Special Education Teacher - 1.0 FTE at John F Kennedy Elementary

Sioux Falls School District•Sioux Falls, SD

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Special Education Teacher - 1.0 FTE at John F Kennedy Elementary. Discover the unparalleled support awaiting special education teachers within the Sioux Falls School District! With an innovative online IEP system boasting a 96% satisfaction rate among our teachers, and dedicated IEP facilitators streamlining meetings, educators have more time to focus on what truly matters - nurturing their student's growth. Our "Virtual Office," offered multiple times a month, provides instant support and guidance via Zoom for challenges Special Educators face. Join the Special Services Learning Academy which equips educators with the tools they need for success and work with Instructional Coaches to ensure swift curriculum mastery. When it comes to managing classroom dynamics, our esteemed behavior team, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), are on hand to provide expert guidance and support. In the Sioux Falls School District, you're not just an educator; you're an integral part of a supportive, collaborative team committed to unlocking every student's highest potential. We want your talent - we want your passion - we want YOU here! At JFK Elementary, we are committed to helping every student grow in knowledge, build confidence, and reach their fullest potential. Our staff believes strong partnerships with families are essential to student success, and we work together to create a supportive and welcoming environment where all students can thrive. We look forward to getting to know each child and celebrating their growth along the way as proud JFK Eagles.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and endorsements in the areas of teaching assignment.
South Dakota teaching certificate
At least one year of work experience in a position requiring interpersonal interaction skills and knowledge of strategies to support students with challenging behaviors.
Constant hand-eye and mind-eye coordination and hearing; intermittent speaking, standing, walking and writing.
The ability to provide physical management to students with behavior or self-care needs.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Skills in human relations, leadership and conflict management.
Knowledgeable of teaching techniques that meet the diverse needs of students.
Demonstrated skills in computer word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
Knowledge in implementation of IEP process and special education law.
Training in assessment and interpretation of information.
Valid South Dakota teaching certification
Endorsement requirements may vary based on specific course assignments.
Candidates must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree, unless pursuing a CTE Instructor position.
Must obtain your Alternative Preliminary Certificate BEFORE applying for teaching position if pursuing Alternative Certification.
Complete the "Initial Educator Application" to apply for the preliminary certificate.
Complete at least one hour of approved youth suicide awareness and prevention training every five years.
Provide your most recent certificate of completion of youth suicide awareness and prevention training prior to starting employment.

Nice To Haves

Learn more about what it means to be a JFK Eagle: https://www.jkes.sf.k12.sd.us/o/jkes
Questions about SD teaching certification: South Dakota Department of Education
Interested in becoming a contract teacher but don't hold a traditional teaching degree? The South Dakota Department of Education offers an Alternative Certification program!
Individuals will take 15-credits plus praxis exams while they perform their duties as a contract teacher for a South Dakota school district.
Alternative Certification is available for most positions 5th grade through high school.
If you are interested in pursuing a teaching position under Alternative Certification, you MUST obtain your Alternative Preliminary Certificate BEFORE applying for teaching position.
Learn more about Alternative Certification: SD DOE Alternative Certification
Visit https://doe.sd.gov/suicideprevention/ to view the list of approved trainings and detailed instructions for completion.
These trainings listed are the only accepted trainings per SDCL 13-42-71.
Please carefully review the options before selecting a training as unapproved trainings will require you to retake an approved course.
View the complete job description here: Special Education Classroom Teacher
View the complete salary schedule here: 2026-2027 Teacher Salary Schedule
New SFEA Staff Calendar
CURRENT DISTRICT EMPLOYEES All current District employees interested in applying must complete an application.
Relay Services for Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Dial 711, then the desired number
Use this link to share this opportunity: https://sf.schoolspring.com?jobid=5874849

Responsibilities

Ability to Plan and Prepare Instructional Tasks
Plan instructional tasks that are meaningful and related to learning goals
Provide Instruction to Students
Implement District curriculum
Maintain a strong instructional focus utilizing the elements of effective instruction
Communicate a high level of expectation
Communicate clear learning goals to students
Adapt instruction to meet the needs of all students
Address various learning styles
Sequence content at an appropriate pace
Use appropriate level of questioning to promote understanding
Relate lesson content to prior and future learning
Require students to summarize information in written and/or verbal form
Appropriately recognize and reinforce individual student effort
Represent knowledge/information non-linguistically through a variety of methods
Organize students in cooperative or ability groups when appropriate
Require students to analyze and apply knowledge
Display enjoyment, humor, and enthusiasm for teaching and expect students to enjoy learning
Conduct ongoing assessments for learning
Provide Effective Classroom Environment
Establish appropriate classroom rules and procedures that are clearly understood by all students
Effectively and consistently enforce rules and follow procedures
Redirect students naturally and immediately without disrupting others
Be well-organized and have all materials, equipment, etc., ready for immediate use
Carry out smooth and effective transitions (e.g., from one activity to another, as students enter and leave the room)
Maximize time on purposeful instructional tasks
Begin and end class period with focus on learning
Establish a positive learning environment
Participate in Professional Growth Opportunities and Demonstrate Professionalism
Participate in ongoing professional growth
Participate in school/professional and/or community organizations or events
Complete routine assigned tasks and comply with District requirements
Promote the education profession
Communicate effectively and professionally with colleagues, parents and students
Conduct parent-teacher conferences in accordance with District policy
Follow District and building policies and procedures.
Support of District goals.
Report student progress to parents and students.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Case manages student individual education programs (IEP) to meet specialized needs of students with disabilities
Coordinates special education documentation regarding the special education process including referral, evaluation, IEP development and implementation, and related processes in compliance with district, state and federal requirements including timelines
Implements specialized instruction utilizing researched strategies and interventions based on the needs of the students
Participates in IEP meetings and communicates with parents on a routine basis keeping them informed of their child’s progress in compliance with district procedures
Maintains student special education records and related information as outlined in district procedures and in a confidential manner