Special Education Teacher - Designed Instruction

West Valley School District #363•Spokane Valley, WA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Designed Instruction Special Education teacher supports students with behavioral and developmental needs within a structured, school-wide support system. This teacher plays an essential role on a collaborative team, working together to make decisions that help students build independence, develop daily living skills, and successfully manage behavioral challenges in a supportive learning environment.

Requirements

Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with endorsement in Special Education.
Successful Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation Fingerprint Clearance.
Valid Washington State driver’s license or evidence of mobility.
Proof of Immunization (if born 1/1/57 or later).
I-9 Employment Eligibility.
Completion of all district-required trainings within thirty (30) calendar days from hire date.
Understanding of special education laws and procedures, including IDEA, IEPs, and 504 plans.
Knowledge of effective instructional practices for students with behavioral, developmental, and learning needs.
Understanding of behavior supports, including PBIS, de-escalation strategies, and behavior management systems.
Knowledge of inclusion practices and access to the general education curriculum.
Understanding of child development and social-emotional learning.
Deliver differentiated instruction to meet diverse academic and behavioral needs.
Develop and implement IEPs and behavior intervention plans (BIPs).
Use data to monitor student progress and guide instructional decisions.
Create structured, positive learning environments that support engagement.
Manage behavior using proactive and positive approaches.
Communicate effectively with students, families, and staff.
Collaborate with teachers, specialists, and support staff.
Supervise paraeducators and effectively utilize instructional technology.
Build positive relationships with students, including those with complex needs.
Remain calm, flexible, and use sound judgment in challenging situations.
Adapt instruction and supports based on student needs.
Maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
Manage multiple responsibilities and meet timelines.
Work effectively as part of a team.
Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism.
Demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional growth.

Nice To Haves

Experience in behavior modification and working with students with complex behaviors.
Experience managing Special Education caseload.
Knowledge of Best Practices around Inclusion.
Experience in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
Background in Behavior Education or work in a related field.

Responsibilities

Center instruction on high expectations for student achievement by providing clear learning goals and scales, celebrating success, and understanding student interests and backgrounds.
Demonstrate value and respect for all students, staff, and families, including typically underserved students.
Use effective teaching practices that allow students to effectively interact with new knowledge, practice, deepen knowledge, and engage in cognitively complex tasks.
Use effective teaching practices, including asking questions of students, probing incorrect student responses, noticing when students are not engaged, and implementing effective re-engagement strategies.
Use effective teaching practices by helping students use and apply academic vocabulary and evaluate the effectiveness of individual lessons and units.
Recognize individual students' learning needs and develop strategies to address those needs by using effective scaffolding of information with a lesson and planning and preparing for the needs of all students.
Provide clear and intentional focus on subject matter content and curriculum using established content standards, approved curricular resources, and educational technology.
Foster a safe, positive learning environment by creating a welcoming classroom space, organizing the physical layout of the classroom, and establishing classroom rules, procedures, and expectations.
Manage a safe, positive learning environment by demonstrating with-it-ness, acknowledging adherence to rules and procedures, applying consequences for lack of adherence, and displaying objectivity and control.
Use multiple data elements to track student progress and modify instruction to improve student learning by designing instruction informed by ongoing formative and summative assessments.
Communicate and collaborate with parents and the school community through positive interactions.
Exhibit collaborative and collegial practices focused on improving instructional practices and student learning by seeking mentorship for areas of need or interest, promoting positive interactions with colleagues, participating in district initiatives, and monitoring progress relative to the professional growth and development plan.
Encourage students to think independently, problem-solve, and express original ideas.
Establish and maintain standards of student behavior needed to provide an orderly, productive classroom environment.
Evaluate student academic and social growth, keep appropriate records, and prepare progress reports.
Communicate with parents and school counselors on student progress.
Requisition books, instructional materials, tools, and instructional aids, and maintain required inventory records.
Supervise students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned work day as required.
Maintain professional competence through active participation in education activities provided by the district and self-selected professional growth activities.
Administer or monitor standardized tests in accordance with district and state testing programs.
Participate in curriculum and other developmental programs within the school of assignment or on a district level.
Directs the activities of assigned non-certificated personnel; attends to or directs staff to attend to the physical, emotional, behavioral, medical, or hygienic needs of students as appropriate; monitors conditions and behaviors.
Collects and interprets a variety of data; develops, implements, and evaluates individual education plans (IEP's); provides reports for administrative purposes; amends documents where appropriate.
Participate in Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and 504 meetings as necessary.
Perform other duties as assigned.