JOB TITLE: SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER, CORRECTION EDUCATION

JOB CODE: 25920

DEFINITION: This is professional education work in teaching special education classes for inmates at a state correctional institution.

An employee in this job is responsible for developing and adapting special education programs to fit the educational and developmental needs of inmates with impaired learning ability. Work involves the design, adaptation, and use of a variety of instructional and remedial techniques to develop basic learning abilities of inmates with special educational needs using individualized and small group instructional approaches. Work includes diagnosing and evaluating inmate potential, achievement, and progress by administering standardized and teacher-constructed tests and grading classroom and homework assignments; monitoring inmate behavior to ensure an effective learning environment in the classroom; maintaining security of classroom materials; and completing records, reports, and forms related to the operation of classes and the evaluation of inmate performance. Work is performed under the general supervision of an administrator or principal, and is reviewed through conferences and observations for achievement of educational objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Note: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples):

• Prepares instructional objectives that will achieve the goals of the Planned Educational Program.

• Develops Individualized Educational Plans for inmates and prepares lesson plans specifying content and activities to be covered, sequence of instruction, materials needed, and standards for lesson accomplishment.

• Prepares instructional aids and materials for use in the classroom.

• Reviews and recommends texts, study guides, workbooks, and other learning materials for use in the classroom.

• Prepares assessments and analyzes the information gathered to determine inmate capabilities and readiness for learning.

• Participates in and/or coordinates multidisciplinary team processes in providing educational programs for educationally challenged students.

• Plans and outlines class work adapting the classroom activities, teaching methods, and academic materials to meet the special needs of educationally challenged inmates.

• Adapts classroom materials for use by educationally challenged students.

• Selects and employs a variety of teaching techniques and approaches in presenting subject matter to a group of inmates or individual inmates.

• Prepares and administers quizzes, tests, and exercises.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 2

• Analyzes inmate achievement in class using tests and other evaluative information to identify the strengths and learning needs of individual inmates.

• Establishes classroom rules and procedures and maintains order in class.

• Completes reports and maintains records on inventory assigned to the inmates, classroom, and the school.

• Maintains inmate attendance and learning records.

• Prepares requests for equipment, materials and supplies.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of teaching principles and practices.

• Knowledge of special education curriculum and classroom material development and application for students with impaired learning ability.

• Knowledge of state and federal special education laws as applicable to providing appropriate programs for special needs youth up to the age of 21.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of a valid and active professional special education certification issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. When no candidates possess the named certification, the candidate must be eligible for an Emergency Permit issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education that is appropriate to the position.

• An employee assigned to a Commonwealth Secondary Diploma facility who was hired based on eligibility for an Emergency Permit must obtain a valid and active special education certification issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.