Special Education Teacher - Autism / STEPS

KCK•Kansas City, KS

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) is seeking a Special Education Teacher for the STEPS program, focusing on students with Autism. The primary goal of this role is to help students acquire knowledge, skills, and a sense of self-worth, enabling them to transition successfully from high school to the community. KCKPS is a large, diverse, and nationally recognized urban school district committed to serving approximately 22,000 students across various grade levels and languages.

Requirements

Meet the employment qualifications set forth by the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education and the Kansas State Department of Education.
Hold or be eligible for Kansas certification appropriate for the position.
Be tolerant and understanding of students with special needs.
Show initiative, creativity, self-motivation, and good judgment.
Demonstrate good judgment, adaptability, and flexibility.
Respect confidentiality.
Possess excellent interpersonal skills, professional judgment, and oral and written communication skills.
Be efficient and organized in paper management.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, general curriculum and learning theories, correspondence, and protocols.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of administrators, staff, parents, students, and the general public.
Physical and emotional ability to perform required work and move about as needed in a fast-paced, highly intensive school environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with students with Autism.
Experience in an urban school district.

Responsibilities

Advocate for the rights of students with special needs.
Develop and maintain positive professional working relationships with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and other service providers.
Plan instructional programs for the classroom, including individual plans as outlined in students’ Individual Education Programs (IEPs).
Serve as a liaison between the school and the community.
Establish and lead IEP/annual review meetings, ensuring parents and students have input and notifying all service providers.
Serve as an active member of the IEP team for students not on the caseload.
Develop and maintain all IEPs in accordance with federal, state, and local guidelines.
Maintain close communication with mainstream teachers and other service providers regarding student progress.
Carry out other responsibilities assigned by building or special education administrators.
Perform additional duties that serve as a positive role model for students.
Evaluate student performance through diagnostic testing for annual reviews, eligibility staffings, and quarterly IEP updates.
Monitor student progress in mainstreamed classes.
Assist in establishing class schedules.
Supervise, evaluate, and help train assigned paraprofessionals.
Request necessary equipment and supplies to meet IEP objectives.
Demonstrate curriculum knowledge and teaching strategies.
Implement behavioral intervention plans as necessary.
Perform other duties deemed necessary and appropriate as outlined in federal, state, and local guidelines and students’ Individual Educational Programs.
Work a full duty day in assigned locations.
Maintain a neat and appropriate appearance.
Maintain communication with teachers, other school personnel, and parents/guardians to enhance cooperative action for student educational needs.
Provide health services, information, and counseling effectively and positively to enhance the health and wellness of the school community.
Complete accident/incident reports for students/staff.
Compile data for statistical purposes.
Maintain confidentiality regarding educational records.
Maintain a daily log of school/staff visits and documentation.
Maintain the daily environment of the health office facility and supplies.
Utilize existing technology effectively in the performance of duties.
Apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional programs.
Plan and implement lessons based on division and school objectives and student needs/abilities.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents, and the community.
Speak clearly and concisely in written or oral communication.