Special Education Teacher - 1.0 FTE - Innovation Academy (2026-2027)

Medford School District, 549C • Medford, OR

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a permanent 1.0 FTE position beginning with the 2026-27 school year. The salary range is pending final budget approval for the 2026-27 school year, with the posted salary range being for the 2025-26 school year. A $5000 sign-on bonus is offered for new to district and first-time Special Education teachers. The Special Education Teacher, under the direction of the Building Principal and Director of Special Education, develops and provides specialized instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. This role involves evaluating and assessing student progress, adhering to State and Federal requirements, and functioning as a case manager. The teacher may be required to work before or after the contractual year, compensated at a per diem rate. A Special Education endorsement is required, with preference given for additional endorsements. This teacher will support students both in person and online and must work in the building. Innovation Academy is a public high school of choice for grades 9-12, offering a smaller setting with hands-on, project-based learning. It serves students from around the valley, including those who are Talented and Gifted, English Language Learners, and those with special education needs, with a focus on full inclusion.

Requirements

• Must be eligible for or adequately licensed by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission for assignment as a special education teacher.
• Experience varies depending on the assignment.
• Must be familiar with state/federal/local laws regarding Special Education.
• Ability to interact appropriately with teachers, staff, community members, and students.
• Focuses on solving conflict; maintains confidentiality; Contributes to building a positive team spirit.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing fluently in English.
• Ability to present information and respond effectively to questions in one-on-one, small, and large group situations to students and other school staff.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and governmental regulations.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and area.
• Ability to apply basic concepts of algebra, geometry, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to complete instructions furnished in written, oral, schedule, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• General knowledge of computer usage and ability to use database software, e-mail, internet software, spreadsheets, teaching software, and word processing software.
• Hold current Oregon Teaching Certificate with proper endorsement(s) in the assigned subject matter and grade level.
• Stamina for 8 hours of student instruction and supervision.
• Use of hands for repetitive motions, such as writing and typing.
• Standing/Walking: 3-6 hours/day and sitting 2-4 hours/day.
• Occasional bending, kneeling, squatting, climbing of stairs or ladders.
• Lifting/carrying: Up to 40 lbs.
• Occasional physical interaction with students, as provided by law, and to ensure the physical safety of the student and/or others.
• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less).
• Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more).
• Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point).
• Speak clearly enough to be able to be understood by others.
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person.
• Emotional stability to work effectively under pressure and control all aspects of the job.

Nice To Haves

• Preference may be given to applicants fluent in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements annual Individualized Educational Program (IEP) plans for students, provides ongoing or follow-up assessments, and continually tracks progress and makes modifications as necessary.
• Coordinates the delivery of special education services in each student's IEP.
• Develops, completes, and maintains all paperwork mandated by local, state, and federal guidelines, laws, and regulations.
• Maintains knowledge of special education teaching methods, research, and best practices through professional development and study.
• Provides direction, supervision, and evaluation of educational assistants as directed.
• Collaborates and consults with educational professionals and community service providers regarding the needs of students.
• Provides consultation to classroom teachers regarding classroom adaptations, instructional modifications, adaptive equipment, behavior modification plans, and other similar instructional interventions to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
• Employs and implements a classroom structure and consistency to encourage student responsibility, cooperation, and mutual respect consistent with district policies and procedures.
• Participates on school-level teams and provides input on Tier 3 interventions.
• Develop and implement instructional practices and strategies that include multiple assessment methods, support students in meeting rigorous learning goals, and engage and encourage learners to develop a deep understanding of content areas.
• Meet district, state, and federal timelines and legal requirements.
• Maintain student records and confidentiality.
• Understand how learners grow and develop, recognizing variations within and across cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, as the diversity of cultures and communities; implement and ensure a developmentally appropriate, challenging, and high-standards learning environment.
• Make objective, non-emotional, well-informed decisions regarding the welfare of students.
• Instruction reflects adequate and current knowledge of essential skills, literacy promotion, and technology.
• Improves professional skills through in-service workshops, district meetings, continuing education, etc.
• Goal setting and cooperative planning with the supervisor.
• Shows respect, consideration, and fairness to students varying learning levels.
• Meets the needs of students with unique interests, abilities, and learning challenges.
• Gives students personal help and positive reinforcement.
• Challenges students to think and express their thoughts through engaging lessons and activities.
• Helps students set achievement expectations and evaluate their progress.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
• Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities.
• Makes it clear to the students what they are learning and why.
• Aware and appreciates cultural diversity and the importance of communication skills reflecting sensitivity to the feeling of all persons regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin.
• Closely monitors the progress of students.
• Uses tests and/or other evaluative information in planning instructional units and after instruction to determine if goals have been met.
• Update and maintain accurate and complete student progress and development records as required by the school, district, state, and federal policies, regulations, and laws.
• Consults the principal, specialist, other teachers in the school, and students in evaluating their plans, methods, and results.
• Uses instruments and methods that effectively measure the students' attainment of learning goals.
• Makes clear to the students how to achieve success.
• Communicate professionally with parents/guardians, colleagues, and students regarding student achievement behavior.
• Develop and implement effective classroom management strategies, providing a safe, secure, and respectful learning environment; positively communicate student behavior expectations; convey reminders, rules, and expectations with consistency and equity while recognizing the unique qualities and characteristics of the individual.
• Regularly communicates with parents, students, colleagues, and supervisors in writing and verbally in a professionally appropriate manner.
• Keep parents, teachers, and administrators informed of the progress and program of each student.
• Actively listens to concerns, problems, or issues and formulates a professionally appropriate response aligned with the Medford School District's core values.
• Encourages and builds strong school-to-home and community partnerships to better serve all students' needs in the Medford School District.
• Routes and/or directs parents, students, or patrons to the appropriate location of information or person(s) that can provide clarity in situations where the teacher cannot respond entirely or to something complex.
• Maintains accurate records and documentation as required by law in the confidential file of each student.
• Coordinates and collaborates with regular teachers and other professional staff in developing and implementing individualized educational programs.
• Schedules and conducts meetings to develop individualized educational programs with all team members at a mutually agreeable time.
• Observe the correct timelines and sequences required by the Individuals with Educational Disabilities Act, PL 101-746.
• Collects data and submits reports as required for assigned students.
• Provides complete data to the school and district administration as requested for management purposes.
• Cooperates with and supports faculty members.
• Observes the spirit and intent of the rules and regulations of the school and school system.
• Assumes necessary non-instructional responsibilities.
• Encourages parent participation in school programs and activities.
• Shares the responsibilities with all other employees for promoting the educational goals and developing public acceptance of the school system.
• Sets up room for various activities and cleans up after activities' completion.
• Answers telephones, answer questions, or takes messages and forwards them to the appropriate person(s).
• Assists with school-wide events.
• Assists with in-home visits.
• Other related duties as assigned.
• All Medford School District employees supervise students and maintain a safe environment.

Benefits

• Salary range is pending final budget approval for the 2026-27 school year; posted salary range is for the 2025-26 school year.
• $5000 sign-on bonus for new to district and first time Special Education teachers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed