Elementary Special Education Strat II: BD Teacher; District-Wide Programs

Job Overview

Des Moines Public Schools is seeking a qualified applicant for the 26-27 school year to serve as a Special Education Teacher for elementary-aged students. The position will start in August 2026 and will be located at the district-wide programs housed at Woodlawn Education Center.

• Title: Special Education Teacher
• Position Type: TCHR
• Starting Date: Aug 10, 2026
• Department: Student & Family Services
• Reports To: Building Administrator, Director of Student Services
• Guidance From: Special Education Consultant
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Employment: Full‑time, 195 or 199 day contract, 7.75 hours per day
• Physical Requirements: Standing, walking, sitting, bending/stooping, reaching/pushing/pulling, lifting/carrying
• Working Conditions: Mostly indoors with some outdoor responsibilities during recess and arrival/dismissal
• Salary: $50,569 to $83,640 per year

• Required: Valid Iowa teaching license (Strat II:BD)
• Demonstrate effectiveness in oral and written communications
• Desired: Experience in an urban school district, CPR certification

• Plan and deliver a high-quality educational program to meet students’ academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs
• Partner with families and support team in developing, implementing, and monitoring IEPs
• Deliver daily lessons aligned to state and district standards that meet individual student needs and ensure growth
• Establish and maintain behavior standards needed to achieve learning
• Participate in building and district professional learning communities to plan instruction, analyze data, and create assessments
• Work with colleagues to adapt instruction and curriculum to meet the needs of students with IEPs
• Monitor student learning daily and use multiple data points to guide and individualize instruction
• Communicate with families on a regular basis
• Participate in professional development and demonstrate consistent progress on meeting the eight Iowa Teaching Standards
• Maintain confidentiality
• Attend work promptly and on a regular basis
• Maintain satisfactory working relationships with staff, students, and families
• Assist with other duties as needed to maintain a safe and orderly school

All candidates will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, child and adult abuse registry check, and may require fingerprinting, drug and alcohol testing, a physical capacity test, and/or a motor vehicle record check.