Special Education Teacher (Grades K-2)

Phoenix-Talent School District #4 – Orchard Hill Elementary School

About the role

The successful candidate will implement instructional and behavioral plans for students, coordinate mainstreaming and supported education, and serve as a consultant to regular education staff and administration. This position requires fostering a supportive learning environment, addressing barriers to academic achievement, and ensuring all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and maintain a flexible calendar to accommodate the needs of students, staff, and parents.
• Maintain effective communication regarding changes to routines and schedules.
• Work as a team member in conducting assessments and evaluating children as part of the IEP and pre-referral process.
• Generate documents outlining student needs and educational strategies.
• Act as a consultative resource to staff regarding student learning needs.
• Implement educational procedures and write effective IEP goals and documentation.
• Schedule and assist in conducting IEP assessments and meetings.
• Maintain accurate IEP documentation and data reporting for all students served.
• Assist in State compliance processes.
• Promote and maintain best-practice knowledge and skills in education.
• Use computer-based systems for writing IEPs, scoring assessments, and email communications.

Requirements

• Valid Oregon Teaching License with Handicapped Learners endorsement, or Special Education License with an Elementary Endorsement, or successful completion of ORELA or qualification for HOUSSE evaluation.
• Ability to use research-based instructional methods for children with various disabilities and instruct staff in their implementation.
• Valid Oregon driver’s license.
• Demonstrated ability to work tactfully and courteously with teachers, students, and the public.
• Ability to work cooperatively with outside agencies.
• Ability to handle high levels of stress and multitask effectively.
• Willingness to share job knowledge with others.

Physical demands

• Ability to communicate with students, co-workers, and the public, including over the telephone.
• Ability to respond to workplace disturbances, visual cues, and requests.
• Ability to read written materials and operate office equipment.
• Occasional climbing of a ladder.
• Due to the nature of working with students with disabilities, exposure to behaviors such as hitting, kicking, or biting may occur.
• May require physical management of students in crisis situations, in accordance with approved safety protocols and training.
• Ability to carry or lift loads up to 50 lbs.

Preferences

Preference may be given to candidates who are bilingual/biliterate in English and Spanish.

Pay

$49,407 to $98,197, dependent on experience and education, plus a special education stipend.

Schedule

190-day per year contract, beginning August 27, 2026. 6 paid holidays per year.

Benefits

• Family medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision insurance.
• HSA options.
• Employer-paid life insurance/AD&D.
• Flexible spending accounts for medical and day care.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Sick leave, personal leave, and family leave.
• Employer-paid 6% contribution to the Public Employees Retirement System.
• Optional supplemental TSA retirement plans (403b and 457b).