Adaptive and Functional Special Education Teachers (SPED) Elementary 2026-2027

About the role

Topeka Public Schools is recognized nationally for academic excellence, post-secondary and career success, and achievement in arts, athletics and extracurricular activities. Strengthened by diversity and a welcoming and inclusive environment, our district will cultivate partnerships with staff, families, businesses, and the greater community to develop students' educational, physical, and social-emotional well-being.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education (or related field) with appropriate Kansas licensure in Special Education.

Physical/Emotional Requirements

The incumbent may be required to use the following skills and abilities during any part of the working day:

• Speaking, hearing, visual, reading, writing, word processing, mobility, consistency of temperament, ability to work with a variety of problems at the same time, stamina for working long hours and in stress-producing environments.

Performance Responsibilities

• Assists the Individualized Education Planning Team in designing an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) for students with exceptional needs.
• Provides direct instruction and services for pupils whose needs are identified in a written IEP. Monitors the IEP of each student placed in the special education class and assumes responsibility for contacting and consulting with parents and Individualized Educational Planning Team about indicated changes in the IEP.
• Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.
• Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and – in harmony with the goals – establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects and the like to communicate these objectives to students.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.
• Strives to implement by instruction and action the district’s philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives.
• Affords assessment of the accomplishments of students on a regular basis, seeking the assistance of district specialists as required.
• Assists the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing students and the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, and maintains order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
• Makes provision for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes when required or requested at mutually agreeable times.
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Attends staff meetings and serves on staff committees as required.
• Must complete all Special Education paperwork, including IEPs and Medicaid billing.

Terms of Employment

Salary and work year to be determined by the Board of Education.

Evaluation

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board policy on evaluation of Certified Personnel.

Significant Associations

The performance responsibilities are not limited to those outlined in this description and may include any other responsibilities as assigned by the administrator/supervisor.

Department

Certified Elementary PK-5

Role

Elementary Teacher

Locations

To Be Determined

Pay

Salary and work year to be determined by the Board of Education.

Schedule

Not specified