Special Education Teacher, Music

Northeast Metro 916•Lake Elmo, MN

42d•Onsite

About The Position

Pankalo Education Center serves students in grades K-8 who have emotional behavioral disorders (EBD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), developmental cognitive disabilities (DCD), and certain low-incidence disabilities. Pankalo has an integrated arts theme; the goal is to provide a compassionate, creative, safe, and child centered learning environment, where our students grow academically, socially, and personally, while tapping into their creativity. This position provides engaging, accessible instruction in music to K–8 students receiving special education services. As part of our enrichment teaching team, this role supports students’ expressive, emotional, and social development through interactive, multisensory learning experiences. Music classes at Pankalo foster creativity, communication, and confidence. Lessons are designed to meet a wide range of abilities and may include singing, movement, rhythm exploration, instrument play, music appreciation, and collaborative performance. The curriculum emphasizes student participation, enjoyment, and personal expression while integrating strategies to support sensory needs, motor skills, and social-emotional growth. This position does not typically include case management responsibilities, allowing the teacher to focus fully on delivering joyful, inclusive instruction that nurtures each student’s unique potential. Aligned with our school’s mission and values, the Music Teacher plays a key role in promoting a sense of belonging, self-worth, and lifelong engagement with the arts.

Requirements

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree
License or able to obtain a license from the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) in Autism Spectrum Disorders (K-12) or Emotional Behavior Disorders (K-12).
Applicable learning theories and teaching methods
Curriculum development
Student assessment methods
Proactive behavior management
Classroom management principles and practices
Instructional methods and practices
Differentiated instructional methods and practices
Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations
Recordkeeping principles
Computers and related software applications
Developing, implementing, and evaluating lessons
Assessing student achievement and learning
Identifying and utilizing instructional resources and/or specialized resources
Managing classroom behavior
Developing assessment materials
Modifying lesson plans for specialized populations
Maintaining applicable student records
Applying local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations
Preparing and maintaining records and reports
Operating a computer and applicable software applications
Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Nice To Haves

Educators with a license in Instrumental and Classroom Music (K-12) will be considered.

Responsibilities

Implements and delivers instructional activities to students; instructs and monitors students in the use of learning materials and resources; monitors and assesses student progress and competency mastery, which includes: identifying appropriate assessment methods; developing and administering tests; grading assigned student work; providing performance feedback; and performing other related activities.
Develops, implements, and evaluates curriculum; establishes learning objectives; prepares and evaluates lesson plans; evaluates and selects instructional resources and/or specialized resources; adapts materials and curriculum to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and special needs.
Manages student behavior, which includes: developing and implementing classroom rules and applicable disciplinary procedures; assisting in the administration of applicable behavioral policies and rules; and providing appropriate interventions and strategies to address behavior issues.
Maintains accurate and complete student records including grades, achievements, development, and attendance; ensures Due Process rights of students are maintained, as applicable; and develops and writes Individualized Educational Plans and associated reports, as applicable.
Participates in a variety of meetings, which may include: parent or guardian conferences, special education briefings, staff and/or committee meetings, staff development sessions, and/or other related meetings.
Performs related support functions, which may include: preparing correspondence and reports; responding to inquiries; and performing related duties.
Provides feedback to education and student assistants; gives direction to assistants as necessary.
Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.