2026-2027 Special Education Teacher - Cross Categorical, Williams Elementary School

Springfield Public Schools•Springfield, MO

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher - Cross Categorical supports the instructional program in an elementary school classroom and other assigned areas. The teacher develops lesson plans and delivers group and individual instruction within established curriculum guidelines, supervises students, collaborates with school staff and administrators on instructional and classroom matters, and responds to parents’ or guardians’ inquiries about instruction and student progress. The position provides an effective educational program addressing individual student needs and case manages students’ individualized education programs (IEPs). These vacancies depend on caseload, the posting of vacancies, and confirmed enrollment. The position reports to the School Principal and is classified as exempt.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a job-related area.
Job-related experience with increasing levels of responsibility.
Missouri Special Education certification in mild-moderate disabilities (SLD, ED, ID, OHI, and cross-categorical).
Ability to gain and maintain Highly Qualified status as defined by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Satisfactory criminal background clearance required by the District.
Knowledge of pertinent laws, codes, policies, regulations, personnel processes, standard business practices, teaching strategies, working with families, and child development.
Knowledge of algebra and/or geometry; ability to review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, speak persuasively, and analyze situations to identify issues and draw conclusions.
Skill in performing multiple technical tasks and routinely upgrading skills to meet changing job conditions.
Ability to use standard office equipment and relevant software; plan and manage projects and programs; oversee program financial activities; develop effective working relationships; maintain accurate records; administer personnel policies and procedures; and coordinate with other agencies.
Ability to schedule activities, meetings, and events; gather, collate, analyze, and classify data; and support effective and efficient department and program operations.
Ability to work with diverse individuals in varied circumstances; analyze issues and data; create action plans; and support department and district strategic objectives.
Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and apply critical thinking and problem-solving to improve work processes.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, set priorities, meet deadlines and schedules, work with detailed information, and adapt to changing priorities.
Ability to set expectations, monitor progress toward goals, give and use feedback, work as part of a team, and apply logical and analytical processes.
Physical ability to perform light work, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds to move objects; some lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling; and significant fine-finger dexterity.
Physical abilities required include balancing, grasping, hearing, manual dexterity, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, visual acuity, and walking; the job also requires perceiving sounds, making rational decisions, expressing or exchanging ideas verbally, and discerning letters or numbers at a given distance.

Responsibilities

Administer developmental testing and subject-specific assessments to assess student competency and develop individual learning plans.
Provide, under supervision, first aid and assigned care to students, including tube feeding, toileting, and diapering.
Communicate student progress and expectations to parents or legal guardians, and collaborate with them on methods for improvement and reinforcement of classroom goals at home.
Assess progress toward IEP goals, including behavioral, motor development, communication, academic, and vocational goals.
Collaborate with instructional staff, school personnel, parents, and community resources to improve student outcomes and support classroom objectives and the school improvement plan.
Case manage students’ IEPs and provide an educational program that addresses individual student needs.
Differentiate classroom work and materials to address individualized learning plans within established lesson plans.
Direct student teachers, paraprofessionals, volunteers, and student workers to support classroom programs and individual student needs.
Facilitate student learning by creating a learning environment, integrating technology, arranging field trips, and organizing age-appropriate activities.
Instruct students to improve academic, interpersonal, and daily living skills through defined lesson plans and courses of study.
Maintain confidential and non-confidential manual and electronic records, including test scores, student evaluations, and IEPs, in accordance with administrative guidelines and legal requirements.
Manage student behavior and monitor students in classrooms, on playgrounds, on field trips, and in other educational settings to maintain a safe, positive learning environment.
Participate in professional development, staff meetings, IEP meetings, Whole Faculty Study Groups, and other meetings to share or gather information.
Prepare grades, attendance records, anecdotal records, IEPs, lesson plans, and other written materials to document student progress and meet mandated requirements.
Report health and safety issues to administrators or appropriate agencies and respond to emergencies to address immediate safety concerns.
Respond to inquiries from teachers, parents, administrators, and other sources to resolve issues or provide information and direction.
Support classroom teachers in implementing established curriculum and individual student plans.
Perform other related duties as required or assigned.