Washington Middle - Special Education Teacher (Resource) - 1.0 FTE

This position is for a Resource classroom within the Special Education department. For more information about our special education service pathways, visit the SPS Special Education Department website.

About the Role

A special education classroom teacher operates under the general direction of the building principal or program manager, with support from appropriate staff. Responsibilities include fostering an effective learning environment, adapting learning objectives for special education students, providing instruction, counseling, discipline, and supervision tailored to individual student needs, and evaluating student performance.

Responsibilities

• 40% Creates and maintains an educational environment conducive to student learning and maturation; designs and adapts instructional programs to meet individual student needs; prepares individualized lesson plans.
• 15% Utilizes appropriate instructional methods and materials suited to student needs; 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 to encourage student achievement; makes referrals for additional support as needed.
• 5% Communicates with students, parents or guardians, specialists, and staff to provide guidance, evaluation, and support for student progress.
• 10% Sets classroom goals and objectives aligned with individual education programs (IEPs) and state/district regulations; evaluates and records student progress; prepares reports for parents or guardians.
• 5% Supervises non-certificated personnel; attends to students' physical, emotional, behavioral, medical, or hygienic needs as required; monitors student conditions and behaviors.
• 10% Collects and interprets data; develops, implements, and evaluates IEPs; prepares administrative reports and amends documents as necessary.
• 5% Participates in required staff meetings and professional development activities; serves on committees and engages in activities to enhance professional skills.

Additional functions include attending at least one of two annual Special Education Compliance Professional Development days and performing related tasks consistent with the role's scope.

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 diverse parents, guardians, and communities.
• Designing and implementing lesson plans for students with varying achievement levels.
• Adapting curricula to meet 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 culturally, racially, and economically 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.
• Operate necessary equipment, computers, software, or tools.
• Direct assistants and, in some positions, administer first aid and CPR.
• In specific 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 (e.g., severe behavior disorders).
• Attend to physical and hygienic needs of students.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, parents, staff, and administrators.

Working Conditions

• Works with students across a wide range of achievement levels and behaviors.
• Handles a variety of student disabilities, depending on the program.
• Manages multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritizes effectively.
• May experience frequent interruptions and occasionally deal with distressed or difficult students.
• Potential exposure to ordinary infectious diseases or bodily fluids; may require precautions to prevent exposure to materials, fumes, or equipment.
• In some positions, may need to demonstrate physical techniques, requiring stamina and specific movements for student safety.
• 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 diverse student populations in an urban school system, with a focus on reading and adapting instructional techniques for special education.
• Additional academic preparation or professional experience may be required for specific programs, such as working with bilingual students, dropout prevention, multi-level or mainstreamed classes, or behavior change programs.
• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with a Special Education Endorsement.
• Some positions may require valid first aid and CPR certification or a valid Washington State driver’s license (or Class II 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.