SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER III

DEFINITION

This is advanced professional work in the instruction of pupils of normal or impaired learning ability in a state correctional, youth or mental health facility.

An employee in this class is primarily responsible for the instruction of juvenile offenders, patients/residents or adult offenders in state facilities in elementary or secondary school subjects, with emphasis on special education, and may include limited responsibility for the supervision of subordinate professional staff members. Work in this class is distinguished from that of a Special Education Teacher II primarily by the additional proficiency in the subject matter taught, and in educational techniques as evidenced by successful teaching experience or graduate school training. The employee follows the state-approved course of study, but is required to exercise ingenuity and flexibility in adapting a program to fit the needs, abilities and conditions distinctive to pupils in a variety of state facilities. Work may include responsibility for supervising Education Assistants and student teachers. Duties are performed under the general supervision of an Education Supervisor or designated administrator, with review primarily for determining adherence to curriculum standards and maintenance of proper discipline.

Any one position may not involve all of the specified duties or knowledges, skills and abilities, nor are the listed examples exhaustive.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Teaches subject matter appropriate to educational background and certification by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Administers and scores pre/post tests.

Plans and outlines class work within prescribed limits; assembles and prepares learning materials for special study.

Develops, implements and evaluates individual education plans.

Assists in supervisory educational activities, or may perform limited supervisory responsibilities in a small facility school while participating in the teaching program.

Participates in teacher conferences and meetings.

Keeps scholastic and attendance records.

Gives individual instruction and encouragement as needed.

Confers with parents and/or students regarding students' needs, progress, and/or abilities.

Orders necessary supplies and materials.

Participates in educational research projects.

Functions as part of a teaching team.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of modern principles, techniques and methods of teaching, particularly as applied to special education.

Considerable knowledge of the principles of educational testing and of the principles and methods of remedial education.

Considerable knowledge of effective means of supervision and instruction as applied to the work of Education Assistants.

Working knowledge of the needs and requirements of working with students with disabilities.

Working knowledge of the principles and methods of educational research.

Ability to apply modern methods and principles of education to pupils functioning at the elementary or secondary school level.

Ability to maintain an interest in the positive improvement and development of children, adolescents or adults of impaired or normal learning ability.

Ability to maintain proper discipline.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, students, etc.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

(The following entrance requirements are used to admit or reject applicants for merit system examinations, or may be used to evaluate applicants for employment in positions not requiring selection from merit system registers. When applicable, equivalent substitution will be allowed for deficiencies in experience or education.)

Thirty-six months of professional experience as a special education teacher, and possession of a Bachelor's degree with specialization in the field of special education. (Possession of a valid teaching certificate in special education issued from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will substitute for the specialized college coursework in special education.)

OR

Twenty-seven months of professional experience as a special education teacher, possession of a valid teaching certificate in special education issued from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and possession of a Master’s degree in education.

OR

Eighteen months of professional experience as a special education teacher, and possession of a Master's degree with specialization in the field of special education.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Possession of, or proof of ability to secure, an appropriate provisional, life or professional teaching certificate in special education from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at time of appointment.

(Rev. 11/1/01)