2026-2027 Special Education Teacher - Cross Categorical, Pipkin Middle School

Springfield Public Schools•Springfield, MO

21h•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for providing support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for facilitating learning within an elementary school classroom and other assigned areas. This includes developing lesson plans, delivering group and individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines, supervising students, and collaborating with other teachers, professional staff, and administrators to address instructional and classroom issues. The role also involves responding to inquiries from parents or guardians regarding the instructional program and student progress.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in job-related area, required.
Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is required.
Special Education certification in Missouri in Mild-moderate disabilities (SLD, ED, ID, OHI, and cross-categorical) required.
Ability to gain and maintain "Highly Qualified" status as defined by Missouri's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, required.
Must pass a Criminal Background Clearance, the results of which must be satisfactory to the District, required.
Knowledge of pertinent laws, codes, policies, and/or regulations; personnel processes; standard business practices; teaching strategies; working with families; and stages of child development.
Knowledge of algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
Ability to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to routinely upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
Skill in operating standard office equipment including utilizing pertinent software applications; planning and managing projects and programs; overseeing program financial activities; developing effective working relationships; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and administering personnel policies and procedures; and coordinating with other agencies.
Ability to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, analyze and/or classify data; to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Department and programs.
Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals under a wide variety of circumstances.
Ability to analyze issues, data, create action plans and ensure that success of Department and District strategic objectives.
Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to apply critical thinking/problem solving to improve work processes.
Ability to maintain confidentiality; set priorities; meet deadlines and schedules; work with detailed information; and adapt to changing priorities.
Ability to set high expectations for self and others; set and monitor progress toward goals; and utilize and offer effective feedback to continuously improve.
Ability to work as part of a team; adapt to changing priorities; and apply logical processes and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

Administers developmental testing programs and subject-specific assessments for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and/or developing individual learning plans.
Administers, under supervision, first aid and assistance to students (e.g., tube feeding, toileting, diapering) for the purpose of providing appropriate care as assigned.
Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations, student achievements, developing methods for improvement, and reinforcing classroom goals at home.
Assesses student progress towards IEP goals (e.g., behavioral, motor development, communication skills, academic needs, vocational abilities) for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents, and administration.
Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents, and a variety of community resources for the purpose of improving student outcomes and achieving classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan.
Case manages students' individualized educational programs (IEP).
Provides an effective educational program that addresses individual student needs.
Differentiates classroom work for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized learning plans within established lesson plans.
Directs student teachers, paraprofessionals, volunteers, and/or student workers for the purpose of providing an effective classroom program and addressing the needs of individual students.
Facilitates student learning (e.g., creating a learning environment, integrating technology, organizing field trips, organizing age-appropriate activities) for the purpose of achieving success in academic, interpersonal, and daily living skills through defined lesson plans.
Instructs students for the purpose of improving their success in academic, interpersonal, and daily living skills through a defined course of study.
Maintains a variety of confidential and non-confidential manual and electronic files and records (e.g., test scores, student evaluations, IEPs) for the purpose of providing up-to-date information and/or historical reference in accordance with administrative guidelines and legal requirements.
Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
Monitors students in a variety of educational environments (e.g., classroom, playground, field trips) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g., Professional Development, staff meetings, IEPs, Whole Faculty Study Groups) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information.
Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g., grades, attendance, anecdotal records, IEPs, lesson plans) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements.
Reports health and safety issues to administrative personnel and/or appropriate agencies (e.g., fights, suspected child or substance abuse, inappropriate social behaviors) for the purpose of maintaining student safety and complying with regulatory requirements.
Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel.
Responds to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g., other teachers, parents, administrators) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information, and/or direction.
Supports classroom teachers for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of established curriculum and/or individual student plans.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.