Special Education Teacher - Moderate/Severe (2025-26 School Year)

About the position

The position requires a dedicated individual to work with students who have moderate to severe special needs. The candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and providing specialized academic instruction. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including parents, general education teachers, and special education staff, to ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed in their educational environment.

Responsibilities

• Identifies children who could benefit from regular classroom programs with support from the moderate to severe teacher.
• Develops the IEP for each student, including assessing present levels and writing appropriate, standards-based goals and objectives.
• Serves as a member of the IEP team for children with special education needs.
• Facilitates revision of IEPs annually or more often as needed.
• Completes all IEP forms and other paperwork as per District guidelines.
• Provides specialized academic instruction and direct services to students to meet the goals and objectives developed in the students' IEPs.
• Acts as coordinator of IEP implementation with general education staff.
• Mainstreams students into appropriate integrated settings for maximum interaction with peers.
• Communicates evaluation data to regular education teachers that may affect regular education programming.
• Prepares functional and/or modified common core standards-based lesson plans, materials, and classroom strategies as appropriate for the students' level(s) of functioning.
• Evaluates and reviews student progress at least quarterly.
• Uses effective classroom and/or behavior management techniques to achieve a safe and functional learning environment for all students.
• Maintains and updates records reflecting growth and performance patterns of each student enrolled in the program.
• Adheres to all required special education timelines including referrals, testing, placement, reevaluations, IEP meetings, and IEP completion and submission.
• Consults with parents, regular classroom teachers, special education teachers, and other support service providers regarding student needs.
• Cooperates and confers with the Principal, Director of Special Education, outside agencies, and other professional staff members regarding the needs of the students in the classroom.
• Assists in diapering, toileting, feeding, dressing, and loading in/out of the bus as necessary.
• Works closely with parents and District nurse to monitor student medical needs.
• Works with general education teachers when students are mainstreamed to ensure appropriate participation in the least restrictive environment.
• Coordinates in-service sessions or workshops for staff and/or parents.
• Maintains professional competence and credentialing status through in-service education activities provided by the District and/or self-selected professional growth activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Superintendent or designee.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree, including all courses needed to meet credential requirements.
• Valid California special education teaching credential authorizing service in grade levels and areas assigned.
• Prior teaching experience with moderate to severe special populations preferred.
• Must meet highly qualified teacher requirements.
• Must have ELL authorization.
• Training in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) - may be provided.
• Must be able to work effectively with administrators, staff, parents, and community.
• Successful teaching experience and training in assessment, development, and implementation of IEPs for children with various handicapping conditions.
• Demonstrated knowledge in modifying/adapting the general education curriculum and providing education services in varied environments.
• Ability to direct paraprofessionals in the delivery of curriculum and behavior management.