Specialized Academic Instructor - Extensive Support Needs 1st-2nd Grade - Pepper Drive - 2026-2027 School Year

Santee School District • El Cajon, CA

7h • Onsite

About The Position

Under the immediate supervision of the site administrator and general direction of the Director of Special Education, and as a member of the school staff, this role provides a functional curriculum for students with moderate to severe deficits. A functional curriculum focuses on independent living and vocational skills, emphasizing communication and social skills. The instructor will assist in other school programs as assigned and collaborate with District employees and parents to create a learning environment conducive to student success.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, including all courses to meet current credential requirements.
• Credential(s) to meet the requirement of the assignment as established by state and local governing boards.
• Demonstrate knowledge regarding the disabilities of the students served and appropriate research-based materials and instructional methods/strategies to meet their needs.
• Possess working knowledge of the IEP process.
• Clear understanding of special education regulations and guidelines.
• Knowledge of student health concerns and ability to perform necessary emergency procedures such as EpiPen administration, allergy response, etc.
• Competent oral and written English skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion.
• Ability to use tact, patience, and courtesy.

Nice To Haves

• Successful completion of a student-teaching program with above average recommendations from supervisors or other professionals who have observed the teacher’s personal characteristics, scholastic attainment and classroom performance.

Responsibilities

• Compile and analyze data for documentation and program planning.
• Comply with state and federal regulations and District procedures regarding IDEA.
• Maintain accurate special education records and logs for individual students.
• Maintain personal standards of dress and grooming.
• Maintain promptness in carrying out assignments.
• Understand grade-level content standards and implement current educational practices.
• Meet obligations specified by the Education Code and Board Policy.
• Participate in District and school activities such as staff meetings, staff development, trainings, and Professional Learning Community work.
• Participate in school and community-related activities such as School Site Council and PTA special projects.
• Share responsibility for the effective operation of the school program.
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding student progress.
• Consult with general education classroom teachers and DIS providers regarding individual student IEPs.
• Coordinate assessment procedures with IEP team members, including gathering data, conducting evaluations, writing reports, and communicating with parents and teachers.
• Coordinate IEP development, including scheduling meetings, contacting participants, and assisting parents.
• Coordinate special education services with general education school programs.
• Implement an appropriate behavioral classroom management system and assist general education teachers with behavior goals and plans.
• Conduct safe physical restraints when a student is in danger of harming self or others, after training.
• Participate in consultation and Student Study Team meetings.
• Plan, develop, evaluate, and implement appropriate Individualized Education Programs.
• Provide instructional services through a functional curriculum to individuals, small groups, and whole classes using research-based materials and interventions.
• Provide resource information/materials to parents and staff and provide in-service training to general education staff.
• Provide timely and effective early intervention assistance (Response to Intervention Model) for students struggling with academics and/or behavior.
• Serve as Case Manager for assigned students, monitoring progress and managing IEP reviews and revisions.
• Understand and organize subject matter for student learning based on student developmental readiness.
• Use appropriate technology for instruction and communication with students, parents, and staff.
• Perform specialized health care procedures such as catheterization, gastric tube feeding, suctioning, or other services after training and under the monitoring of the District nurse.
• Assist students with diapering, changing, and other toileting issues, including lifting and transfers.
• Assist students with social, hygiene, and prevocational skills.
• Assist with bus boarding and departing.
• Assist with preparing, serving, and feeding meals and delivering instruction during meals.
• Plan, train, and coordinate the work of instructional assistants, and participate in their selection.
• Select books, instructional aids, materials, and supplies for the program, and maintain inventory records.
• Supervise students in out-of-classroom activities.
• Administer State and District assessments.
• Collaborate with District offices in distributing and collecting paperwork.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level