2026-2027 Elementary Resource Special Education Teacher Early Contract

Sioux Falls School District•Sioux Falls, SD

About The Position

We want YOU here! The Sioux Falls School District is excited to offer Early Contract opportunities for the upcoming school year. By accepting an early contract, you’ll secure your position as a teacher within our district before individual school placements are finalized. Following your early contract acceptance, you’ll be invited to connect with school leaders across the district. These conversations will help determine the best placement for you. This is a great way to lock in your teaching career with a district committed to excellence, innovation, and student success! Discover the unparalleled support awaiting special education teachers within the Sioux Falls School District! With an innovative online IEP system boasting a 96% satisfaction rate among our teachers, and dedicated IEP facilitators streamlining meetings, educators have more time to focus on what truly matteres - nurturing their student's growth. Our " Virutal Office ," offered multiple times a month, provides instant support and guidance via Zoom for challenges Special Educators face. Join the Special Services Learning Academy which equips educators with the tools they need for success and work with Insturctional Coaches to ensure swift curriculum mastery. When it comes to managing classroom dynamics, our esteemed behavior team , including Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) , are on hand to provide expert guidance and support. In the Sioux Falls School District, you're not just an educator; you're an integral part of a supportive, collaborative team committed to unlocking every student's highest potential. We want your talent - we want your passion - we want YOU here!

Requirements

EDUCATION LEVEL: Bachelor’s degree and endorsements in the areas of teaching assignment.
Certification or licensure: South Dakota teaching certificate
EXPERIENCE DESIRED: At least one year of work experience in a position requiring interpersonal interaction skills and knowledge of strategies to support students with challenging behaviors.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Constant hand-eye and mind-eye coordination and hearing; intermittent speaking, standing, walking and writing. The ability to provide physical management to students with behavior or self-care needs.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Excellent oral and written communication skills. Skills in human relations, leadership and conflict management. Knowledgeable of teaching techniques that meet the diverse needs of students. Demonstrated skills in computer word processing, spreadsheets and databases. Knowledge in implementation of IEP process and special education law. Training in assessment and interpretation of information.
COMPREHENSIVE BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENT: Candidates are required to complete a comprehensive background check, including a state and FBI criminal history check with fingerprinting, a sex offender registry check, and a child abuse and neglect registry check. All components must be completed prior to the start of employment and repeated every five years thereafter.
CERTIFICATION This position requires a valid South Dakota teaching certification with the K-12 Special Education endorsement.
YOUTH SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION TRAINING South Dakota Codified Law 13-42-71 requires certified educators to complete at least one hour of approved youth suicide awareness and prevention training every five years. Compliance is verified through district accreditation reviews. You will be required to provide your most recent certificate of completion prior to starting employment with the Sioux Falls School District.

Responsibilities

Plan instructional tasks that are meaningful and related to learning goals
Implement District curriculum
Maintain a strong instructional focus utilizing the elements of effective instruction
Communicate a high level of expectation
Communicate clear learning goals to students
Adapt instruction to meet the needs of all students
Address various learning styles
Sequence content at an appropriate pace
Use appropriate level of questioning to promote understanding
Relate lesson content to prior and future learning
Require students to summarize information in written and/or verbal form
Appropriately recognize and reinforce individual student effort
Represent knowledge/information non-linguistically through a variety of methods
Organize students in cooperative or ability groups when appropriate
Require students to analyze and apply knowledge
Display enjoyment, humor, and enthusiasm for teaching and expect students to enjoy learning
Conduct ongoing assessments for learning
Establish appropriate classroom rules and procedures that are clearly understood by all students
Effectively and consistently enforce rules and follow procedures
Redirect students naturally and immediately without disrupting others
Be well-organized and have all materials, equipment, etc., ready for immediate use
Carry out smooth and effective transitions (e.g., from one activity to another, as students enter and leave the room)
Maximize time on purposeful instructional tasks
Begin and end class period with focus on learning
Establish a positive learning environment
Participate in ongoing professional growth
Participate in school/professional and/or community organizations or events
Complete routine assigned tasks and comply with District requirements
Promote the education profession
Communicate effectively and professionally with colleagues, parents and students
Conduct parent-teacher conferences in accordance with District policy
Follow District and buildign policies and procedures.
Support of District goals.
Report student progress to parents and students.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Case manages student individual education programs (IEP) to meet specialized needs of students with disabilities
Coordinates special education documentation regarding the special education process including referral, evaluation, IEP development and implementation, and related processes in compliance with district, state and federal requirements including timelines
Implements specialized instruction utilizing researched strategies and interventions based on the needs of the students
Participates in IEP meetings and communicates with parents on a routine basis keeping them informed of their child’s progress in compliance with district procedures
Maintains student special education records and related information as outlined in district procedures and in a confidential manner