Academic Life Skills - Elem (2026-2027 School Year)

Wichita Public Schools•Wichita, KS

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Academic Life Skills Teacher - Elementary position is responsible for planning, leading, facilitating, and providing instruction to maximize student learning in their least restrictive environment. This role ensures that each student's standards-based Individual Education Program (IEP) is followed to provide appropriate curriculum-based instruction.

Requirements

Valid Kansas Teaching license to teach Special Education at the Functional Level required.
Master's Degree in Special Education or Enrolled in a Special Education Degree program with Plan of Study on file with District and Special Education Waiver obtained.
Ability to work with diverse populations.
Must possess the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to plan, organize, make decisions, and prioritize effectively to achieve deadlines and greater results.
Proficient time management skills, good judgment, and problem-solving abilities.
Detail and quality oriented.
Good physical health and ability to implement behavioral strategies as well as to lift, dress, and position students as needed for self-care and safety.
Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.
Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
Must always comply with WPS guidelines for equipment use.

Nice To Haves

Prior teaching experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Plans according to state standards and student IEPs.
Participates on pre-assessment teams to determine the necessity for comprehensive student evaluation; initiates, schedules, and attends IEP meetings; works with a multi-disciplinary team to diagnose needs; structures and implements IEPs for each identified student.
Defines, structures, and communicates daily expectations according to state standards and IEPs, including course goals, objectives, learning methods, and activities.
Communicates with parents, regular education staff, special education staff, and other stakeholders regarding instructional strategies, student progress, and application of learned material.
Receives and reports student progress; inputs student data via computer; negotiates schedules and communicates with administration, parents, staff, and students.
Provides differentiated instruction based on the student's individual level of functioning and preferred/necessary learning modalities.
Controls the classroom and teaches individual behavior through structure, routine, communication, and individualized behavior methods; adapts course content and reading levels; discerns learning styles and memory/study skills; assists students in achieving academic, daily living, and social skills objectives individually and in small groups.
Presents various learning opportunities appropriate to each student’s IEP, including classroom structure, multi-media, assistive technology, alternative communication, support from regular classroom teachers, and other opportunities inside or outside the classroom.
Prepares and displays events and reinforcement activities that encourage participation.
Evaluates according to state standards and student IEPs.
Plans assessments for evaluation, including diagnostic techniques, standardized tests, teacher-developed tests, and student personal indices.
Designs subject-based reinforcement to follow assessments and student learning objectives.
Designs a grading system that encourages motivation and participation; collects and enters student data from charts and observations; reports progress regularly.
Provides a positive role model of appropriate and respectful interactions with students and staff.
Develops, teaches, and reviews clear and concise classroom structure, rules, routines, procedures, and expectations individualized to student needs.
Designs classroom rules for student interaction, self-control, independent work, and appropriate participation; designs systems for handling all behaviors.
Prepares the physical condition of the classroom to reflect subject matter and maintain a clean and organized environment.
Keeps daily records on student attendance, learning and social needs, assignments, assessments, and discipline; supervises paraprofessionals.
Manages all job duties with the necessary mobility, agility, dexterity, and focused observation.
Participates in teacher committee work and attends teacher meetings.
Performs additional duties such as daily lunch activities, preparing/escorting students to special classes, supervising bus loading/unloading, and attending school-related programs and events.