SUBSTITUTE SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER (PRESCHOOL INCLUSIVE) 2026-27

About the Role

The District’s special education service delivery model is a continuum, including in-class support, co-teaching, resource rooms, replacement classes, and self-contained classrooms. This is an on-call substitute position with no guaranteed hours or days of work; assignments depend on the number of contracted teachers absent each day.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive and compliant Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Plan and provide specially designed instruction aligned with students’ IEP goals and monitor progress through ongoing data collection.
• Develop and implement individual behavior plans informed by functional behavioral assessment data.
• Collaborate with regular education teachers, paraeducators, and other student services staff, including consulting, providing services in general education classrooms, and co-teaching.
• Center instruction on high expectations for student achievement by establishing a culture for learning, providing clear communication, and engaging students in learning.
• Demonstrate effective teaching practices through use of questioning, discussion techniques, and reflection on teaching.
• Identify individual student learning needs and develop strategies to address those needs.
• Provide clear and intentional focus on subject matter content and curriculum through knowledge of content, pedagogy, setting instructional outcomes, and designing coherent instruction.
• Foster and manage a safe, positive learning environment through respect and rapport, managing classroom procedures, student behavior, and organizing a safe physical space.
• Use multiple student data elements to modify instruction and improve student learning.
• Design student assessments, use assessment in instruction, and maintain accurate student records.
• Communicate and collaborate with parents and the school community through effective and ongoing communication.
• Exhibit collaborative and collegial practices focused on improving instructional practice and student learning.
• Participate in a professional community, grow and develop professionally, and demonstrate professionalism.
• Establish student growth goals to ensure student progress over time.
• Direct the activities of assigned non-certificated personnel.
• Attend required staff meetings and participate in professional development and site-based decision-making processes.
• Depending on the specific position, possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License and transport students in District vehicles for community work experience programs.
• Depending on the specific position, demonstrate ability and willingness to transfer, toilet, and feed students.

Requirements

• Possess or qualify for immediate issuance of a valid Washington State teaching certificate with a special education endorsement.
• Knowledge of behavior management strategies and the IEP process, including writing goals, objectives, and behavior intervention plans.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, along with organizational abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with school or department members to accomplish common goals.
• Ability to perform in accordance with applicable board policies and district and legal requirements.
• Commitment to equity through culturally relevant teaching practices and high expectations for all students.
• Ability to provide high-quality instruction through differentiated practices and data-driven decision-making.
• Skills to individualize instruction for students with diverse needs, including gifted, special education, English language learners, and students from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
• Ability to develop students’ technology literacy and use varied assessments, including performance tasks, portfolios, and student self-assessment.
• Ability to work in multi-aged groups and communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development, including coursework, workshops, and in-service opportunities.
• Ability to meet and maintain punctuality and attendance expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to instruct in multiple languages.
• Experience working in a multi-cultural environment.
• Education and/or experience teaching students preschool through grade 5, as well as disabilities ranging from mild to severe/profound.

Skills

• Oral and written communication.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Collaborative teamwork.
• Culturally responsive teaching.
• Data-driven instructional decision-making.
• Differentiated instruction.
• Classroom management and behavior strategies.
• Assessment design and implementation.

Physical Requirements

• Stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
• Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly.
• Potential exposure to moving mechanical parts, odors, chemicals, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and intense noises.
• Ability and willingness to transfer, toilet, and feed students, depending on the specific position.

Pay

Days 1–15: up to $241.00 per day (based on an 8-hour assignment). Days 16 onward: up to $277.00 per day (based on an 8-hour assignment).