Meany Middle - Special Education Teacher (Distinct) - 1.0 FTE

This position is in the Distinct classroom. For more information about our special education service pathways, 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, with support from appropriate staff. The role involves creating an effective learning environment, adapting learning objectives for special education students, providing instruction, counseling, discipline, and supervision to meet individual student needs, and evaluating student performance.

Responsibilities

• 40% Fosters an educational environment conducive to learning and maturation; plans and adapts instructional programs to meet individual student needs; prepares lesson plans.
• 15% Uses appropriate instructional methods and materials; implements adapted curriculum objectives; attends in-service training and pursues professional growth.
• 10% Establishes and enforces classroom policies for student behavior; provides guidance, counseling, and discipline; makes referrals as needed.
• 5% Confers with students, parents, guardians, specialists, and staff to provide guidance, evaluation, and support for student achievement.
• 10% Sets classroom goals 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 professional development activities; participates in committees and activities to enhance skills.

Other functions may include serving on staff committees, participating in professional development, 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 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.
• Work fairly and consistently with a culturally, racially, and economically diverse student population.
• Adapt to change and remain flexible.
• Organize activities and manage student behavior.
• Use good judgment to maintain a safe learning environment.
• Provide instruction and demonstrate techniques.
• Use necessary equipment, computers, software, or tools.
• Direct assistants and, in some positions, administer first aid and CPR.
• Use non-verbal communication (e.g., sign language) or non-visual techniques (e.g., Braille) where required.
• 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 positive working relationships with students, parents, staff, and administrators.

Working Conditions

• Work with students across a wide range of achievement levels and behaviors.
• Address a variety of student disabilities, depending on the program.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
• Manage frequent interruptions and occasionally deal with distraught or difficult students.
• Potential exposure to infectious diseases or bodily fluids carried by students.
• In some positions, demonstrate techniques requiring specific physical movements or stamina.
• Take precautions to prevent exposure to materials, fumes, or equipment.
• May need to move, position, or lift students or their equipment; restrain students; attend to personal hygiene; or accompany students outdoors in inclement weather.
• May teach in classrooms without telephone communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Academic preparation or experience in teaching diverse student populations in an urban school system, including adapting instructional techniques for special education.
• Additional academic preparation or experience may be required for specific programs (e.g., bilingual education, dropout prevention, behavior change programs).

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with Special Education Endorsement.
• Some positions may require valid first aid and CPR certification.
• Some positions may require a valid Washington State driver’s license or a Class II driver’s license.

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.