Rainier Beach High - Special Education Teacher (Resource) - 0.5 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 for special education students, and providing instruction tailored to individual needs. The role involves counseling, disciplining, supervising, and evaluating student performance and progress.

Responsibilities

• 40% Creates and maintains an educational environment conducive to student learning; plans and adapts instructional programs to meet individual student needs; prepares and modifies lesson plans.
• 15% Uses appropriate instructional methods and materials; implements adapted curriculum objectives; 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, supportive manner; provides guidance, counseling, and discipline; makes referrals for additional support as needed.
• 5% Confers with students, parents, guardians, specialists, and staff to provide guidance, evaluation, and encouragement for student achievement.
• 10% Sets classroom goals and objectives aligned with students’ 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; monitors conditions and behaviors.
• 10% Collects and interprets data; develops, implements, and evaluates IEPs; provides administrative reports; amends documents as necessary.
• 5% Attends required staff meetings and participates in activities to accomplish position objectives and enhance professional skills.

Additional functions may 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 parents or guardians in 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 the 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 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.
• In some roles, use non-verbal communication (e.g., sign language) or non-visual instructional techniques (e.g., Braille).
• Address specific physical or emotional disabilities and associated conditions, such as severe behavior disorders.
• Attend to physical and hygienic needs of students.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, and administrators.

Working Conditions

• Works with a wide range of student achievement levels and behaviors.
• Handles 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, may require specific physical movements, stamina, or exertion to demonstrate techniques or ensure student safety.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Academic preparation or experience in teaching a culturally, racially, and economically diverse student population in an urban school system.
• Experience teaching reading and adapting instructional techniques for special education students.
• Additional academic preparation or professional experience may be required for specific programs, such as working with bilingual students, preventing dropout of "at-risk" students, teaching multi-level or mainstreamed classes, or implementing 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 for compensation details.

Note: Applicants must confirm endorsements on their Washington State certificate or those that will be added by the position start date. Current Seattle Public Schools employees, including certificated substitutes, should indicate their employment status as part of the application process.