Teacher - Special Education

Special Education Teacher North Tapps Middle School

Interested and qualified persons are invited to apply for a full time (1.0 FTE) special education opening at North Tapps Middle School beginning September 2026. This person will provide Special Education services to students in 6th - 8th grade, primarily through a resource model, in addition to collaboration with High Needs caseload. Services range from meeting needs of students behaviorally and cognitively.

Paraeducators and related services staff members are part of the team to ensure well‑rounded services are in place for each of our students.

• Develop and implement effective services for students with IEPs
• Provide for individual learning and behavioral needs of students with IEPs
• Use a variety of teaching techniques to meet the needs and education goals of students
• Schedule meetings with parents to report and discuss progress.
• Maintain student confidentiality
• Work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues and administrators
• Lead and manage support staff, i.e. para educators
• Participate in training activities as required by building principal and/or Director, Student Services
• Other duties as assigned

• Experience in educating students with IEPs
• Knowledge of Federal and State Special Education laws
• Ability to write and implement IEPs
• Strong understanding of data collection and management systems
• Ability to utilize multiple behavior management strategies
• Training in prevention/de‑escalation techniques, e.g. Right Response

• WA State Teaching Certificate with Special Education endorsement
• Successful completion of WSP/FBI background check

• Ability to lift 20 pounds (e.g. classroom materials, student assistance)
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the school day
• Frequent bending, stooping, and reaching
• Adequate vision and hearing to supervise students and maintain a safe environment
• Ability to actively monitor to respond to student behavior in classrooms, playgrounds, and other school settings
• Fine motor skills for writing, typing and instructional tasks
• Ability to communicate clearly (verbal and written) with students, staff and families
• Capability to respond quickly in emergency situations
• Job requires daily work in noisy and active environments both indoors and outdoors.

184 day contract, 7.5 hours per day

Salary and Benefits:
Dieringer Education Association Collective Bargaining Agreement

Paid Time Off (family ill, personal and sick)

Attendance Incentive (PTO cash out/rollover)

Health related benefits per SEBB

Building Principal and Director of Student Services

• Letter of application
• Current resume
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• Transcripts

The Dieringer School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, disability, neurodivergence, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, age, and honorably discharged veteran or military status and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Dr. Paula Dawson, Superintendent:
Phone: ;
Address: th Ave E, Lake Tapps, WA 98391