Academic Behavior Support Teacher (ABST)

The position exists to assist school level administrators, leadership teams, classroom teacher and other support staff in the development and implementation of individual and/or class-wide behavioral interventions for students resulting in improved effectiveness of classroom management practices, which will result in increased learning time for students and enhanced student achievement.

The ABST is responsible for teacher-to-teacher classroom support, modeling, mentoring, and collaborating to promote better behavior management strategies for teachers and students. This position will also be responsible for supporting teachers in data collection, analysis, interpretation and usage; research-based behavior strategies and programs; and school improvement.

The ABST will assist with developing and implementing behavior supports at all levels, including:

Coaching teachers and assists with implementation and modeling of behavior strategies within the classroom.

Facilitate and coach teams through the development and implementation of functional behavior assessments/behavior interventions plans and crisis plans for identified students.

Helping teachers identify obstacles to effective classroom management, providing and monitoring the effectiveness of alternative management strategies.

Developing, implementing, and monitoring behavior plans based on Functional Behavioral Analysis for individual students.

Participating in professional development opportunities to deepen content knowledge and best practices in the appropriate content area, and

Communicating with parents, peers, and administration.

Assist classroom-based teachers with basic management techniques and strategies.

Consultation regarding individual student needs in the area of Social Skills, Self-Regulation, and School Success Skills.

Assist with data collection and progress monitoring of implementation of recommended strategies for targeted goals/students.

Assist school-based personnel in developing, implementing, and monitoring Positive Behavior Intervention Plans and/or Plans of Safety.

File and retain all documantation related to all services provided to students including, but not limited to, any insurance or Medicaid claims.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree is required. Master's degree with advanced content area coursework in applied behavior analysis is preferred. Must hold a valid Florida Professional Certificate and be fully qualified in the designated content area(s). A minimum of three to five years of experience as a highly successful classroom teacher is required, during which student learning gains were consistently achieved. Proof of extensive behavior management experience (i.e. college course work, continuing education and in-service records).

High level of understanding of behavior management strategies and methodologies, ability to develop management systems, and to determine appropriate positive behavior supports. Ability to effectively communicate with students, parents, peers, and administration. Possession of de- escalation skills, both verbal and non-verbal. Thorough knowledge of Positive Behavior Support in the overall context of Multi-Tiered Student Supports (MTSS). Knowledge of working with adult learners; documented skills in delivering professional development to teachers in classroom management.

Knowledge of working with students in effectively managing behavior through the use of contracts, social skills training, and small group interaction. Knowledge of methods of data organization, data presentation, and problem solving. Bilingual/biliterate preferred.

Requires sitting and some standing, walking and moving about to coordinate work. Requires face-to- face discussions and contact with individuals and/or teams. Requires the use of alternative communication systems, such as electronic mail, telephones and computers. Requires coordination of work tasks to establish priorities, set goals and meet deadlines. Requires work with students and internal and external contacts, and with the public.

Requires working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions. Requires sitting, standing, and moving about for the majority of the day, and the ability to lift, carry, move and/or position objects infrequently weighing up to 20 pounds. Requires travel to schools and work locations within the district.