Special Education Instructional Teacher K-1

Special Education Resource Teacher (SY26-27)

Revised:
May 2026

In accordance with Oak Park Teachers Association Collective

SY26-27

Core Instruction

Non-exempt

Core Instruction Administration

Whittier Elementary School

Elementary Grades K-1

OPTA & Certified

N/A

• Insurance – medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance are available
• Leaves – paid sick and personal days provided (9 sick & 4 personal days)
• Retirement – pre‑tax retirement plans (e.g., 403b available)

In the role of a Special Education Teacher, your commitment to evidence‑based instructional strategies and program planning will be pivotal in fostering the comprehensive development of students with diverse needs. Proficient in adapting the general education curriculum to address student needs, you will create a balanced instructional program tailored to individual needs. Your expertise in assessment, progress monitoring, and adherence to Individual Education Programs (IEPs) will ensure accurate tracking of student development.

Effective communication and collaboration with parents, administrators, and fellow educators will be a cornerstone, as will your administrative responsibilities, including meticulous record‑keeping and compliance with state and federal regulations. Responding to a wide range of inquiries from students’ parents or guardians regarding instructional programs and student progress in support of the district’s equity commitments as expressed in Board Policy 7:12:
Ensuring Racial and Educational Equity.

• Instruction and Program Planning
  • Employ special educational strategies, including but not limited to scientific or evidence‑based instruction, and techniques to improve the development of sensory and perceptual‑motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.
  • Employ educational strategies and techniques to reinforce learning and meet the diverse needs of students.
  • Modify and/or accommodate the general education curriculum based on specific instructional techniques and technologies identified as best practices.
  • Plan and conduct activities that create a balanced program of instruction.
  • In‑depth knowledge of child guidance principles and practices specific to children with special education needs.
  • Familiarity with classroom procedures and the ability to manage appropriate student conduct.
  • Understanding of problems and concerns commonly faced by students with special needs.
  • Proficient in research methods and adept at obtaining and providing instructional materials for special education services.
  • Coordinate integration of students with special needs into the general education environment.
• Assessment and Progress Monitoring
  • Establish and follow each student’s Individual Education Program (IEP) to promote educational, physical, social, and emotional development.
  • Prepare progress reports and report card grades as appropriate.
  • Maintain accurate and complete student records and prepare reports on child progress.
  • Observe, evaluate, collect, and analyze data of students’ educational performance (academic, behavioral, communication).
  • Administer identified district and state‑required assessments and utilize and interpret student performance data to adjust instruction.
• Communication and Collaboration
  • Collaborate and confer with parents, administrators, general education teachers, related service providers, and other school professionals and paraprofessionals.
  • Serve as an informational resource for students, parents, and district personnel.
  • Respond to inquiries and provide information, recommendations, and interpretation of student educational and social‑emotional needs.
  • Attend and actively participate in team meetings to discuss individual students’ needs and progress. Employ a problem‑solving process to determine a course of intervention as prescribed by the district’s tiered interventions.
  • Confer with parents, administrators, and educational team members to develop individual educational plans designed to promote students’ educational, physical, and…