JOB TITLE: Special Education Teacher
REPORTS TO: Director

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:
The Special Education Teacher will function as the primary instructional leader within the school, supervising clinical and support staff in the implementation of academic programming for students. This role includes close collaboration with the BCBA in the development and implementation of behavioral programs to ensure alignment between academic instruction and behavioral supports. The teacher will provide instructional strategies and support to both the full class and individual students as needed, while creating and implementing a structured curriculum specifically designed for special education high school students. The curriculum should align with IEP goals, transition planning, and functional academic outcomes.

In addition, the teacher will coordinate the Special Education process within designated building(s), including conducting formal classroom observations, participating in evaluation and identification of student strengths and areas of need, and leading the development of IEPs and IIPs. The role also involves providing direct instruction and coaching to behavioral support staff on how to effectively teach skills, adhere to academic goals, and maintain instructional integrity. The teacher will design, monitor, and regularly update individualized academic goals for all students to ensure meaningful progress and support successful post-secondary transition outcomes.

REQUIREMENTS:
 

• Master’s Degree in human services field and experience working with students with disabilities preferred.
• Must hold a valid five-year renewable postgraduate professional license with the Virginia Department of Education in Special Education 9-12^th grade.
• Must have at least 3 years working with students with disabilities.
• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credentials and prior ABA experience, preferred.
• If not a Registered Behavior Technician upon hire, actively pursues & attains RBT credential within 60 days of employment. (schedule of completion may be altered by Director based on level of ABA experience prior to employment)
• Ability to lift 30 pounds (more with assistance)
• Ability to pass an extensive background check.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Attention to detail and a collaborative, positive attitud
• MAT, Safety Care, and CPR/FA Certifications preferred but not requried. 

EXPECTATIONS:
Vivos Academy is dedicated to providing the highest level of quality care, professionalism and integrity to all students and clients.  All staff members will meet the following expectations:

PROFESSIONALISM

• Ready to begin work at start time, having completed all personal needs prior to arrival
• Dress and behave professionally

• Conduct all activities honestly and with integrity
• Maintain strict confidentiality in all matters related to staff and families, both inside and outside the facility.  This will include any references in social settings and on social media.
• Exhibit maturity and a positive attitude in all dealings with staff, parents, students, and clients
• Use professional verbal and written communication
• Conduct self in a reliable and responsible manner
• Exercise proactive behavior and take initiative where appropriate
• Assist other staff members as needed
• Recognize that experience and education behind programs drive the reasoning for certain actions and follow programs as written.
• Take a collaborative approach when personal observation causes a question about effectiveness of a program and seek clarification from licensed personnel or designated program writer
• Support other staff’s attempts to learn or improve different aspects of themselves and the school

CLIENT RELATIONS

• Treat all children with dignity and respect
• Remain child centered during teaching sessions
• Demonstrate an open, accepting, and inclusive attitude towards all children regardless of behavioral or other differences
• Communicate in a positive manner with students and parents
• Direct parents to the appropriate program writer or administrator on matters pertaining to programs, behavior plans or other treatment questions

 DOCUMENTATION

• Compose documentation in an accurate, detailed, and concise manner.
• Recognize that all records are legal documents and use the appropriate level of care in their preparation and handling
• Ensure that all documentation is written legibly with attention to detail and
• Write detailed parent notes clearly, concisely and accurately, always emphasizing the positive

PERFORMANCE

• Is focused, proactive and takes initiative
• Uses time efficiently and effectively to support school operations
• Cares about the facility and helps to maintain it
• Produces quality work
• Asks appropriate supervisor or administrator for clarification when needed.
• Strives to learn new behavioral and treatment principles-both independently and in offered trainings
• Actively participates in trainings and meetings
• Sets and meets realistic deadlines (or asks for expected completion time frame) for assigned tasks
• Brings possible ideas for a solution when presenting a problem to management

PROCEDURES

• Follows organizational chart when questions of policy arise
• Follows all policies and procedures as written
• Follows behavior programs as written
• Accurately follows supervisory directives

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
 

• Provide 1:1 direct and group instruction to students that meets the instructional and academic needs as stipulated by their IEP/IIP, county placement, grade level, subject.

• Provide instruction based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis to students with the assistance of a BCBA.
• Provide mentorship to provisional teachers as needed.
• Implement HR proceedings for employees as needed including documentation, coaching’s, written warnings, and terminations.
• Adhere to all Virginia Department of Education and VAISEF requirements and regulations.
• Serve as the main point of communication between the school and the Virginia Department of Education.
• Assist and engage with referral process and student tours.
• Assist with medication management for all students.
• Oversee and maintain all IEP and behavioral targets in Catalyst.
• Oversee and maintain all coursework requirements and utilize online curriculum to support credit track students.
• Develop and conduct monthly professional development training for all employees.

• Design, and regularly update, all academic and instructional programs for all students.
• Train behavioral support staff on the proper implementation of instructional programs.
• Serve as a direct link between the Vivos Academy and placing agencies.
• Create lesson plans and programs for students in conjunction with Behavior Analyst.
• Coordinate entry of all demographic and/or screening information for all evaluations into the computerized IEP system.
• Complete monthly and quarterly student reports.
• Assist with the maintenance of individual records of all students receiving special services.
• Serve as an LEA representative when appropriate at IEP conferences.

• Provide training on teaching strategies for educational and group instruction for all support staff.
• Develop academic goals that adhere to the educational requirements established by that student’s school placement, or educational track (SOL vs. VAAP, etc.).
• Conduct assessments to determine present level of performance.
• Implement Academic portion of the new hire training.
• Hold monthly parent meetings in conjunction with clinical team.

• Keep informed of legal requirements governing Special Education.
• Serve as a resource for special needs issues.
• Model and encourage appropriate use of communication modes used by the student.
• Provide verbal support, prompting, redirection and modeling to help the student access the activities of the school’s curriculum.
• Demonstrate initiative and creativity with students and their individual programs.
• Provide support in crisis situations using Safety Care approved techniques.
• Conduct student assessments, with the assistance of BCBA or BCaBA when appropriate.
• Work cooperatively with other staff to facilitate positive interactions for the students.
• Attend and actively participates in regular team and staff meetings. 
• Assist in keeping the school clean and organized.
• Develop personal professional knowledge through ongoing seminar, trainings, conferences, and regular review of recent research.
• Oversee and submit DOE SMS Collection
• Facilitate parent and staff communication via GroupMe
• Assist with bi-annual program audits as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

COMPENSATION: $ 55,000–$75,000 depending on experience, and ABA experience is a plus
 
BENEFITS:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 7 hour shift; 8am-4pm
• Monday to Friday