Academic Specialist K-4; Special Education Licensed

Spring Lake Park Schools is a vibrant school community serving about 6,200 students from the suburbs of Blaine, Fridley, and Spring Lake Park in the northwest Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Our district purpose, "High expectations, high achievement for all. No excuses," guides us in meeting the unique and varied needs of each student. We are recognized for our commitment to personalized learning and a culture of innovation through human-centered design thinking.

About Spring Lake Park Educators

Each teacher at Spring Lake Park Schools designs meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for the future. Our educators create engaging, relevant work grounded in students' interests, strengths, and needs—challenging them to think deeply and take an active role in their learning. Teachers cultivate inclusive, engaging learning environments where each student feels valued, supported, and has a true sense of belonging. The focus is on developing strong academic skills and essential career and life competencies such as collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and self-direction.

Our teachers are reflective, collaborative professionals committed to ongoing learning. They embrace a culture of reciprocal feedback, refining their practice and driving continuous improvement and innovation. Above all, they believe that each student deserves meaningful work worthy of their time, talents, and potential.

Our academic specialists licensed in Specific Learning Disabilities use diagnostic assessments to identify each learner's skill needs and provide individualized, evidence-based interventions that build foundational understanding while supporting progress toward core curriculum goals. They design engaging, motivating learning experiences that reflect students' interests, use assessment for learning strategies to guide next steps, and monitor growth to ensure accelerated progress and achievement of IEP goals. Specialists collaborate closely with case managers, general education teachers, and related service providers, actively contributing to IEP and evaluation meetings to support student success.

Responsibilities

• Design meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for the future.
• Create engaging, relevant work grounded in students' interests, strengths, and needs.
• Cultivate inclusive, engaging learning environments where each student feels valued and supported.
• Develop strong academic skills and essential career and life competencies (collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, self-direction).
• Use diagnostic assessments to identify each learner's skill needs and provide individualized, evidence-based interventions.
• Design motivating learning experiences reflecting students' interests and monitor growth to ensure progress toward IEP goals.
• Collaborate with case managers, general education teachers, and related service providers in IEP and evaluation meetings.

Requirements

• Earned B.A. or B.S. degree.
• Holds or is eligible for a Minnesota State Licensure in Learning Disabilities.
• Commitment to the equitable education of all students.
• Creative planning and organizational skills.
• Highly effective interpersonal skills.
• Ability to successfully implement the responsibilities of the position.

Preferences

• Excellence in collaboration with colleagues and enthusiasm to work with students.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning (e.g., graduate-level work, earned degree, or participation in professional conferences/seminars).
• Experience working with diverse learners.

Pay

$53,228–$107,781 per school year (placement determined based on experience and qualifications). Salary is pro-rated based on start date.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Sick Leave
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability (LTD)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)