Behavior Teacher

Special Education Teacher

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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 and work environment details are available upon request.