Cottonwood Elementary SPED CLS Teacher 2026/27

About the role

The special education teacher is responsible for establishing teaching strategies which are goal oriented and based upon proven instructional techniques that are designed to benefit students with disabilities within a comprehensive life skills program. Instruction is related to functional curriculum domains; domestic, vocational, recreational, community, functional academics.

Responsibilities

• Follows mandated compliance standards established by the Federal, the State, or the District regulations relative to program development and implementation.
• Maintains appropriate student records and submits required reports and other needed information for the effective, efficient operation of the school within designated time limits.
• Maintains strict confidentiality with regards to records and information that has been obtained in the course of professional service with respect to students, parents, and other staff members, unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.
• Demonstrates acceptable command of the English language in written and oral communication.
• Carries out clerical duties such as attendance, budgeting of materials, recording of grades, etc., promptly and accurately.
• Attends and participates in all required training.
• Manage and assign additional adult student's support as necessary i.e. paraprofessional.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in PowerSchool.
• Provides instruction that is related to functional curriculum domains; domestic, vocational, recreational, community, functional academics;
• Ensures research-based instructional methods and materials are utilized (i.e. general education curriculum, Edmark, TouchMath, FACTER, LCCE, Syracuse);
• Provides meaningful, relevant activities for instruction;
• Ensures instruction occurs in natural settings (i.e., regular education classroom, community based);
• Ensures that Age-appropriate instructional materials and tasks are utilized;
• Differentiated and/or multi-leveled instruction is provided;
• Pre-planning is evident and objectives of lesson are evident;
• Ensures that standards-based instruction is occurring, and students are assessed using the most appropriate testing, e.g., state alternate assessment.
• Instructional adaptations are used in order to support student learning (i.e. picture cues & supports, student grouping, Cooperative Learning, sign language, individualized schedules);
• Addresses student behaviors individually, through positive behavioral supports, support plans or appropriate goals and objectives;
• Ensures that student progress is monitored through regular data collection and individual plans are adjusted as appropriate through annual IEP meetings or more frequently if appropriate.

  Requirements

  • Education and Training: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university; Master's Degree preferred.
  • Experience working with the educational setting in an area of special education preferred.
  • Licenses and Certifications: Must possess or be able to acquire a Nevada teaching license issued by the Nevada Department of Education and be certified in the relevant subject area.

  Position Expectations

  • Demonstrate knowledge, skill, and ability to provide instruction in an elementary classroom.
  • Work cooperatively with students, parents, peers, administration, and community members.
  • Guide the learning process toward achievement of curriculum and student goals.
  • Establish and communicate clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects.
  • Employ a variety of instructional techniques and strategies aligned with instructional objectives, in order to meet the needs of all students.
  • Participate as collaborative member with other faculty and staff.
  • Maintain accurate and complete records as required by law and district policy.
  • Maintain and improve professional competence through continued education and in-service.
  • Communicate professionally and effectively in written, oral, and non-verbal terms.
  • Perform other job-related duties as may be assigned by the site administrator/supervisor.

  Physical and Mental Requirements

  • Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use keyboard and video display terminal for prolonged periods.
  • Strength and stamina to bend, stoop, sit, and stand for long periods of time.
  • Dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper; occasional lifting of files, stacks of paper or reports, references, student work, and other materials.
  • Sometimes reaching for items above and below waist and head level.
  • Sometimes reaching, bending, squatting, and stooping to assist students access files, student work, and other items is necessary.
  • The manual dexterity and cognitive ability to operate a personal computer and other educational technology (LCD projector, SmartBoard, iPads/Tablets, augmentative communication devices, etc.) to enhance student learning.
  • Hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.
  • Must have the ability to lift 50 pounds or 1/3 body weight, whichever is greater, to waist height, perform a 2 to 3 person lift, and the ability to restrain student(s) as needed and in accordance with state regulations.

  Equal Opportunity Employer

  The Lyon County School District is an equal opportunity employer and will not knowingly discriminate in any area of employment. Those include discriminatory recruiting and hiring practices against any United States citizen or legal alien on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, marital status, national or ethnic origin, disability, or any other protected class and shall extend to working conditions, training, promotion, and terms and conditions of employment. Individuals with a disability who require reasonable accommodation(s) during any step of the screening process or who have questions about qualifications should notify a representative in Human Resources. Notification may be made in person, in writing, or by calling: (775) 463-6800.