Teacher Special Education SUCCESS - NE Tacoma ES

Tacoma Public Schools•NE Tacoma Elementary - 5412-29th St. N.E., WA

20h

About The Position

Tacoma Public Schools is hiring a full-time special education teacher for the SUCCESS program. The teacher plans, organizes, and provides learning activities and a classroom environment that support students’ intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. The role supports School/Building, School Board, District, and State curricula, policies, and student-achievement initiatives. The position is 1.0 FTE, 7.5 hours per day, and follows a 182-workday, 10-month teacher calendar. Expected start date is as soon as possible. Salary is based on preparation level and experience under the TEA Collective Bargaining Agreement, ranging from $75,462 (BA+0, step 1) to $147,998 (MA+90, step 20). The position requires a valid Washington State teaching certificate with a Special Education endorsement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with an appropriate educational endorsement, or a combination of experience and training that provides the knowledge, skills, and ability required for the work.
Valid Washington State teaching certificate with a Special Education endorsement.
Completion of all District-required training as assigned.
Fingerprints and successful Washington State Patrol and FBI background clearance, including sexual misconduct clearance.
Knowledge of applicable Washington State and federal rules and regulations, relevant subject matter, formative and summative assessments, and instructional principles, methods, and techniques.
Skills in communication, critical thinking, problem solving, attention to detail, classroom management, student discipline, and customer service.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate activities; multitask, set priorities, and meet deadlines; communicate effectively orally and in writing; use information technology; exercise sound judgment; and adapt to changing needs.
Ability to handle difficult or sensitive situations appropriately, serve as a professional and ethical role model, adhere to Tacoma Public School Board policies, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate reliable attendance.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural, socioeconomically diverse setting.
Ability to travel throughout the District using private or public transportation.
Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds and perform physical activities including bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, walking, twisting, climbing, and mobility.

Responsibilities

Develop and plan a program of study that addresses students’ learning needs, interests, and abilities, and create a classroom environment conducive to learning.
Use varied instructional techniques and media to engage students and support their participation according to their needs and capabilities.
Assess student growth regularly, provide required progress reports, maintain appropriate grades, and refer students for evaluation by District Specialists when needed.
Guide students’ welfare, educational development, and citizenship.
Implement District educational philosophy and instructional goals; support District policies and rules governing student life and conduct.
Establish classroom behavior expectations, encourage students to maintain them, manage behavior fairly, and help maintain classroom order.
Participate in planning and evaluating school programs, District curriculum, and program development.
Prepare lesson plans, differentiate instruction, scaffold tasks, use learning time effectively, and establish and communicate clear lesson, unit, and project objectives and learning targets.
Maintain communication with students, parents, colleagues, and community members; conduct conferences and meetings to communicate progress and explain program rationale and students’ educational, social, and behavioral development.
Maintain accurate records as required by law and District policy; use formative and summative assessment data and Washington State-approved student-growth rubrics to track growth, adjust instruction, evaluate learning, and improve program effectiveness.
Take reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities; supervise students in school settings and District-sanctioned programs.
Use and provide access to District and community materials, resources, and services to enhance student learning and teacher effectiveness.
Participate in required or assigned professional development and training.
Attend staff meetings, serve on staff committees, supervise Para Educators and other classroom office assistance as required, and provide appropriate guidance to staff.
Collaborate with colleagues and administrators to improve student learning, maintain professional relationships, support appropriate conduct, follow School Board policies, and contribute to the development of new teachers and student teachers per District guidelines.
Maintain current curriculum guides and knowledge of instructional resources and methods, making relevant changes to instructional plans and activities.
Perform related duties assigned on a temporary basis and maintain regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence.