A professional who teaches elementary and secondary school subjects to students with emotional impairments in schools, institutions, or other specialized facilities. Responsibilities include:

• Plans curriculum and prepares lessons and other instructional materials to meet individual needs of students, considering such factors as physical, emotional, and educational levels of development.
• Confers with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and others to develop individual educational plan for student.
• Instructs students in academic subjects and social interaction skills.
• Observes students for signs of disruptive behavior, such as violence, verbal outbursts, and episodes of destructiveness.
• Teaches socially acceptable behavior employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement.
• Confers with other staff members to plan programs designed to promote educational, physical, and social development of students.
• May be required to have certification from local, state, and federal government.