Maple Elementary - Special Education Teacher (Extended Resource) - 1.0 FTE

Seattle Public Schools•Maple Elementary, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher is assigned to the Extended Resource service pathway and works under the general direction of the building principal or program manager, with assistance from appropriate staff. The teacher fosters an effective learning environment; establishes and adapts learning objectives and standards for special education students in accordance with District guidelines and applicable special education rules and regulations; provides instruction, counseling, discipline, and supervision to address students’ individual needs; and evaluates student performance and progress. The teacher plans and adapts instructional programs and individual lesson plans; selects appropriate methods and materials; implements adapted curriculum objectives; establishes supportive classroom policies and procedures; and sets goals and objectives consistent with students’ IEPs and applicable requirements. The position includes collecting and interpreting data, developing and evaluating IEPs, recording student progress, preparing reports, communicating with families and staff, and directing assigned non-certificated personnel. The teacher also attends required meetings and professional development, including at least one of the two annual Special Education Compliance Professional Development days.

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 academic 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, effective behavior management and instructional techniques, student safety rules and procedures, and special education rules and regulations.
Proficiency in reading, writing, and oral communication.
Ability to communicate effectively with parents or guardians 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 students’ intellectual, social, physical, and emotional needs.
Ability to work positively and confidently with students; be fair and consistent; adapt to change; organize activities; manage student behavior; use sound judgment to maintain a safe learning environment; provide instruction and demonstrate techniques; use necessary equipment, computers, machinery, tools, or software; direct assistants; and establish effective working relationships with students, families, specialists, staff, and administrators.
Ability to attend to various physical and hygienic needs of students.

Nice To Haves

Additional academic preparation or professional experience may be required for specific programs, including working with bilingual students and assisting their transition to regular classrooms; implementing dropout-prevention programs for at-risk students; teaching multi-level, open-concept, and mainstreamed classes; or establishing and implementing behavior-change programs.
Valid first aid and CPR certification may be required for some positions.
A valid Washington State driver’s license or a Class II driver’s license may be required for some positions.
In some positions, ability to administer first aid and CPR, use sign language or other non-oral/non-verbal communication, use Braille or other non-visual instructional techniques, or work with specific physical or emotional disabilities and associated conditions.

Responsibilities

Plan instructional programs and individual lesson plans to meet students’ needs, adapting and modifying plans as necessary.
Use appropriate instructional methods and materials and implement adapted program or curriculum objectives.
Attend in-service training and pursue professional growth to remain current in special education instructional methods and techniques.
Establish and implement positive classroom policies and procedures for student behavior and conduct; provide guidance, counseling, and discipline, 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 appropriate to students and their IEPs, consistent with special education requirements and applicable state and District courses of study.
Evaluate and record student progress and prepare reports for parents or guardians.
Direct assigned non-certificated personnel and attend to, or direct staff to attend to, students’ physical, emotional, behavioral, medical, or hygienic needs as appropriate.
Monitor student conditions and behaviors.
Collect and interpret data; develop, implement, and evaluate IEPs; prepare administrative reports; and amend documents when appropriate.
Attend or participate in required staff meetings and other District- or principal-designated activities.
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 position’s scope and responsibilities.