Interrelated-Elem - SPED (2026-2027 School Year)

About the Role

This position plans, leads, facilitates, and provides instruction for maximum student learning in the Interrelated Classroom, delivering appropriate curriculum to identified special education students. The role focuses on meeting established outcomes based on each student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) and their capacity to master learning objectives, while creating engaging activities to foster enthusiasm for learning.

Responsibilities

• Participates on pre-assessment teams to determine the necessity for comprehensive student evaluation; initiates, schedules, and attends IEP meetings; collaborates with a multi-disciplinary team to diagnose needs and structure/implement IEPs for each identified student.
• Defines, structures, and communicates daily expectations according to IEP, including course goals, objectives, learning methods, and activities.
• Communicates with regular education staff on instructional and meditative strategies, student progress, and applications of learned materials.
• Manages grading, student data entry, scheduling, and communication with administration, parents, staff, and students.
• Controls classroom and individual behavior; adapts course content and reading levels to address specific skills; builds memory and study skills; and assists students individually and in small groups to achieve academic, daily living, and social skills objectives.
• Provides listening and learning opportunities tailored to each student’s IEP, including lectures, multimedia (VCR, TV), support for regular classroom teachers, and external presentations or opportunities.
• Prepares and displays events and reinforcement activities to encourage participation.
• Plans assessments using diagnostic techniques such as standardized tests, criterion-referenced tests, teacher-developed oral/written tests, and student personal indices (effort, potential, interests, memory).
• Designs subject-based reinforcement activities (e.g., computer labs, independent/group projects, field/community reinforcement) following assessments.
• Develops a grading system to encourage motivation and participation; collects and enters student data; and reports progress regularly.
• Establishes classroom rules for student interaction, self-control, independent work, and behavior management (from minor infractions to severe behavior).
• Prepares the physical classroom environment to reflect seasons and subject matter, facilitating student learning.
• Maintains daily records of student attendance, learning/social needs, assignments, assessments, and discipline; supervises paraprofessional(s).
• Performs all duties with the mobility, agility, dexterity, and focused observation required for the role.
• Assists with additional duties as assigned by a supervisor.

Requirements

• Ability to use SMART boards, iPads, and basic office equipment (computers, copiers, scanners, fax machines) in compliance with WPS guidelines.
• Limited travel between schools and central offices may be required.
• Physical demands include:
  • Occasional lifting and carrying up to 20 lbs.
  • Pushing/pulling up to 20 lbs. for distances up to 100+ feet.
  • Frequent reaching below waist, occasional reaching waist to shoulder, and limited overhead reaching.
  • Frequent sitting, standing, and walking.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for interactions within and outside the organization.
• Effective communication with supervisors to exercise discretion.
• Ability to work as an effective team player.
• Skills in planning, organizing, decision-making, and prioritizing work to meet daily demands.
• Professional manner, positive attitude, and good judgment for recurring assignments.
• High degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Adherence to professional dress and appearance standards.
• Understanding of the district’s mission, purpose, goals, and the role of employees in achieving them.
• Ability to handle diverse populations with tact and diplomacy.
• Responsiveness to customer needs with a positive attitude.
• Friendly, professional interactions with all internal and external customers, providing quick, responsive service.

Qualifications

• Valid Kansas Teaching License required.
• Adaptive Endorsement required; Primary Teachers must have K-9 or K-6 Certification.
• Master’s in Special Education or enrollment in a Special Education Degree Program with a Plan of Study on file with the District and a Special Education Waiver obtained.
• Prior teaching experience preferred.

FLSA Status: Exempt