Teacher - Special Education Learning Specialist (Specialize Classroom) - Paxton Keeley Elementary - 2026-27

Learning Specialist (Specialized Classroom)

This teaching position is designed to support students on the autism spectrum who have below average cognitive, communication and adaptive behavior abilities and experience difficulty learning from the large group setting due to language and social barriers. The teacher will design and implement differentiated instruction for academics, social skills and social/emotional skills. Potential candidate should also have experience implementing behavior plans.

This position requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills as the specialist will need to manage and train paraprofessionals, communicate regularly with parents, and collaborate with a large number of team members.

Candidates must be willing to become trained in Safe Crisis Management.

Essential

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated both individually and collaboratively.
• Plans and implements a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interests and abilities of all students using data-driven decision-making.
• Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interest of all students.
• Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and, in accord with the goals, establishes and communicates clear objectives to students for all lessons and units.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of individuals or student groups involved.
• Collaborate with administrators, colleagues and parents in a positive and productive manner.
• Strives to implement by instruction and action, the District's philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives.
• Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required.
• Willing to assist students with personal hygiene needs, including, but not limited to, toileting and feeding.
• Evaluates the learning problems of students on a regular basis, seeking assistance of District specialists as needed and/or required.
• Take necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
• Maintains accurate and complete records as required by law, District policy, and Administrative regulation.
• Assists the administration in implementing all policies and/or rules governing student life and conduct and develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure while maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and appropriate manner.
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on staff committees as needed.
• Performs other duties as necessary to support the mission and vision of Columbia Public School District.

District Expectations:

All employees of the District are expected to adhere to the policies and regulations of the Board of Education, maintain appropriate certification and competencies necessary for the position, and demonstrate the values of the district at all times.

Reporting Relationships:

Reports To:

Building Principal and Assistant Principal

Supervises:
None

Qualifications:

Minimum:
Bachelor's degree;
Missouri teacher certificate in special education

Preferred:
Previous experience administering alternative assessments, behavior plans and supporting students with varying communication abilities. Experience using Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

Ideal candidate will have a professional and friendly demeanor with a demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals in a fast-paced environment.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

ADA Requirements:

Language:
Read, analyze and interpret professional journals, Board…