Special Education Teacher - Northern Hills

Seaman School District USD 345•Topeka, KS

About The Position

The Special Education Instructor creates a positive learning environment that supports students’ personal, social, and intellectual development by designing instruction to meet individual needs and abilities. The role works closely with Seaman Schools staff and administration and supports students in their least restrictive environment. The instructor coordinates and implements students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs), plans effective lessons, monitors progress, and works with families, educators, administrators, related service providers, and community agencies. The position may include supervising paraprofessionals and providing feeding, mealtime, toileting, and hygiene support as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Current Kansas State Teaching License with an appropriate special education endorsement on file in the Central Office.
Demonstrated commitment to career development and lifelong learning.
Ability to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods.
Ability to occasionally move, lift, carry, pull, or push heavy objects or materials.
Ability to occasionally stoop, bend, and reach.
Ability to travel occasionally.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors year-round and in noisy, crowded environments.
Regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.

Responsibilities

Facilitate students’ personal, social, and intellectual development and respond to their individual needs.
Assist in the early recognition and prevention of educational concerns.
Participate as a team member in comprehensive evaluation, review, and re-evaluation processes when requested.
Coordinate the development and implementation of students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
Plan and implement effective lessons based on student IEPs, using time, materials, and resources effectively.
Implement training and other activities recommended by related service providers, including occupational and physical therapists.
Monitor student progress and make informed, timely educational decisions.
Motivate students through effective communication and evaluative feedback.
Work with the IEP team to provide students with the least restrictive environment for all IEP goals.
Recognize students’ individual differences and needs; set high expectations for achievement and behavior.
Direct and supervise special education paraprofessionals as assigned.
Maintain a positive learning climate in general education classrooms in coordination with general education instructors.
Design instructional activities aligned with district curriculum and instructional practices.
Provide feeding or mealtime supervision, toileting, and hygiene care as needed.
Plan and implement transitional programs for students when appropriate.
Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and others about students’ needs and available special services.
Provide students and families with appropriate information about available community agencies and services.
Cooperate with agencies serving students and their families.
Assist teachers with curriculum accommodations and modifications and appropriate classroom strategies.
Follow program guidelines defined by the Kansas Special Education Process Manual.
Maintain effective interpersonal relationships and demonstrate thorough knowledge of curriculum and subject matter.
Assist with public awareness activities to promote understanding of the needs of exceptional children.
Help students develop self-worth and social adjustments that support coping with disabilities.
Order and maintain an adequate inventory of materials and supplies.
Maintain confidential records and provide timely reports.
Keep abreast of new information, innovative ideas, and techniques.
Obtain prior approval for special activities and expenditures.
Follow district health and safety policies, guidelines, rules, and regulations.
Communicate effectively with district members and work effectively with community organizations.
Operate required equipment appropriately, respond productively to change, and perform other assigned tasks consistent with the role.
Support the value of education and the philosophy and mission of the school district.