Tumwater - Special Education Teacher

TUMWATER SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 33
621 Linwood Avenue
• Tumwater, Washington 98512

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
EAST OLYMPIA ELEMENTARY

1.0 FTE
CONTINUING
2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR
RATE OF PAY: $63,438 - $112,732 (26-27 Salary TBD)
Benefit Information

This position will remain open until filled. Tumwater School District reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time after the initial screening after 4 PM on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. It is in the applicant's best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

The job description is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

QUALIFICATIONS: Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate, with proper endorsement(s) in assigned area(s), Criminal justice fingerprint clearance.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrated ability to use principles of learning and varied assessment instruments (formal and informal) for program development.
• Ability to carry out behavior modification programs and provide families with specific intervention techniques.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team approach to solving individual learning problems.
• Strong skills in human relations demonstrating sensitivity to the needs and concerns of others.
• Physical Requirement:
  Ability to lift 100 pounds occasionally with assistance.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional growth and adherence to School Board policies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Evaluate, monitor, and supervise the provision of special education to meet the aptitude, interest, and instructional needs of qualified students.
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams in the development of legally appropriate IEPs, including academic, social/behavioral, and functional life skills goals.
• Evaluate students and interpret results to appropriate stakeholders; provide preparation for state-mandated testing.
• Develop and implement functional life skills programming utilizing adopted curriculum.
• Coordinate instruction between basic classrooms and all special needs placements, including community-based options.
• Attend to the health and safety of students in the instructional setting and supervise students at school-sponsored activities.
• Assist specialists (OT/PT/SLP) in building motor skills and teaching functional language skills.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

TPEP DOMAINS & PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

1. PLANNING AND PREPARATION

• Designs developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive lessons aligned to WA State Learning Standards.
• Uses district-adopted curriculum and supplemental resources to support diverse learning needs.
• Develops clear instructional objectives based on student data and performance.
• Plans differentiated instruction that supports all learners, including ELL, Special Education, and highly capable students.

2. CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT

• Creates a respectful, inclusive classroom that reflects student identities and promotes belonging.
• Maintains high expectations for student conduct and participation, incorporating positive behavior supports.
• Organizes instructional and performance spaces to support safety, creativity, and student collaboration.
• Supports emotional safety and fosters a culture of artistic risk-taking and peer encouragement.

3. INSTRUCTION

• Engages students in meaningful learning using varied techniques and active participation.
• Integrates technology to enhance instruction, rehearsal, and student reflection.
• Provides timely, actionable feedback to support individual and group performance growth.
• Utilizes formative and summative assessments to monitor progress and adapt instruction.

4. PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains accurate records including attendance, grading, and communication logs.
• Upholds district policies and timelines for student data and instructional reporting.
• Demonstrates professionalism, punctuality, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
• Supports school wide duties and contributes positively to staff culture and expectations.

5. STUDENT GROWTH

• Sets measurable goals for student learning and performance development.
• Monitors growth using multiple data sources (e.g., performances, rubrics, self-assessments).
• Reflects on instructional impact and adjusts teaching to improve student outcomes.
• Collaborates with peers and specialists to support targeted student learning plans.

6. COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION

• Communicates consistently and respectfully with students, families, and colleagues.
• Engages families in student learning and performance opportunities.
• Participates actively in team meetings, IEP/504 planning, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Builds partnerships with community organizations and event collaborators when appropriate.

7. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Seeks feedback and participates in coaching, mentorship, or peer observation.
• Attends district and building professional learning aligned to instructional improvement goals.
• Engages in self-reflection and uses student data to identify professional growth areas.
• Pursues opportunities to expand content…