A Special Education Teacher teaches students who have disabilities, and adapts teaching methods to meet the needs of students. Assesses students and helps to develop individualized education plans that specify the services and accommodations needed for each student. Works in a classroom that includes only students with IEPs, or works with students and teachers in regular classes. For students with severe disabilities, may focus on developing skills for independent living. Works as part of a team that includes therapists, school counselors or social workers.
180 School Days 2026-2027 School Year 8/26/26-6/9/2027
Location:
Deer Park Elementary Contract:
Continuing Purpose Statement:
Fosters and enhances an effective learning environment; facilitates the development or revision of curriculum and instructional materials; establishes learning objectives and standards based upon general District guidelines; provides instruction, counsels, disciplines, and supervises to meet the individual needs of assigned students; and evaluates student performance and progress.
Essential Functions :
Fosters an educational environment conducive to the learning and maturation process of assigned students; plans an instructional program designed to meet individual student needs and the whole group, which may include at-risk or special needs youth. Utilizes and maintains district/building curricular and student learning objectives. Maintains classroom discipline and uses effective classroom management skills. Confers with students, parents or guardians, and other staff, maintaining an open, positive relationship as appropriate to provide guidance and evaluation and to encourage student achievement. Establishes classroom goals and objectives, in conformance with courses of study specified by State and School District statutes, regulations, and guidelines, and records student progress; prepares reports for parents or guardians. Demonstrates overall proficiency in the four domains of instruction as found in the Danielson Framework, including: Planning and Preparation, Classroom Environment, Instruction, and Professional Responsibility. Collects and interprets a variety of data and adjusts instruction accordingly. Attends and participates in PLC group as well as required meetings or other activities as deemed necessary by the district and/or building principal, in accordance with CBA. Establishes classroom goals and objectives appropriate to the special education student population and their individual education programs, following the rules and regulations governing special education, and in conformance with courses of study specified by State and School District statutes, regulations, and guidelines; evaluates and records student progress; prepares reports for parents or guardians. Directs the activities of assigned non-certificated personnel; attends to or directs staff to attend to the physical, emotional, behavioral, medical, or hygienic needs of students as appropriate; monitors conditions and behaviors. Collects and interprets a variety of data; develops, implements, and evaluates individual education plans (IEP's); provides reports for administrative purposes; amends documents where appropriate. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree and current valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with Special Education Endorsements. Demonstrate comprehensive content knowledge and understanding of teaching responsibilities and accountability procedures as required by the IDEA and
WAC 392-172A
Successful teaching experience in a related subject area and/or grade level is preferred. If no prior experience, one must have successful student teaching experience. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated skills in human relations, leadership, and conflict management. Demonstrated knowledge of teaching techniques that meet the diverse needs of students. Demonstrated skill in the use of technology to enhance student learning preferred Demonstrated classroom management skills and ability to differentiate instruction. Evidence of ability to develop positive and collaborative relationships with students, staff, parents, and the public. Demonstrated ability to use data in instructional design and adjustment Aware of current educational developments and applications. Demonstrated appreciation of and sensitivity to youth and adults of varying socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, different learning styles, and various disabilities. Willingness, interest, and commitment to participate in professional collaboration and student supervision. Commitment and adherence to confidentiality and other professional standards.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Seldom (less than 10%) Limited (10-30%) Moderate (31-60%) Frequent (61-100%) Lifting up to 30 lbs Twisting Sitting Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs Exposure to human borne pathogens Lifting up to 20 lbs Stooping, bending Repetitive keyboard usage Lift assist over 50 lbs Exposure to noise Kneeling Computer screen viewing Exposure to outside elements After hours work
Pushing/pulling Walking Standing Terms of Employment and Salary:
As outlined by and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) of Deer Park Education Association (DPEA) and the Policies and Procedures of Deer Park School District. CBAs and Salary Schedules can be reviewed from the Human Resources page of the Deer Park School District website https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2495/Dpsd/8d50c932-08bc-4129-bc73-9e8b380feedf/Deer_Park_EA_CBA_2025-2028_-_signed.pdf?disposition=inline Deer Park policies and Procedures can be accessed online at https://app.eduportal.com/publicfolders/1111511/list/56713 The 2026-2027 base salary range for certificated staff in the Deer Park School District is between $58,477.00 - $115,275.00 per school year. Pay is annualized over 12 months (if hired after Sept, spread over the remaining months of the contract year (Sept-Aug)). Placement is defined within the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and is generally based upon a combination of Education and Experience. Other forms of compensation may be available to the hired applicant in addition to their established salary range or wage scale as defined within the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Benefits:
This position is benefits eligible, including medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D, and flexible spending arrangements in accordance with the state
School Employees Benefits Board:
https://www.hca.wa.gov/employee-retiree-benefits/school-employees This position is eligible for retirement: https://www.drs.wa.gov/
Evaluation:
This position is evaluated by the building principal.
Application Requirements:
Applicants must complete the application online: www.dpsd.org and must include the following: Resume Cover letter Three (3) letters of reference Confidential reference checks (at least 1, including a most recent supervisor) As required by RCW 28A.400.303, school district employees are required to complete a Washington State Patrol (WSP) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background check. Newly hired employees are responsible for completion of the background check prior to hire. Verification of identity and United States Work Authorization must be completed before employment commences. Please contact Suzanne McKibbon at 509-464-5526 if disability accommodation is needed during the application process.
Notice of Non-discrimination:
Deer Park School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities, including employment, on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to: Section 504 Coordinator & Title IX Compliance Coordinator & Civil Rights Suzanne McKibbon Assistant Superintendent 509-464-5526 suzanne.mckibbon@dpsdmail.org
