Special Education Teachers, Middle School

25-2057.00

Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and policies and procedures to maintain order among students.
• Modify the general education curriculum for students with disabilities, based upon a variety of instructional techniques and instructional technology.
• Develop or write Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records, and prepare reports on children and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
• Develop and implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of handicapping conditions.
• Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement.
• Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
• Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and professionals to develop individual educational plans (IEPs) for students' educational, physical, and social development.
• Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
• Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.
• Collaborate with other teachers that provide instruction to special education students to ensure that the students receive appropriate support.
• Teach students personal development skills, such as goal setting, independence, and self-advocacy.
• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
• Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.
• Monitor teachers and teacher assistants to ensure that they adhere to inclusive special education program requirements.
• Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
• Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
• Coordinate placement of students with special needs into mainstream classes.
• Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
• Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
• Guide and counsel students with adjustments, academic problems, or special academic interests.
• Instruct students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and self-sufficiency, such as hygiene, safety, and food preparation.
• Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.
• Provide assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.
• Meet with parents and guardians to provide guidance in using community resources and to teach skills for dealing with students' impairments.
• Prepare for assigned classes, and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.
• Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.
• Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Administer standardized ability and achievement tests, and interpret results to determine students' strengths and needs.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
• Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers, or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.
• Organize and supervise games and other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, and social development.
• Organize and label materials and display students' work.
• Perform administrative duties, such as school library assistance, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.
• Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Supervise, evaluate, and plan assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers.
• Provide additional instruction in vocational areas.
• Visit schools to tutor students with sensory impairments and to consult with teachers regarding students' special needs.

Technology Skills

• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Computer based training software - Common Curriculum; EasyCBM; Padlet; Schoology; Text to speech software
• Data base user interface and query software - Blackboard software
• Device drivers or system software - Screen magnification software; Screen reader software
• Electronic mail software - Email software
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Multi-media educational software - Seesaw
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software 🔥
• Operating system software - Apple macOS 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥; Pear Deck
• Project management software - Google Classroom
• Spell checkers - Hand held spell checkers
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel 🔥
• Video creation and editing software - Flipgrid; Video editing software
• Voice recognition software - Voice activated software
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Establish rules or policies governing student behavior.
• Modify teaching methods or materials to accommodate student needs.
• Design psychological or educational treatment procedures or programs.
• Develop educational programs.
• Maintain student records.
• Prepare reports detailing student activities or performance.
• Develop strategies or programs for students with special needs.
• Teach life skills.
• Discuss problems or issues with supervisors.
• Discuss student progress with parents or guardians.
• Collaborate with other teaching professionals to develop educational programs.
• Monitor student performance.
• Monitor student behavior, social development, or health.
• Evaluate student work.
• Assist students with special educational needs.
• Plan educational activities.
• Direct activities of subordinates.
• Set up classroom materials or equipment.
• Administer tests to assess educational needs or progress.
• Prepare tests.
• Create technology-based learning materials.
• Apply multiple teaching methods.
• Develop instructional objectives.
• Advise students on academic or career matters.
• Document lesson plans.
• Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.
• Teach others to use technology or equipment.
• Serve on institutional or departmental committees.
• Plan experiential learning activities.
• Display student work.
• Supervise school or student activities.
• Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
• Distribute instructional or library materials.
• Order instructional or library materials or equipment.
• Evaluate performance of educational staff.
• Supervise student research or internship work.
• Teach vocational courses.
• Tutor students who need extra assistance.