Special Education Teacher - 1.0 FTE at John F Kennedy Elementary

Discover the unparalleled support awaiting special education teachers within the Sioux Falls School District! With an innovative online IEP system boasting a 96% satisfaction rate among our teachers, and dedicated IEP facilitators streamlining meetings, educators have more time to focus on what truly matters - nurturing student growth. Our "Virtual Office," offered multiple times a month, provides instant support and guidance via Zoom for challenges Special Educators face. Join the Special Services Learning Academy which equips educators with the tools they need for success and work with Instructional Coaches to ensure swift curriculum mastery. Our esteemed behavior team, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), are on hand to provide expert guidance and support for managing classroom dynamics. At JFK Elementary, we are committed to helping every student grow in knowledge, build confidence, and reach their fullest potential. Our staff believes strong partnerships with families are essential to student success, and we work together to create a supportive and welcoming environment where all students can thrive.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and endorsements in the areas of teaching assignment
• Valid South Dakota teaching certificate or eligibility for Alternative Certification
• At least one year of work experience in a position requiring interpersonal interaction skills and knowledge of strategies to support students with challenging behaviors
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Skills in human relations, leadership, and conflict management
• Knowledgeable of teaching techniques that meet the diverse needs of students
• Demonstrated skills in computer word processing, spreadsheets, and databases
• Knowledge in implementation of IEP process and special education law
• Training in assessment and interpretation of information
• Completion of at least one hour of approved youth suicide awareness and prevention training every five years (per SD Codified Law 13-42-71)

Physical requirements: Constant hand-eye and mind-eye coordination and hearing; intermittent speaking, standing, walking, and writing. Ability to provide physical management to students with behavior or self-care needs.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare instructional tasks that are meaningful and related to learning goals
• Provide instruction to students:
  • Implement District curriculum
  • Maintain a strong instructional focus utilizing the elements of effective instruction
  • Communicate high expectations and clear learning goals
  • Adapt instruction to meet the needs of all students
  • Address various learning styles and sequence content at an appropriate pace
  • Use appropriate level of questioning to promote understanding
  • Relate lesson content to prior and future learning
  • Require students to summarize information in written and/or verbal form
  • Appropriately recognize and reinforce individual student effort
  • Represent knowledge/information non-linguistically through a variety of methods
  • Organize students in cooperative or ability groups when appropriate
  • Require students to analyze and apply knowledge
  • Display enjoyment, humor, and enthusiasm for teaching and expect students to enjoy learning
  • Conduct ongoing assessments for learning
• Provide effective classroom environment:
  • Establish appropriate classroom rules and procedures clearly understood by all students
  • Effectively and consistently enforce rules and follow procedures
  • Redirect students naturally and immediately without disrupting others
  • Be well-organized with all materials and equipment ready for immediate use
  • Carry out smooth and effective transitions
  • Maximize time on purposeful instructional tasks
  • Begin and end class period with focus on learning
  • Establish a positive learning environment
• Case manage student Individual Education Programs (IEPs) to meet specialized needs of students with disabilities
• Coordinate special education documentation regarding the special education process including referral, evaluation, IEP development and implementation, and related processes in compliance with district, state, and federal requirements including timelines
• Implement specialized instruction utilizing researched strategies and interventions based on student needs
• Participate in IEP meetings and communicate with parents routinely to keep them informed of their child's progress in compliance with district procedures
• Maintain student special education records and related information as outlined in district procedures and in a confidential manner
• Participate in professional growth opportunities and demonstrate professionalism:
  • Engage in ongoing professional growth
  • Participate in school/professional and/or community organizations or events
  • Complete routine assigned tasks and comply with District requirements
  • Promote the education profession
  • Communicate effectively and professionally with colleagues, parents, and students
  • Conduct parent-teacher conferences in accordance with District policy
• Follow District and building policies and procedures
• Support District goals
• Report student progress to parents and students
• Perform other duties as assigned

Pay

Starting at $53,981 to $60,793 per year, based on experience. View the complete salary schedule.

Schedule

• Monday through Friday, 7:15am–3:45pm
• 1.0 FTE, 40 hours per week, 9 months
• 2026-2027 New SFEA Staff Calendar

Benefits

Benefits available for positions 20 hours per week or more.