Special Education Learning Specialist

North Wasco County School District 21•The Dalles, OR

About The Position

North Wasco County School District is hiring a temporary Elementary Special Education Learning Specialist. The position promotes and develops successful learning for students eligible for IDEA services, with a primary focus on instruction. The specialist collaborates with the Special Education Facilitator to develop and revise IEPs, manages an assigned caseload, and communicates regularly with students, their parents or guardians, and appropriate staff. The specialist supports students, classroom teachers, families, and the school or District. Student-focused work includes contributing to evaluations, delivering instruction aligned with IEP goals, monitoring progress, selecting activities and materials based on diagnostic findings, implementing behavior supports, adapting instruction and materials, and participating in the development and implementation of Functional Behavioral Assessments, Behavior Support Plans, and Safety Plans. The role also provides information and instructional support to classroom teachers, communicates with families, coordinates ancillary and community services, consults with outside professionals when appropriate, and trains and supports educational assistants. Applicants must have a BA/BS or higher in a listed or similar field, a valid Oregon teaching license with applicable endorsement(s), and a current recognized first-aid card or willingness to obtain one if directed by the District. The listed salary range is $47,930–$95,933 for non-PERS-eligible employees and $50,988–$102,055 for PERS-eligible employees.

Requirements

BA/BS or higher degree, with a major in Curriculum, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, Psychology, Reading, Early Childhood Education, or a similar area.
Valid Oregon Teaching License and endorsement(s) from the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.
Current recognized first-aid card, or willingness to obtain one if directed by the District under ORS 342.664 (2).
Willingness to teach any qualified subject area.
Knowledge of interventions, strategies, and programs that support student behavior.
Knowledge of and ability to use research-based principles of effective instruction.
Working knowledge of special education due-process requirements.
Ability to use appropriate behavior-modification techniques with students.
Ability to maintain accurate records and meet deadlines.
Ability to work with minimal supervision, solve problems independently, and contribute effectively to a team.
Knowledge and skills to develop successful learning activities and to understand and apply District policy, administrative rules and regulations, and District curriculum.
Ability to analyze, demonstrate, and explain basic skills, knowledge, and strategies that help students become successful learners.
Effective communication, collaboration, interpersonal, and judgment skills; ability to interact and work effectively with students, staff, and community members from diverse cultures or backgrounds.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, follow District policies and work procedures, and maintain regular satisfactory attendance.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual/Bi-Cultural applicants are highly desirable and encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Collaborate in student evaluations to determine whether a disability exists.
Collaborate with the Special Education Facilitator in developing and revising IEPs for identified students.
Provide an appropriate program addressing IEP goals and objectives.
Collect data from probes and systematic observations to monitor progress toward goals and objectives.
Select activities, materials, and methods based on diagnostic findings and recommendations from the evaluation team.
Develop and implement behavior management programs to increase appropriate behavior and assist with programs established in regular classrooms.
Adapt and modify instruction and materials to support students with disabilities in regular classrooms.
Participate in creating and implementing Functional Behavioral Assessments, Behavior Support Plans, and Safety Plans.
Provide classroom teachers with relevant information about students with disabilities and cooperate in developing instructional programs by sharing materials, suggestions, techniques, and resources.
Conduct teacher in-service meetings to increase teacher competence in identifying and remediating learning difficulties.
Collaborate with classroom teachers to adapt and modify instruction and materials.
Communicate frequently with students' families or guardians and send written progress reports each trimester.
Coordinate ancillary and community services and consult with other professionals and outside agencies regarding students when appropriate.
Train and support educational assistants by creating schedules, providing lesson plans, and giving program directions.
Perform other duties as assigned.