Rainier Beach High - Special Education Teacher (Distinct) - 1.0 FTE

About the role

This position is assigned to the Distinct service pathway within the Special Education Department. The classroom teacher operates under the general direction of the building principal or program manager, fostering an effective learning environment for special education students. Responsibilities include adapting learning objectives, providing instruction, counseling, disciplining, and supervising students to meet their individual needs, as well as evaluating student performance and progress.

Responsibilities

• 40% Creates and maintains an educational environment conducive to student learning and maturation. Plans and adapts instructional programs to meet individual student needs, including preparing lesson plans and modifying them as necessary.
• 15% Utilizes appropriate instructional methods and materials suited to student needs and curriculum objectives. Implements adapted programs, attends in-service training, and pursues professional growth to remain current in special education techniques.
• 10% Establishes and enforces classroom policies and procedures in a positive and supportive manner. Provides guidance, counseling, and discipline to encourage student achievement and refers students for additional assistance as needed.
• 5% Maintains open communication with students, parents or guardians, specialists, and staff to provide guidance, evaluation, and support for student achievement.
• 10% Sets classroom goals and objectives aligned with individual education programs (IEPs) and District/State guidelines. Evaluates and records student progress and prepares reports for parents or guardians.
• 5% Directs non-certificated personnel and attends to students' physical, emotional, behavioral, medical, or hygienic needs as appropriate.
• 10% Collects and interprets data to develop, implement, and evaluate IEPs. Provides reports for administrative purposes and amends documents as needed.
• 5% Participates in required staff meetings and professional development activities, including at least one of two annual Special Education Compliance Professional Development days.

Additional functions may include serving on staff committees, engaging in professional development, and performing related tasks consistent with the position's scope.

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 in a positive and confident manner.
• Work fairly and consistently with a culturally, racially, and economically diverse student population.
• Adapt to change and remain flexible in dynamic environments.
• Organize activities and manage student behavior effectively.
• Use good judgment to maintain a safe learning environment.
• Provide instruction and demonstrate techniques.
• Operate necessary equipment, computers, software, or tools.
• Direct assistants and, in some positions, administer first aid and CPR.
• Use non-verbal communication methods (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.

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 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 a 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

• Deals with a wide range of student achievement levels and behaviors.
• Handles various student disabilities, depending on the program.
• Manages multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritizes effectively.
• May experience frequent interruptions and occasionally deal with distressed or difficult students.
• Potential exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, or serious infectious diseases carried by students.
• In some positions, instructional methods may require specific physical movements, stamina, or exertion to demonstrate techniques safely.
• May need to take precautions to prevent exposure to materials, fumes, equipment, or hot surfaces.
• In some roles, may be required 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.

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 on the Seattle Public Schools website.