Special Education Teacher Self Contained; Lifeskills

Special Education Teacher Self Contained (Lifeskills)

Job  | Position Type:
Teacher Special Education / Special Education Teacher Self Contained | Posted: 4/9/2026 |

Location:

TRAILSIDE ELEMENTARY |

Date Available:

08/14/2026

Work Year: 185 days, 12 contract payments | FTE:
Full time, 1.0 FTE | Bargaining Unit: AEA | Salary: B00/00 to B72/08 ($61,454 to $88,919), DOE. Additional 6% annual salary increase.

Special Education teachers plan and provide learning experiences for students with disabilities, including cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities, in a variety of educational settings. They create a flexible program that provides specialized instruction, establish effective rapport with students, modify the general education curriculum to meet students’ needs with supplemental aides and accommodations, and foster relationships with parents and staff. The teacher reports to and is evaluated by the site principal.

• A valid Alaska initial, professional, or master teaching certificate with an endorsement in special education.
• Evidence of content knowledge, such as:
  • a posted degree in the content area of this position;
  • a posted minor in the content area of this position;
  • passing Praxis Subject Assessment scores in the content area of this position;
  • an endorsement in the content area of this position.
• Educators teaching kindergarten through 3rd grade must meet requirements for the Alaska Reads Act.

• Evidence of experience working with special education students.
• Experience supporting the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) needs of special education students in a public school setting.

• Describe and apply a philosophy of education in practice.
• Understand how students learn and develop, applying this knowledge.
• Establish and maintain standards of pupil behavior to achieve an effective learning atmosphere.
• Organize class time for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, work, and assessment.
• Guide the learning process toward curriculum goals, establishing clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects.
• Teach students with respect for their individual and cultural characteristics.
• Know the content area and how to teach it.
• Develop lesson plans and instructional materials, and provide individualized and small‑group instruction to adapt the curriculum to pupils’ needs.
• Translate lesson plans into developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Use current technology to enhance instruction.
• Use technology for record‑keeping and research.
• Apply knowledge of current research and theory to instruction.
• Facilitate, monitor, and assess student learning.
• Evaluate pupil academic and social growth, keeping appropriate records and preparing progress reports.
• Identify pupil needs and make appropriate referrals; develop strategies for individual education plans.
• Create and maintain an engaging learning environment for all students.
• Supervise students, volunteers, and the classroom environment.
• Partner with parents, families, and the community.
• Communicate regularly with parents via newsletters, notes, phone calls, and conferences.
• Participate in and contribute to the teaching profession.

Frequent standing, walking, sitting, speaking, and hearing. Specific visual abilities are required. Frequent reaching with hands and arms; occasionally lift items less than 40 lbs. Must understand vague and implicit instructions, recall facts and details, handle conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure. Must manage stress when working with diverse students, parents, and staff.

The Anchorage School District is committed to providing reasonable accommodations, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, to all individuals with a qualified physical or mental disability.

Professional environment with diverse individuals. Exposure to video displays and outdoor weather possible. Noise level usually moderate.

This job description does not list all duties; employees may be required to follow additional job‑related instructions and perform other duties as authorized.

Employees must read and write in English and be able to communicate in English with staff, coworkers, and the public.

Offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check. For certificated positions, an additional check through the Alaska State Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) is required.

This position may require work at Anchorage School District facilities on military installations (JBER). See the government REAL  for additional information.

The Anchorage School District is an equal employment opportunity employer.