Position Summary

The Art and Music Teacher is responsible for providing art and music instruction to students with extensive support needs and high-risk youth detained or placed in juvenile hall or approved for placement in community school programs. This role focuses on creating an inclusive learning environment tailored to individual student abilities, ensuring equitable access to creative expression. This position is essential for fostering creativity and engagement through specialized instruction, ensuring students with diverse learning needs can thrive in artistic and musical endeavors.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This teaching position is unique in its focus on students with significant developmental, cognitive, and physical disabilities, and students who are high-risk, detained or placed in juvenile hall or approved for placement in community school programs and who require specialized instructional strategies. The teacher must be able to adapt lessons for varying levels of ability, making use of assistive technologies, sensory integration techniques, and behavior management strategies to deliver instruction. Unlike other teaching roles, this position demands a high degree of flexibility, creativity, and collaboration with support staff and special education professionals.

Supervision Received And Exercised

Supervision Received: This position operates under the supervision of the Principal or Assigned Administrator.

Supervision Exercised: None. This position does not supervise other employees.

Examples Of Duties And Responsibilities (Examples Of Essential Job Functions)

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Design and deliver adaptive art and music lessons that align with the specific needs and abilities of students with extensive support needs.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers, special education staff, therapists, and instructional aides to ensure coordinated and comprehensive educational programming.
• Modify instructional techniques and materials to suit individual student needs, at times utilizing adaptive tools, assistive technology, and alternative communication methods.
• Maintain a supportive and safe learning environment, ensuring accessibility to materials and activities for all students.
• Conduct assessments and provide regular feedback on student progress, making data-driven decisions to adjust instruction as needed.
• Maintain communication with parents and caregivers regarding student progress and goals.
• Document and report on the outcomes and goals of the art program as required.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with evidence-based practices in art, music, and special education.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodation so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. 

Qualifications (aka Employment Standards)

Knowledge of:

• Techniques for adapting art and music instruction to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
• Use of assistive technologies, sensory tools, and adaptive materials.
• Special education regulations, policies, and IEP processes.
• Inclusive teaching practices and behavior management strategies.

Ability to:

• Develop and implement engaging, accessible art and music lessons.
• Work effectively with a multidisciplinary team, including teachers, aides, therapists, and families.
• Use adaptive tools and assistive technology to support student learning.
• Create a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, parents, and staff.
• Adapt to changing educational settings and student needs.

Education And Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Art, Music, Special Education, or a related field.
• Credentials: Valid teaching credential in Art, Music, or Special Education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Specialized training in adaptive art/music instruction and assistive technologies.
• Experience: Experience working with students who have extensive support needs in a special education or related setting.

Working Conditions (Work Environment)

Work Environment

Primarily in a classroom setting with adaptive equipment. May require occasional work outside of standard school hours for events or meetings. Interaction with students who may have complex medical and behavioral needs.

Environmental Elements

Exposure to a variety of sensory stimuli, adaptive materials, and equipment. Potential for interaction with emotionally distressed or medically fragile students.

Physical Demands

Must possess the ability to lift and move classroom materials and adaptive equipment. Frequent standing, sitting, and bending to engage with students at their level. May require physical assistance with student mobility and positioning

 Other Requirements

• Must be fingerprinted and a satisfactory Department of Justice records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment.
• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment.
• May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certificates within the first 6 to 12 months of employment.
• May be required to drive with or without students; some positions may require a California driver’s license, proof of insurance and possible participation in the DMV Pull Notice Program once employed.