Montlake Elementary - Special Education Teacher; Focus - FTE

Position Overview

The position is for the Focus classroom. To learn more about our special education service pathways, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The role is performed under the general direction of the building principal or program manager and with assistance from appropriate staff personnel. The 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. The teacher provides instruction, counsels, disciplines, and supervises to meet the individual needs of assigned students and evaluates student performance and progress.

• 40% Foster an educational environment conducive to learning and maturity, plan instructional programs, prepare lesson plans, and adapt programs as needed.
• 15% Use appropriate instructional methods and materials, implement adapted curriculum, attend in-service training, and pursue professional growth.
• 10% Establish classroom policies and procedures, provide guidance and discipline, and make referrals when appropriate.
• 5% Confer with students, parents or guardians, specialists and other staff to maintain positive relationships and encourage student achievement.
• 10% Establish classroom goals, evaluate and record progress, and prepare reports for parents or guardians.
• 5% Direct activities of assigned non-certificated personnel and attend to student needs.
• 10% Collect and interpret data, develop and evaluate IEPs, provide reports, and amend documents when necessary.
• 5% Attend or participate in all required staff meetings and other activities to accomplish objectives and for professional development.

• Serves on staff committees as required.
• Participates in a variety of activities to enhance personal and professional skills.
• Performs related tasks consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position.
• Attends at least one of two annual Special Education Compliance Professional Development days.

Reports to the building Principal.

Knowledge of subject areas appropriate to assignment, effective behavior management techniques, instructional techniques, rules and procedures for student safety, and rules and regulations governing special education.

• Proficiency in reading, writing, and oral communications.
• Effective communication with parents or guardians in a culturally, racially and economically diverse community.
• Designing and implementing lesson plans for students with a wide range of achievement.
• Adapting curricula and programs to meet intellectual, social, physical, and emotional needs.

• Deal with students positively and confidently.
• Be fair and consistent with a diverse student population.
• Adapt to change and remain flexible.
• Organize activities and manage behavior.
• Use good judgment to maintain a safe environment.
• Provide instruction and demonstrate techniques.
• Use necessary equipment, computers, machinery, tools, or software.
• Direct assistants and, in some positions, administer first aid and CPR.
• Use non‑mal or non‑verbal means of communication such as sign language.
• Use non‑visual instructional techniques such as Braille.
• Deal with specific physical or emotional disabilities and associated conditions, such as severe behavior disorder.
• Attend to physical and hygienic needs and maintain positive working relationships with students, parents, specialists, staff, and administrators.

Required to handle a broad range of student behavior, disabilities, tasks, and interruptions. May deal with distraught students, experience exposure to infectious diseases, handle bodily fluids, use various materials or equipment, lift or restrain students, and accompany students outdoors in inclement weather. May teach without telephone communication.

Bachelor's degree with academic preparation for teaching in an urban school system, including teaching of diverse student populations and special education. Specific programs may require additional academic preparation or experience, including work with bilingual students, programs to prevent at-risk dropout, and teaching of multi-level open-concept classes with behavior programs.

Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with Special Education Endorsement. Some positions may require valid first aid and CPR certification, a valid Washington State driver's license or a class II driver's license.