POSITION: Classroom Teacher - Community Referenced Instruction (CRI)

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION: School/Special Education K-12 Instruction Office

REPORTS TO: Principal/Special Education Department

REVISION / REVIEW DATE: October 29, 2013

JOB CODE:94

UNION: PGCEA

CLASSIFICATION: PGCEA

GRADE: 2-7

POSITION SUMMARY:  This is a full-time, 10-month special education teaching position that will be responsible for providing instruction to students with disabilities in designated elementary, middle or high school Community Reference Instruction (CRI) Programs. The CRI Program supports students with significant cognitive disabilities, ages 5-21. Students in the CRI Program access the General Education Curriculum with significant modifications. The CRI Program affords students the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of IEP objectives in real world settings by participating in planned Community Based Instruction (CBI) bi-weekly.    

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide instruction and case management services for students with significant cognitive disabilities;

Implement "best practice" strategies in the classroom while recognizing individual learning styles and needs;

Provide accommodations and modifications to materials and instruction to meet students' needs;

Participate in professional development relative to general special education and specific on-going district-wide professional development related to the implementation of the Alternate Maryland State Assessment (Alt-MSA);

Adherence to timelines and procedures for completion of the Alt-MSA (for Grades 3-5 and 10);

Utilize the Maryland State Curriculum in planning for instruction and in the development of the IEP;

Provide guidance to the development of the students' Transition Plans, as appropriate;

Provide IEP/curriculum-based CBI experience for students;

Develop vocational opportunities for students and provide supervision of job sites (High School only);

Communicate effectively with team members and parents;

Implement toileting protocols when required; and

Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrated ability to provide differentiated instructional techniques that inspire, motivate and meet the individual educational needs of all students;

Demonstrated ability to develop and nurture an atmosphere and educational environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of all students;

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of strategies in monitoring and evaluating student performance and developing and implementing plans to improve student performance;

Demonstrated ability in integrating technology into curriculum;

Ability to work as part of a collaborative team;

Experience in working in a contained special education classroom setting as well as in the inclusive environment;

Familiarity with "best practices" in the field of students with significant cognitive disabilities; and

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, parents, colleagues, administrators, office staff and other members of the school community.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:   Bachelor's degree in applicable field of education from a regionally accredited college or university; Special Education teaching experience of having taught students with significant cognitive disabilities.    

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:   Holds or is eligible for a Maryland Professional Certificate appropriate to area of assignment; eligibility for Maryland State Department of Education teacher certification in special education.  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:   Supervision for classroom paraprofessional(s) and dedicated or classroom assistants, if applicable.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Normal

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: None.

Prince George’s County Public Schools • www.pgcps.org • 14201 School Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772