Special Education Teacher - Skills (LTS)

Independent School District 196•Echo Park, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Teach the curriculum of Independent School District 196 and support students in the Skills program, which serves students with educational needs in functional, academic, and self-regulation skills. Depending on students’ individual education plans, instruction may take place in classrooms, community environments, and/or job training sites. The teacher develops culturally responsive practices that promote equitable outcomes, demonstrates proactive responses to emotional regulation difficulties, and teaches strategies for social-emotional skill development. The teacher uses assistive technology and varied instructional techniques and media, collaborates to support students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment, advocates for student achievement, and communicates and collaborates with staff, parents, and other professionals. Responsibilities are also carried out as defined by the master contract. This is a 1.0 FTE long-term substitute position at Echo Park Elementary School. The anticipated employment period is December 7, 2026, through April 26, 2027. The position reports to the Special Education Coordinator. Compensation and benefits are according to contractual agreement. If benefit eligible, benefits are available starting the first day of active employment.

Requirements

Licensed by the Minnesota Department of Education in ABS, ASD, EBD, DD, or LD.
Strong general education background.
Experience working with and providing services to people from diverse cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Evidence of a growth mindset and ability to accelerate academic and social-emotional growth using a strengths-based model.
Ability to work efficiently, effectively, and cooperatively with multidisciplinary teams.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to relate positively to students, staff, and the community.
Experience working in a school setting or with children from birth through age 21.
Ability to follow directions and procedures and facilitate collaborative teaming around students.
Ability to facilitate, write, and implement Individual Education Plans and Behavior Support Plans.
Ability to collaborate with nursing staff to support and perform necessary delegated health tasks.
Ability to direct paraprofessionals’ work and understanding of practices for training and supporting paraprofessionals.
Knowledge of special education best practices and implementation strategies for sensory activities, positive behavior support, academic instruction, and development of routines.
Understanding of and ability to conduct a comprehensive evaluation.
Thorough understanding of special education laws, rules, and regulations.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Valid driver's license or ability to provide travel for oneself between locations.

Nice To Haves

Dual special education licensure preferred.
Demonstrated experience and proficiency working with a culturally, ethnically, racially, and socioeconomically diverse school community is preferred.

Responsibilities

Teach the curriculum of Independent School District 196.
Support students in the Skills program in functional, academic, and self-regulation skills, with instruction in classrooms, community environments, and/or job training sites as specified in individual education plans.
Develop and demonstrate culturally responsive practices that lead to equitable outcomes for all students, particularly groups over-represented in special education.
Proactively support students with emotional regulation difficulties and provide instruction in strategies for social-emotional skill development.
Use knowledge of assistive technology to help students access appropriate tools for efficiency.
Maintain high expectations and use a variety of instructional techniques and media.
Collaborate to plan, teach, and support students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment.
Advocate for students with disabilities to support high levels of achievement.
Promote strong communication and collaboration with staff, parents, and other professionals.
Carry out responsibilities as defined by the master contract.
Facilitate, write, and implement Individual Education Plans and Behavior Support Plans.
Collaborate with nursing staff to support and perform necessary delegated health tasks.
Direct the work of paraprofessionals and train and support them.
Conduct comprehensive evaluations.