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

Wichita Public School•Wichita, KS

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The person filling this position plans, leads, facilitates, and provides instruction for maximum student learning in his/her least restrictive learning environment. This position follows each student's standards-based Individual Education Program (IEP) to ensure appropriate curriculum-based instruction. The role involves working with a diverse population, requiring tact, diplomacy, and a positive attitude in all interactions. Employee punctuality and appearance are expected to reflect positively on the district.

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 meet deadlines and achieve 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.
Works in standard office and school building environments
Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities
Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations

Nice To Haves

Prior teaching experience preferred

Responsibilities

Plans according to state standards and student IEPs
Participates, as appropriate, on pre-assessment teams to determine necessity for comprehensive student evaluation; initiates, schedules, and attends IEP meetings; works with multi-disciplinary team to diagnose need; structures/implements IEP for each student identified
Defines, structures, and communicates daily expectations according to state standards and IEP including, but not limited to, course goals, objectives, learning methods, and activities
Communicates with parents, regular education staff members, special education staff members, and other appropriate stakeholders on course instructional strategies and objectives, students' grasp of material, outcomes and perspectives for applications of materials learned
Receives and reports student progress; in-puts student data via computer; negotiates schedules and communicates with all pertinent participants (administration, parents, staff, students, etc.)
Provides differentiated instruction based on the student's individual level of functioning and preferred/necessary learning modalities
Controls classroom and teaches individual behavior through classroom structure, routine, communication opportunities, and individualized behavior methods; adapts and adjusts course content and reading levels to specify skills to be taught; discerns learning styles and means of building memory and study skills; assists individual students in achieving academic, daily living, and social skills learning objectives by working with them individually and in small groups
Presents various learning opportunities appropriate to each student’s IEP including, but not limited to, classroom structure, multi-media, assistive technology, alternative communication opportunities, support of regular classroom teachers, and other presentations and/or opportunities inside or outside
Prepares and displays events and reinforcement activities which encourage participation
Evaluates according to state standards and student IEPs
Plans assessments for evaluation to include, but not limited to, various diagnostic techniques; standardized survey and criterion-referenced test; teacher-developed oral and written tests; student personal indices (effort, potential, interests, memory)
Designs subject-based reinforcement to follow assessments and student's learning objectives (computer, lab activities, working independently or on group projects, field/community reinforcement)
Designs a grading system which encourages motivation and participation; collects and enters student data in computer from charts and observations; reports progress on a regular basis as required
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 need
Designs classroom rules for student interaction (courtesy and respect for belongings, space, and ideas), self-control, working independently, and appropriately gaining the floor; designs systems for handling all the behavior (from simple infractions to severe behavior)
Prepares physical condition of classroom to reflect subject matter to facilitate student learning and maintains a clean and organized classroom
Keeps daily records on, but not limited to, student attendance, learning and social needs, assignments, assessments and discipline; supervises paraprofessionals
Manages all job duties with the mobility, agility, dexterity, and focused observation necessary to adequately perform the essential duties as described above
Participates in teacher committee work and attends teacher meetings
Daily lunch activities as assigned
Prepares and/or escorts students to travel to special classes as required
Supervises bus loading and unloading as required
Attends programs and events related to school
Additional duties as assigned