Job Description:
 Scope: The Life Skills Program (LSP) provides instruction within a public school setting to students in kindergarten and through twenty-one identified with significant cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities. The needs of these students require a functional curriculum focused on the acquisition of daily living and vocational skills leading to a successful transition to adult life within the community. These K-12 classrooms provide instruction in practical academics, communication, community, domestic, leisure/recreation, and vocational skills utilizing a functional curriculum in a general education school building. The classrooms emphasize communication, maximum independence, and opportunities to generalize skills in natural settings as well as participation in general education activities with typical peers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Planning and Preparation 
The special education teacher understands the philosophical, historical, and legal foundations of special education. Additionally, teacher understands how students differ in their approaches to learning; creates instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners; understands instructional planning; and designs instruction based on knowledge of the discipline, student, community, and curriculum goals; of all students ages three through twenty-one. In planning and preparation, the teacher demonstrates knowledge of content, students, instructional outcomes, resources, instructional practice, and designing assessments.

 
2. The Classroom Environment
 
The special education teacher uses an understanding of individual, group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, respect and rapport. This environment creates a positive culture with active engagement in learning and self-motivation while managing classroom procedures and student behavior.
 

3. Instruction
The special education teacher understands the central concepts and methods of inquiry; uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills; and creates learning experiences that make content meaningful to all students. Additionally, teacher understands the educational assessment process and uses various assessment strategies to support the continuous development of all students.
 
 
4. Professional Responsibilities
 
The special education teacher understands teaching as a profession, maintains standards of professional conduct, and provides leadership to improve students’ learning and well-being. The special education teacher is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates how choices and actions affect students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community and actively seeks opportunities to grow professionally.