Teacher, Special Education (2026-2027) Bethune Elementary, (SERT)

SUMMARY

The Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) provides support to students with disabilities in the general education program who need special education service. SERTs provide an array of services through the resource program to enable students with disabilities to meet their Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals in the least restrictive environment. SERTs provide quality instruction to meet IEP goals, follow the Minneapolis Public Schools due process guidelines and procedures, and are active members of their school community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Obtain and demonstrate knowledge of general education curriculum, including the Grade Level Expectations and State Standards.
• Consult and/or collaborate with the general education teachers in the areas of assessment, curriculum adaptation, behavior management, and monitoring of student progress of students with disabilities.
• Implement Special Education due process guidelines including evaluation of students suspected of or identified as having disabilities, determination of special education eligibility, development of IEPs, and case management.
• Participate in team planning of IEPs for students with disabilities, including the development of appropriate, measurable, behavioral and instructional objectives.
• Report student progress toward IEP goals to parents and educational personnel a minimum of three times per year.
• Maintain progress of students with disabilities using specified program procedures, and make instructional changes when indicated.
• Develop, implement, and monitor behavior management programs for students with disabilities who exhibit behavior problems.
• Develop, implement, and monitor specialized, research-based instructional programs in basic skill areas to meet students’ unique needs.
• Develop and implement, in collaboration with the transition IEP team, transition evaluations and IEPs prior to transition age (grade 9 or age 14, whichever is first).
• Develop proficiency in use of Easy IEP, web-based software, to produce due process paperwork including IEPs and Evaluation Reports.
• Continue professional development in evidenced-based instructional practices through membership in professional organizations, reading of professional journals, and/or attendance at in-service trainings and professional conferences.
• Prepare and submit program information and reports as requested by Assistant Director of Special Education.
• Adhere to building policy and procedures.
• Acquire knowledge of the goals of the Minneapolis Public School District Improvement Agenda and site/school goals. Work to support and achieve those goals.
• Create lessons and learning environments that are safe, respectful and interesting as well as multicultural/gender and ability fair/developmentally appropriate. Select, adapt and individualize materials appropriate for diverse student populations and skill levels.
• Teach students the required curricula using strategies that foster thinking, reasoning and problem solving.
• Collaborate and communicate regularly with families in making educational decisions and use family and community resources to support learning.
• Assess students’ developmental, cognitive and social needs and provide developmentally appropriate instruction to meet those needs.
• Regularly assess student learning by using multiple forms of assessment.
• Facilitate positive interactions between students and teacher, student and peers and student and other adults.
• Model learning and behavior consistent with the expectations for students.
• Assess own instructional effectiveness through the Professional Development Process (PDP).
• Collaborate with peers to develop, plan and implement best practices based on the needs/abilities of the students.
• Participate in site-based management and shared decision-making.
• Demonstrate competence in the Minneapolis Standards of Effective Instruction.
• Have a working knowledge of and implement the Minnesota State Standards and the District Graduation Requirements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and guidelines for special education services.
• Working knowledge of the subject matter, classroom management techniques, current researched best practices and strategies, as well as students’ learning styles and needs, both academic and affective.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Prior successful experience student teaching or teaching in urban, multicultural education setting.
• Demonstrates continued professional development through course work, research, peer collaboration and/or job-embedded staff development.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s or PhD

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• A valid Minnesota teaching license - Emotional or Behavioral Disorder (EBD), Academic and Behavior Strategy (ABS), or Learning Disability (LD), or proof of pending approved licensure.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Occasionally lift such articles as file boxes or heavier material with help from others and/or lift and carry light objects frequently.
• Long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college-ready. Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with and educate our diverse student body. Minneapolis Public Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.