standards of Learning (VESOL). This position is responsible for developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), delivering functional and academic instruction aligned with state standards, and supporting students in acquiring the skills necessary for independence, communication, social interaction, and postsecondary outcomes.

Essential Duties

• Provide specially designed instruction (SDI) aligned to the Virginia Essential Learning Standards of Learning (VESOL) and adapt content, methodology, and delivery of instruction to meet individualized student needs.
• Deliver instruction in functional academics (reading, math, communication); daily living skills; social-emotional and behavioral skills; and community-based and vocational skills (as appropriate).
• Utilize evidence-based instructional practices, including task analysis, systematic instruction, and data-driven decision-making.
• Incorporate assistive technology and augmentative communication systems as needed.
• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Virginia Department of Education regulations.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to support inclusive practices and access to grade-level content when appropriate.
• Work closely with related service providers (speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, etc.) to support students.
• Provide a structured, safe, and supportive learning environment for all students and use proactive strategies to support students by implementing behavior supports and individualized behavior plans as needed.
• Maintain ongoing progress-monitoring data for students' academic, functional, and behavioral goals to demonstrate progress.
• Administer and support participation in the alternative state assessments aligned with the VESOLs as appropriate for each student.
• Support the development of transition plans (for students 14 and older) and provide instruction in independent living, employment, and community participation skills.
• Perform related work as required.

Minimum Education and Education Qualifications

A valid Virginia teaching license in the area of teaching responsibility and successful student teaching or teaching experience is required. Must be able to provide satisfactory references of teaching performance and have completed appropriate testing requirements. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the School Board or Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable. Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone, to enter data into a computer, and to perform required tasks; see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; hear and understand speech at normal levels, speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly; physical agility to lift up to 25 pounds; to bend, to stoop, to climb stairs, to walk and to reach overhead.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment)

None.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

Bedford County Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Bedford County Schools to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator or supervisor. Bedford County Schools reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time without prior notice.