McClure Middle - Special Education Teacher (Resource) - 1.0 FTE

This position is assigned to the Resource service pathway. For more details, visit the SPS Special Education Department website.

About the Role

A special education classroom teacher works under the general direction of the building principal or program manager, fostering an effective learning environment, adapting learning objectives, and providing instruction tailored to individual student needs. The role involves counseling, disciplining, and supervising students while evaluating their performance and progress.

Responsibilities

• 40% Creates and adapts instructional programs to meet individual student needs, including lesson plans and curriculum modifications.
• 15% Uses appropriate instructional methods and materials, implements adapted curriculum objectives, and attends professional development to stay current in special education techniques.
• 10% Establishes and enforces classroom policies for behavior and conduct, providing guidance, counseling, and discipline while making referrals as needed.
• 5% Maintains open communication with students, parents, guardians, specialists, and staff to support student achievement.
• 10% Sets classroom goals aligned with individual education programs (IEPs), evaluates student progress, and prepares reports for parents or guardians.
• 5% Directs non-certificated staff, attends to students' physical, emotional, behavioral, medical, or hygienic needs, and monitors conditions and behaviors.
• 10% Collects and interprets data, develops and evaluates IEPs, and provides administrative reports.
• 5% Attends required staff meetings and participates in activities to enhance professional skills, including at least one of two annual Special Education Compliance Professional Development days.

Additional functions may include serving on staff committees, participating in professional development, and performing related tasks consistent with the role.

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 diverse parents, guardians, and communities.
• Designing and implementing lesson plans for students with varying achievement levels.
• Adapting curricula to meet intellectual, social, physical, and emotional needs of special education students.

Abilities

• Engage with students positively and confidently in a culturally, racially, and economically diverse environment.
• Adapt to change and remain flexible in dynamic situations.
• Organize activities and manage student behavior effectively.
• Use good judgment to maintain a safe learning environment.
• Provide instruction and demonstrate techniques using necessary equipment, computers, or software.
• Direct assistants and, in some roles, administer first aid, CPR, or use non-verbal communication (e.g., sign language, Braille).
• Address specific physical or emotional disabilities and associated conditions, such as severe behavior disorders.
• Attend to physical and hygienic needs of students, including lifting or positioning students or their equipment.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, parents, staff, and administrators.

Working Conditions

• Works with a wide range of student achievements and behaviors.
• Handles multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritizes effectively, often with frequent interruptions.
• May work with students experiencing distress or exhibiting difficult behaviors.
• Potential exposure to infectious diseases or bodily fluids carried by students.
• In some positions, requires specific physical movements, stamina, or exertion to demonstrate techniques safely.
• May need to take precautions against exposure to materials, fumes, or equipment.
• In some roles, 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 work in classrooms without telephone communication.

Qualifications

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

Benefits

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. Benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB).

Pay

Refer to the salary schedule associated with this role.