Behavior Teacher

Job Description

*** This position starts in the 26/27 School Year

Position Overview

Columbia School District is seeking an innovative, Special Education Teacher to build and lead a new district behavior support program from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity for a motivated professional to design, implement, and grow a program tailored to the needs of students with significant behavioral challenges. The selected candidate will start with a small caseload, allowing dedicated time to develop program infrastructure, systems, and curriculum before the program scales.

This position is ideal for a teacher who thrives with autonomy, has a vision for best‑practice behavioral programming, and is passionate about creating environments where students with complex needs can achieve meaningful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design the structure, philosophy, and operational framework of the behavior support program
• Develop individualized and group programming aligned with evidence‑based behavioral practices (ABA, PBIS, trauma‑informed care)
• Create systems for data collection, progress monitoring, and program evaluation
• Establish environmental design and classroom setup that supports behavioral and academic goals
• Collaborate with administration to develop program policies, referral processes, and eligibility criteria

• Provide direct instruction to students with IEPs who have significant behavioral support needs
• Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) including present levels, measurable goals, accommodations, and services
• Write and oversee Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) grounded in Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)
• Maintain accurate and timely IEP documentation, progress reports, and required records
• Facilitate IEP team meetings and collaborate with parents, general education teachers, and related service providers

• Implement proactive, preventative behavioral strategies across all settings
• Respond to and de‑escalate crisis situations using approved, trauma‑sensitive techniques
• Train and support paraprofessionals in behavioral strategies and program implementation
• Analyze behavioral data and adjust interventions based on student progress

• Partner with building administrators, school psychologists, counselors, and related service staff
• Communicate regularly and professionally with families regarding student progress and program goals
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, IEP meetings, and district‑level special education planning
• Support transition planning for students moving between programs or grade levels

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Washington state teaching license/certification in Special Education (required)
• Demonstrated experience working with students with behavioral, emotional, or conduct‑related disabilities
• Experience with Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)
• Working knowledge of IDEA, IEP development, and special education law
• Experience implementing or supporting PBIS, ABA principles, or structured behavioral frameworks

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building or leading a behavior support program, alternative program, or specialized classroom
• Training or certification in crisis intervention (e.g., CPI, NCI, MANDT)
• Experience with autism spectrum disorder, emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD), or students with co‑occurring needs
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed practices and restorative approaches
• Experience coaching or mentoring paraprofessionals or support staff
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Special Education Teacher
• Graduate coursework or endorsement in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or related field

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPLETION OF SAFE SCHOOLS WEB BASED TRAINING IS REQUIRED AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

* additional compensation possible based on…