Adams Elementary - Special Education Teacher (Focus) (One Year Leave Replacement) - 1.0 FTE

Seattle Public Schools•Adams Elementary, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is assigned to the Focus special education service pathway. Under the general direction of the building principal or program manager, the classroom teacher fosters an effective learning environment and establishes or adapts learning objectives and standards for students with special education needs. The teacher provides instruction, counseling, discipline, and supervision tailored to assigned students’ individual needs, and evaluates their performance and progress. The position is a one-year leave replacement for the 2026–2027 school year, with an opportunity for a continuing position in the 2027–2028 school year. The teacher plans and adapts instruction, develops and evaluates individual education plans (IEPs), supports student behavior and safety, works with families and school personnel, and may direct assigned non-certificated staff. The role also includes required staff meetings, professional development, and related duties consistent with the position’s scope and responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Academic preparation for or experience teaching a culturally, racially, and economically diverse student population in an urban school system.
Experience or preparation in teaching reading and adapting instructional techniques and practices for special education students.
Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with Special Education Endorsement.
Knowledge of subject areas appropriate to the assignment, behavior management and instructional techniques, student safety rules and procedures, and regulations governing special education.
Proficiency in reading, writing, and oral communication; ability to communicate effectively with families in a culturally, racially, and economically diverse community.
Ability to design and implement lesson plans for students with a wide range of achievement and adapt curricula and programs to meet their intellectual, social, physical, and emotional needs.
Ability to work positively and fairly with a diverse student population; adapt to change; organize activities; manage behavior; use good judgment to maintain a safe learning environment; provide instruction and demonstrate techniques; direct assistants; and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to use necessary equipment, computers, machinery, tools, or software.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize; work with a range of student achievement, behavior, and disabilities; and potentially address student personal-care needs.
Some positions may require valid first aid and CPR certification.
Some positions may require a valid Washington State driver’s license or a class II driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Additional academic preparation or professional experience may be required for specific programs, such as working with bilingual students and supporting their transition to regular classrooms; implementing dropout-prevention programs for at-risk students; teaching multi-level, open-concept, or mainstreamed classes; or establishing and implementing behavior-change programs.
In some positions, experience using sign language or other non-oral or non-verbal communication, Braille or other non-visual instructional techniques, or working with specific physical or emotional disabilities may be applicable.

Responsibilities

Plan instructional programs and individual lesson plans for assigned special education students, adapting programs and plans to meet individual needs.
Use appropriate instructional methods and materials, implement adapted curriculum objectives, and pursue professional growth in special education methods and techniques.
Establish and implement supportive classroom behavior policies and procedures; guide, counsel, and discipline students, and make referrals when appropriate.
Confer with students, parents or guardians, specialists, and staff to provide guidance and evaluation and encourage student achievement.
Establish classroom goals and objectives aligned with students’ IEPs and applicable special education rules, state requirements, and district guidelines; evaluate and record progress and prepare reports for families.
Direct assigned non-certificated personnel and attend to or direct staff to attend to students’ physical, emotional, behavioral, medical, or hygienic needs as appropriate.
Collect and interpret data; develop, implement, and evaluate IEPs; prepare administrative reports and amend documents as appropriate.
Attend or participate in required staff meetings and other activities deemed necessary by the District or building principal.
Serve on staff committees as required and participate in activities that enhance personal and professional skills.
Attend at least one of the two annual Special Education Compliance Professional Development days.
Perform related tasks consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position.