Special Education Work-Based Learning Teacher

Columbia Heights Public Schools•Columbia Heights, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Columbia Heights Public Schools is seeking a collaborative, student-centered Special Education Work-Based Learning Teacher to support high school students with disabilities as they explore career pathways, develop employment skills and participate in meaningful work-based learning experiences. This position combines expertise in special education, transition planning, Career and Technical Education (CTE) and work-based learning to help students connect their interests, strengths and Transition Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals to competitive, integrated employment and postsecondary opportunities.

Requirements

Valid Minnesota teaching license in Special Education, appropriate for serving high school students.
Valid Minnesota Work-Based Learning Teacher licensure or endorsement, as required.
Experience working with secondary students with disabilities.
Knowledge of special education requirements, IEP development, secondary transition planning and employment-related transition services.
Strong communication, collaboration, organizational and relationship-building skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Career and Technical Education, workforce development, transition services, or employment programming.
Experience coordinating internships, community-based learning, job placement, or work experiences for students.
Knowledge of Minnesota CTE and Work-Based Learning requirements.
Experience developing partnerships with employers, workforce agencies, community organizations and postsecondary institutions.
Experience supporting students with disabilities in competitive, integrated employment settings.
Demonstrated commitment to culturally responsive practices and equitable access to career and postsecondary opportunities.

Responsibilities

Provide direct instruction in career exploration, career readiness, employability skills, workplace communication, self-advocacy, financial literacy and job-readiness skills.
Develop and teach a career seminar or other approved work-based learning coursework for students receiving special education services.
Collaborate with students, families, special education case managers, counselors and other staff to identify student interests, strengths, career goals and support needs.
Partner with county agencies and vocational rehabilitation services to identify, develop and post inclusive job opportunities for students with disabilities.
Coordinate work-based learning experiences, including internships, paid employment, job shadowing, career exploration and other approved experiences.
Develop and maintain partnerships with local employers, workforce development agencies, postsecondary institutions and community organizations.
Match students with work-based learning opportunities aligned with their interests, abilities, career goals and transition needs.
Monitor student progress and provide appropriate special education supports, accommodations, modifications and instruction to promote success in work-based learning environments.
Collaborate with IEP teams to ensure work-based learning and employment experiences are appropriately connected to students' transition plans, postsecondary goals, annual goals and individual needs.
Support students in developing the skills necessary to pursue competitive, integrated employment.
Maintain required documentation, training agreements, student records, employer information and other state and district-required work-based learning documentation.
Collaborate with the district's CTE, special education, transition and student support teams to expand equitable access to career exploration and employment opportunities for students with disabilities.
Participate in professional learning related to special education, secondary transition, work-based learning, CTE and competitive integrated employment.