Special Education Teacher - Severe​/Profound; Grades 1-5

Position: Special Education Teacher - Severe/ Profound (Grades 1-5)
Position Type:
Certified Teacher/Special Education Teacher

Date Posted:
6/11/2026

Location:
Horace Mann Elementary

Job Description
SHAWNEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Job Title: Elementary Special Education Teacher (Severe/ Profound, Self Contained preferred)
Reports To: Principal and Director of Special Education
Site: Horace Mann Elementary

Qualifications:
Credentials: State Certificate to teach in specific position;
Certification in specialized field of special education:
Mild/Moderate, Severe/Profound, or categorical certification areas.
Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Special Education or a related field.

Training or Experience Required:
Successful prior teaching experience in Special Education a plus.

Job Summary: Performs skilled/professional- level tasks under limited supervision to provide children/students with the proper teaching techniques/environment for learning. Depending on the special needs of students, provides an environment and instruction for their physical, emotional, and psychological enrichment so that they will be able to be mainstreamed, if possible, into classes, workplace, or another functioning environment. Establishes lesson plans, grades, and accomplishes curriculum objectives to enhance each student's self-esteem and increase personal growth.

In addition, meets with parents and other staff to enhance learner outcomes. Utilizes discretion, ingenuity, and independent judgment due to the variety of challenges of the job. For those students that are severely at risk or limited in motor or other hygiene skills, assist with basic hygiene, eating/dressing functions.

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

:

For those who teach students with Severe/Profound disabilities, CPR and first aid training are preferred prior to hire. Behavioral management training is preferable with experience in implementing behavior intervention plans, data collection, and implementing behavioral goals/objectives.

Must be knowledgeable of the State policies and procedures regarding Special Education and

Must be able to develop IEPs and interact with the IEP team.

Communication Skills (oral, written, or business):
Basic communication skills to exchange information, give/receive simple instructions and respond to inquiries. Includes filling out forms, instructions, and writing/printing legibly. Knowledge of grammatical structure, vocabulary for preparing correspondence from rough draft or proofing of completed material. Communicates in clear English.

Has regular contact by telephone or in-person with the public to determine actual information needed.

Requires interpreting and translating facts and information, explaining situations and issues to persons and advising them of alternative courses of action.

Maintains confidentiality of all information.

Essential Job Functions (Performance Responsibilities):

Develops lesson plans and instructional materials that meet the district's curriculum goals as well as the individual needs of each pupil. Such plans (IEPs) are to be developed with IEP team.

Translates lesson plans into learning experiences that are individualized and meet the needs of the learner.

Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom. Collects behavioral data and implements behavior intervention plans.

Evaluates pupil's academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records, and prepares reports relating to pupil's progress.

Communicates with parents through conferences and other means to discuss pupil's progress and interpret the school program and IEP.

Identifies pupil needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and implementing individual education plans.

Creates an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and interest centers.

Maintains professional competence through in-service education activities provided by the district and self-selected professional growth activities.

Selects and requisitions books and instructional aids; maintains required inventory records.

If working in a self-contained class, may supervise pupils in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day.

May be expected to administer group standardized tests in accordance with the district testing program in addition to individualized standardized tests.

Participates in curriculum development programs as required.

Participates in faculty committees and the sponsorship of pupil activities.

Based on the position, may coach, participate in extracurricular activities, etc. These special duties are identified in the appropriate labor agreement.

Performs other duties as assigned by the principal.

Other Performance Measures:

Knowledge of subject matter.

Cares for and effectively assists students with special concerns.

Establishes guidelines/syllabus with effective instructional/teaching objectives.

Encourages effective learning with proper teaching techniques.

Ensures students are acquiring skills and knowledge to…