Tumwater - Special Education (STEP) Teacher

Tumwater School District•Tumwater, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Tumwater School District is seeking a Special Education STEP (Structured Teaching & Enhancing Progress) Teacher for Peter G Schmidt Elementary. This is a 1.0 FTE continuing position for the 2026-27 school year. The role involves evaluating, monitoring, and supervising the provision of special education services to meet the needs of qualified students. The teacher will lead multi-disciplinary teams in developing IEPs, evaluating students, interpreting results, and developing functional life skills programming. Coordination of instruction between general and special education settings, ensuring student health and safety, and assisting specialists are also key aspects of this role. The position requires adherence to TPEP domains and performance expectations, including planning and preparation, classroom environment, instruction, professional responsibilities, student growth, communication and collaboration, professional development, and leadership. Additional duties include preparing materials, supervising students, providing accommodations, adhering to safety protocols, and participating in district initiatives.

Requirements

Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate, with proper endorsement(s) in assigned area(s)
Criminal justice fingerprint clearance
Demonstrated ability to use principles of learning and varied assessment instruments (formal and informal) for program development.
Ability to carry out behavior modification programs and provide families with specific intervention techniques.
Ability to work cooperatively in a team approach to solving individual learning problems.
Strong skills in human relations demonstrating sensitivity to the needs and concerns of others.
Demonstrated commitment to professional growth and adherence to School Board policies.
Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Proper endorsement(s) in assigned area(s)

Responsibilities

Evaluate, monitor, and supervise the provision of special education to meet the aptitude, interest, and instructional needs of qualified students.
Lead multi-disciplinary teams in the development of legally appropriate IEPs, including academic, social/behavioral, and functional life skills goals.
Evaluate students and interpret results to appropriate stakeholders; provide preparation for state-mandated testing.
Develop and implement functional life skills programming utilizing adopted curriculum.
Coordinate instruction between basic classrooms and all special needs placements, including community-based options.
Attend to the health and safety of students in the instructional setting and supervise students at school-sponsored activities.
Assist specialists (OT/PT/SLP) in building motor skills and teaching functional language skills.
Designs developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive lessons aligned to WA State Learning Standards.
Uses district-adopted curriculum and supplemental resources to support diverse learning needs.
Develops clear instructional objectives based on student data and performance.
Plans differentiated instruction that supports all learners, including ELL, Special Education, and highly capable students.
Creates a respectful, inclusive classroom that reflects student identities and promotes belonging.
Maintains high expectations for student conduct and participation, incorporating positive behavior supports.
Organizes instructional and performance spaces to support safety, creativity, and student collaboration.
Supports emotional safety and fosters a culture of artistic risk-taking and peer encouragement.
Engages students in meaningful learning using varied techniques and active participation.
Integrates technology to enhance instruction, rehearsal, and student reflection.
Provides timely, actionable feedback to support individual and group performance growth.
Utilizes formative and summative assessments to monitor progress and adapt instruction.
Maintains accurate records including attendance, grading, and communication logs.
Upholds district policies and timelines for student data and instructional reporting.
Demonstrates professionalism, punctuality, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
Supports schoolwide duties and contributes positively to staff culture and expectations.
Sets measurable goals for student learning and performance development.
Monitors growth using multiple data sources (e.g., performances, rubrics, self-assessments).
Reflects on instructional impact and adjusts teaching to improve student outcomes.
Collaborates with peers and specialists to support targeted student learning plans.
Communicates consistently and respectfully with students, families, and colleagues.
Engages families in student learning and performance opportunities.
Participates actively in team meetings, IEP/504 planning, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Builds partnerships with community organizations and event collaborators when appropriate.
Seeks feedback and participates in coaching, mentorship, or peer observation.
Attends district and building professional learning aligned to instructional improvement goals.
Engages in self-reflection and uses student data to identify professional growth areas.
Pursues opportunities to expand content expertise and performance-based instructional practice.
Supports school goals related to inclusion and equity.
Mentors colleagues or student leaders in school settings.
Demonstrates initiative in strengthening arts integration across the district.
Prepare teaching materials, reports, grades, and documentation per district requirements.
Supervise students in classroom, performance, and common area settings.
Provide accommodations and modifications per IEP, 504, and MTSS guidance.
Maintain awareness of and adherence to all district safety protocols and expectations.
Participate in building- and district-level initiatives, meetings, and committees as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or designee.