Lincoln - Special Education Teacher; Extended Resource - FTE

Overview of Position

A special education classroom teacher performs under the general direction of the building principal or program manager and with assistance from appropriate staff personnel. A classroom teacher fosters and enhances an effective learning environment; establishes and adapts learning objectives and standards for special education students based upon general District guidelines and the rules and regulations governing special education; provides instruction, counsels, disciplines, and supervises to meet the individual needs of assigned students;

and evaluates student performance and progress. The teacher in this role is expected to co‑teach and collaborate in learning labs. The position is assigned to the Extended Resource Service pathway.

• 40% Foster an educational environment conducive to learning and maturation of assigned special education students; plan an instructional program designed to meet individual student needs; prepare lesson plans; adapt and modify programs as necessary.
• 15% Use appropriate instructional methods and materials, implement curriculum objectives, attend in‑service training, and pursue professional growth.
• 10% Establish positive classroom policies, provide guidance, counseling, discipline, and make referrals as needed.
• 5% Confer with students, parents or guardians, specialists, and other staff; maintain open relationships.
• 10% Establish classroom goals and objectives, evaluate and record progress, prepare reports for parents or guardians.
• 5% Direct non‑certificated personnel, attend to student needs, and monitor conditions.
• 10% Collect and interpret data, develop and evaluate IEPs, provide reports, and amend documents as necessary.
• 5% Attend required staff meetings and other activities.

• Serve on staff committees as required.
• Participate in activities to enhance personal and professional skills.
• Perform related tasks consistent with the scope and responsibilities.
• Attend at least one of two annual Special Education Compliance Professional Development days.

Reports to the building Principal.

• Knowledge of subject areas appropriate to assignment; behavior management, instructional techniques, student safety rules, special education regulations.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and oral communication; effective communication with diverse parents or guardians; designing and implementing lesson plans; adapting curricula to meet diverse needs.
• Ability to deal positively with students, remain flexible, organize activities, manage behavior, maintain safety, provide instruction, use necessary equipment and software, direct assistants, administer first aid or CPR where required, use alternative communication methods when needed, and maintain effective working relationships.

Requires handling diverse student abilities and behaviors, prioritizing multiple tasks, frequent interruptions, exposure to infectious diseases, occasional handling of student bodily fluids, use of instructional equipment that may require specific positions or movements, and potential need to move or restrain students. May work without telephone communication in the classroom.

• Bachelor’s degree; academic preparation or experience teaching a diverse student population in an urban school system, and teaching reading and adaptive instructional techniques for special education students. Specific programs may require additional preparation or experience in bilingual instruction, dropout prevention programs, multi‑level or open‑concept classes, and behavior change programs.

Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with Special Education Endorsement; some positions may require first aid and CPR certification, a Washington State driver’s license, or a Class II driver’s license.

Seattle Public Schools benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority under the School Employees Benefits Board. Employees scheduled to work 630 hours or more in a year are eligible for benefits.