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.
Based on preparation level and experience per TEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Range is $75,462 (BA+0 step 1) through $147,998 (MA+90 step 20) Union/Days per year: Teacher, 182 workdays, 10-month
Benefits:
None This position plans, organizes and provides students with appropriate learning activities, experiences and a classroom environment designed to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical and social growth; supports the School/Building, School Board, District and State curriculum, policies and initiatives for student achievement.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 1.
Develops, plans and strategizes a program of study that is based on and capitalizes on the learning needs of students and meets the individual needs, interests and abilities of the students; creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students; employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media to engage the students and provide an opportunity for participation that is consistent with the students' needs and capabilities. 2. Assesses the accomplishments for student growth on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required; maintains and issues appropriate grades to reflect level of student achievement; refers students for evaluation by District Specialists, as needed and required; provides guidance which will promote the students' welfare, educational development, and citizenship. 3. Strives to implement, by pedagogical content knowledge, instruction, action and support, the District's philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives; assists the administration in implementing all District policies and rules governing student life and conduct as outlined by the State criteria for teacher evaluation requirements; develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior; encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior; manages student behavior and maintains order in the classroom in a fair and just manner; participates in the planning and evaluation of the school program(s) and the District's curriculum and program development. 4. Develops norms for learning that reflect teacher knowledge of content; prepares lesson plans for assigned classes and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of assigned Administrator; provides differentiated instruction and scaffolding of tasks; effectively makes use of learning time and guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals; establishes, with an alignment of instructional materials and tasks, clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects; communicates these objectives and learning target(s) to the students. 5. Establishes and maintains open lines of communication with students, parents, colleagues and community members; makes provisions for being available to the students and to the parents for education-related purposes when required; conducts parent(s)/guardian(s) conferences and a variety of other meetings with District staff, parent(s)/guardian(s) and students to communicate student progress and interpret program rationale and each student's educational, social and behavioral development. 6. Maintains accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, District policy and administrative regulations; utilizes multiple data elements (both formative assessment and summative) to plan, inform, provide other formative assessment opportunities by adjusting instruction; evaluates student learning and success criteria to modify and improve program effectiveness; uses the Washington State approved student growth rubrics for tracking student growth data. 7. Takes necessary and reasonable precautions to protect the students, equipment, materials and facilities; provides for and promotes the care and protection of students and school property; supervises students in lunchroom, in hallways, on school grounds, and in any program held at the school under School District sanction; effectively utilizes and provides access to the materials, resources and services of the community and the District to enhance students' learning and teacher's effectiveness.
OTHER JOB DUTIES 1.
Maintains and updates knowledge and skills necessary for success in the position and improving professional competence by participating in professional development activities and training, as required, as needed or as assigned. 2. Attends staff meetings as called by the Administrators and serves on staff committees; supervises Para Educators and other classroom office assistance as required; provides guidance and works with staff members in an appropriate manner. 3. Develops and maintains a professional and collegial relationships with colleagues; collaborates with peers and administrators to improve student learning; supports appropriate conduct and performance of job duties; adheres to Tacoma Public School Board policies; contributes to the development of new teachers and student teachers per District guidelines. 4. Maintains files on latest curriculum guides; keeps updated on resources and methods and makes relevant changes to instructional plans and activities. 5. Performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis. 6. Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.
CONDITIONS
Confined to work area; must secure substitute or leave only at assigned breaks; may be required to work with and defuse, if appropriate, difficult and sensitive situations and/or people; may have to be out in inclement weather to supervise students; may be exposed to high noise levels; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile. Education and Experience Bachelor's degree from accredited university with appropriate educational endorsement; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work. Licenses/Special Requirements Valid Washington State teaching certificate. Completion of all District-required trainings, as assigned. Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of applicable Washington State and Federal rules and regulations. Knowledge of subject matter/course content relevant to assignment. Knowledge of and skills in using various formative and summative assessments. Knowledge and skill in instructional principles, methods and techniques. Skill in obtaining, clarifying and exchanging information. Skill in critical thinking and problem solving. Skill in attention to detail. Skill in classroom management. Skill in handling student discipline. Skill in providing quality customer service. Ability to plan, organize and coordinate activities. Ability to multi-task, set priorities and meet deadlines. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the District. Ability to use informational technology. Ability to exercise critical thinking and use sound judgment. Ability to be flexible and adaptable. Ability to work with difficult and/or sensitive situations to provide appropriate resolutions. Ability to serve as role model and treat students and colleagues as individuals in a professional and ethical manner. Ability to adhere to all Tacoma Public School Board policies. Ability to support the School/Building, School Board, District and State curriculum, policies and initiatives for student achievement Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable and regular attendance. Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, bend, climb and/or be mobile. Ability to travel throughout the District by means of private or public transportation. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socio-economic setting.
