Whittier Elementary - Special Education Teacher (Resource) - 1.0 FTE

Posting number: 27253

Department: Whittier Elementary

Job classification: Teacher-Special Education

Posting type: Open

Categories: Teacher

Summary

This position is assigned to the Resource service pathway.  To learn more about our special education service pathways, please follow this link to the SPS Special Education Department website: Placement and Primary Service Types.

A special education classroom teacher performs under the general direction of the building principal or program manager and with assistance from appropriate staff personnel. A classroom teacher fosters and enhances an effective learning environment; establishes and adapts learning objectives and standards for special education students based upon general District guidelines and the rules and regulations governing special education; provides instruction, counsels, disciplines, and supervises to meet the individual needs of assigned students; and, to evaluate student performance and progress.

Teachers at Whittier work collaboratively across grade levels to align curriculum and instructional practices. Inclusion is central to our school's approach — all students, including those with special education needs or multilingual learners, participate in the general education classroom every day.

Teachers are expected to:

• Attend grade-level PLC and IEP meetings
• Follow Seattle Public Schools' approved curriculum and pacing guides
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs
• Collaborate closely with colleagues to support every student's academic success 

Examples of duties

40%   Fosters an educational environment conducive to the learning and maturation process of assigned special education students; plans an instructional program designed to meet individual student needs; prepares individual student lesson plans; adapts and modifies programs and plans as necessary.
15%  Uses necessary and appropriate instructional methods and materials, which are suited to the well-being of the students and to the nature of the learning activities, program and/or curriculum involved; implements established program or curriculum objectives as adapted and modified for the student population; attends in-service training and continues to improve professional growth through study and experimentation to remain current in methods and techniques for special education instruction.
10%  Establishes and implements, in a positive and supportive manner, classroom policies and procedures governing student behavior and conduct; provides guidance, counseling, and discipline to encourage students to meet standards of achievement and conduct; makes referrals for assistance where appropriate.
5% Confers with students, parents or guardians, specialists and other staff: maintaining an open positive relationship as appropriate to provide guidance and evaluation, and to encourage student achievement.
10%  Establishes classroom goals and objectives appropriate to the special education student population and their individual education programs, following the rules and regulations governing special education, and in conformance with courses of study specified by State and School District statutes, regulations and guidelines; evaluates and records student progress; prepares reports for parents or guardians.
5%  Directs the activities of assigned non-certificated personnel; attends to or directs staff to attend to the physical, emotional, behavioral, medical, or hygienic needs of students as appropriate; monitors conditions and behaviors.
10% Collects and interprets a variety of data; develops, implements and evaluates individual education plans (IEP's); provides reports for administrative purposes; amends documents where appropriate.
5%  Attends or participates in all required staff meetings and other activities deemed necessary by the District and/or building principal, in order to accomplish the objectives of the position and for professional achievement

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Serves on staff committees as required.
• Participates in a variety of activities to enhance personal and professional skills.
• Performs related tasks consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position.
• Attends at least one of two annual Special Education Compliance Professional Development days.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to the building Principal.

Required Knowledge. Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of: Subject areas appropriate to assignment; effective behavior management techniques; effective instructional techniques; rules and procedures for student safety; rules and regulations governing special education.

Skill in: Proficiency in reading, writing, and oral communications; effective communication with parents or guardians in a culturally, racially and economically diverse community; designing and implementing lesson plans for students having a wide range of achievement; adapting curricula and programs to meet the intellectual, social, physical and emotional needs of a population of special education students.

Ability to: Deal with students in a positive and confident manner; be fair and consistent when working with a culturally, racially and economically diverse student population; adapt to change and remain flexible; organize activities; manage student behavior; use good judgment to maintain a safe learning environment; provide instruction and demonstrate techniques; use necessary equipment, computers, machinery, tools, or software; direct assistants; in some positions, administer first aid and CPR; in some positions ,use non-a mal or non-verbal means of communication such as sign language; in some positions, use non-visual instructional techniques such as Braille; in some positions, deal with specific physical or emotional disabilities and associated conditions, such as, severe behavior disorder; attend to various physical and hygienic needs; establish and maintain effective, positive working relationships with students, parents or guardians, specialists, staff and administrators.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Required to deal with a wide range of student achievement and behavior; required to deal with a range of student disabilities, the nature of which depend upon the program involved; required to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize; may experience frequent interruptions; may occasionally or regularly deal with distraught or difficult students; potentially exposed to ordinary infectious diseases carried by students; may be potentially exposed to student bodily fluids and serious infectious diseases carried by students; in some positions the necessary and appropriate instructional methods may require specific positions and movements, and sufficient stamina and exertions, to demonstrate techniques properly for student safety, or to conduct or direct students; in some positions precautions may need to be taken to prevent or lessen exposure of self and/or students to various materials, fumes, equipment, cutting edges or hot surfaces; may be required in some positions to move, position, or lift students or their special equipment, to restrain students to attend to the personal hygiene of students, or to accompany students outdoors in inclement weather; may teach in a classroom without telephone communication.

Qualifications

Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree; academic preparation for or experience in teaching a culturally, racially and economically diverse student population in an urban school system, and teaching reading and adapting instructional techniques and practices for special education students. Specific programs may require additional academic preparation or professional experience, including; working with bilingual students and assisting them in the transition to regular classrooms; implementing programs designed to prevent the dropout of" at risk" students; and, teaching multi-level, open-concept, and main streamed classes; and, establishing and implementing behavior change programs.

Licenses/Special Requirements
Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with Special Education Endorsement; some positions may require valid first aid and CPR certification; some positions may require a valid Washington State driver's license or a class II driver's license.