A professional who teaches basic academic and living skills to mentally impaired students in schools and other institutions. Responsibilities include:

• Plans curriculum and prepares lessons and other instructional materials according to achievement levels of students.
• Confers with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and others to develop individual educational program for students who are at different learning ability levels, including educable, trainable, and severely impaired.
• Instructs students in academic subjects, utilizing various teaching techniques, such as phonetics, multisensory learning, and repetition to reinforce learning.
• Instructs students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and economic self-sufficiency, such as hygiene, safety, and food preparation.
• Observes, evaluates, and prepares reports on progress of students.
• Meets with parents to provide support and guidance in using community resources.
• May administer and interpret results of ability and achievement tests.
• May be required to hold state certification.