Special Education Teacher

Job Summary:
Valley Achievement Center (VAC) is seeking a Special Education Teacher with mild/moderate and/or moderate/severe credential. The qualified credentialed teacher provides academic instructional services to special needs student(s). The teacher works with Individual Education Plan (IEP) team and other professionals in developing educational goals and monitoring student progress.

Job Duties:

• Create and implement IEP goals and objectives for students with varying functional/cognitive abilities.
• Provide data driven quarterly progress updates on student IEP goals and objectives.
• Assist in the implementation of behavior plans and interventions utilizing positive intervention strategies.
• Directly supervise and work closely with Instructional Assistants (IA) in the implementation of individual education goals. Provide feedback to IA on assigned work assignments.
• Evaluate student progress, modifying instructional plans as needed.
• Stay up to date with academic and technology trends.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Maintain a professional relationship with all stakeholders of VAC.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to work in a fast pace environment.
• Demonstrates accuracy, thoroughness, and personal accountability.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of education team and VAC stakeholders.
• Ability to work as a team and exercise best practice at all levels.
• Knowledge of crisis management and positive behavior interventions.
• Attend required trainings as related to Special Education e.g. (state testing).

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting/carry up to 60lbs without assistance.
• Frequent squatting, sitting, walking, standing, bending, twisting, kneeling, crawling, and climbing.
• Ability to grasp and exercise motor skills with both hands.
• Occasional running, pushing, pulling, and reaching above shoulder level.
• Exposure to excessive noise levels.
• Walk/run on uneven surfaces
• Ability to implement safety care during challenging behavior(s) using Quality Behavioral Solutions (QBS) methods.

Qualifications:

• Possession of a valid Special Education Credential in mild/moderate and/or moderate/severe.
• Previous experience in creating academic/instructional program in a special educational setting.
• Previous experience working with individuals with special needs.

Certificates:

• CPR/First Aide or obtain within three months of employment offer.

Valley Achievement Center (VAC) was founded by Jolene Billinger and Bonny Hulsy. These two passionate mothers of children with autism had a vision to help many families like them in our community. VAC’s Basic Education Program was established to provide a progressive, positive and well-staffed school that would use proven research based techniques to help children with autism attain their educational goals and improve functional skills. VAC quickly developed a reputation for making substantial progress with its students. As a result, increasing numbers of children were referred to VAC. When parents expressed a need for afterschool adaptive skills and social skills programs for their children with autism, VAC established its Intermediate Afterschool (ages 6 through 9) and Afterschool (ages 10 through 22) programs, as well as its Social Skills Program (ages 6 through 18) to meet the need. As those children who attended VAC became adults, it became clear that they and other adults in the community with autism and other developmental disabilities would continue to require ongoing support and services. In response, VAC opened its Adult Services programs, which include supported living, supported employment, and its adult behavioral day program, to continue to meet the needs of its clients and to ensure that, regardless of age, individuals in our community with autism and other developmental disabilities will have the support they need to achieve their goals and thrive. VAC currently has 12 programs for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Our more than 300 employees operate out of our four sites in Bakersfield, providing exceptional service to our wonderful clients and their families.