Dunlap Elementary - Special Education Teacher (Early Childhood Preschool) - 1.0 FTE

This position is assigned to the Early Childhood Education service pathway. A special education classroom teacher works under the general direction of the building principal or program manager to foster and enhance an effective learning environment for special education students.

Responsibilities

• 40% Fosters an educational environment conducive to the learning and maturation of assigned special education students; plans and adapts instructional programs to meet individual student needs; prepares individual lesson plans.
• 15% Uses appropriate instructional methods and materials suited to student needs; implements curriculum objectives; attends in-service training and pursues professional growth.
• 10% Establishes and implements classroom policies and procedures for student behavior and conduct; provides guidance, counseling, and discipline; makes referrals as needed.
• 5% Confers with students, parents or guardians, specialists, and staff to provide guidance, evaluation, and encouragement for student achievement.
• 10% Establishes classroom goals and objectives aligned with individual education programs (IEPs); evaluates and records student progress; prepares reports for parents or guardians.
• 5% Directs non-certificated personnel; attends to students' physical, emotional, behavioral, medical, or hygienic needs as appropriate.
• 10% Collects and interprets data; develops, implements, and evaluates IEPs; provides administrative reports; amends documents as needed.
• 5% Attends required staff meetings and participates in activities to accomplish position objectives and enhance professional skills.

Other functions include serving on staff committees, participating in professional development activities, and performing related tasks consistent with the role. Attendance at one of two annual Special Education Compliance Professional Development days is required.

Requirements

Knowledge

• Subject areas relevant to the assignment.
• Effective behavior management and instructional techniques.
• Rules and procedures for student safety and special education regulations.

Skills

• Proficiency in reading, writing, and oral communication.
• Effective communication with a culturally, racially, and economically diverse community.
• Designing and implementing lesson plans for students with a wide range of achievement levels.
• Adapting curricula to meet intellectual, social, physical, and emotional needs of special education students.

Abilities

• Engage with students in a positive and confident manner.
• Work fairly and flexibly with a diverse student population.
• Organize activities and manage student behavior.
• Use good judgment to maintain a safe learning environment.
• Provide instruction and demonstrate techniques.
• Use necessary equipment, computers, or software.
• Direct assistants and, in some positions, administer first aid, CPR, or use non-verbal communication (e.g., sign language, Braille).
• Address specific physical or emotional disabilities and associated conditions (e.g., severe behavior disorders).
• Attend to physical and hygienic needs of students.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, and administrators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Academic preparation or experience in teaching a diverse student population in an urban school system, including adapting instructional techniques for special education.
• Additional academic preparation or professional experience may be required for specific programs (e.g., bilingual education, dropout prevention, behavior change programs).
• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with Special Education Endorsement.
• Some positions may require valid first aid and CPR certification or a valid Washington State driver’s license (or Class II license).

Working Conditions

• Deal with a wide range of student achievement levels and behaviors.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
• May experience frequent interruptions and occasionally work with distraught or difficult students.
• Potential exposure to infectious diseases or bodily fluids carried by students.
• In some positions, specific physical movements, stamina, or exertion may be required to demonstrate techniques or ensure student safety.
• May need to move, position, or lift students or their equipment, restrain students, or attend to personal hygiene needs.
• May accompany students outdoors in inclement weather or teach in classrooms without telephone communication.

Benefits

Seattle Public Schools benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Eligibility for benefits is determined by the number of hours worked during the school year (September 1 through August 31). Employees scheduled to work 630 hours or more in a year are eligible for benefits.

Pay

Refer to the salary schedule associated with this role and others like it.