WMS Special Education Teacher; Structured Learning

Special Education Teacher
- Structured Learning Program

Whitefish School District seeks a Special Education Teacher
- Structured Learning Program (Whitefish Middle School) to join one of the leading school districts in the state of Montana. With the support of our community, Whitefish School District creates an educational environment where each student can reach their academic potential, prepare for career opportunities and become engaged citizens.

The Whitefish School District seeks educators with a track-record of raising student achievement to join the team of educators already dedicated to providing a deeper learning instructional program to all students. At Whitefish Public Schools, educators are leaders who play an integral role in ensuring student success through the support of our school culture, the development and instruction of a rigorous curriculum, and the use of data to drive their daily practice.

The educator will provide individualized instruction to students with disabilities based on assessed needs. Serves as the case manager for the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEP) in accordance with Montana Laws and Rules for Special Education. Structured Learning Program Specifics:
This position utilizes instructional strategies that promote access to the common core curriculum while emphasizing social, emotional, and behavior skills. All duties are to be undertaken in alignment with the District's Strategic Plan, putting the safety, health, and well-being of students at the forefront of all actions and decisions.

Minimum Requirements:

• Valid Montana Certificate or eligibility for Montana endorsement in special education.
• Alternatively, a certified teacher who meets the criteria to enroll in the Montana Special Education Teacher Endorsement Project.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student and employment matters.
• Ability to respond to questions from the community, manage conflict, and handle stressful situations.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence.

Preferred:

• Previous experience working with children with disabilities.
• Demonstrated understanding of child and adolescent developmental issues.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in developing and implementing behavior plans and utilizing effective strategies for behavioral support.

Job Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

Essential Functions & Instructional Leadership

• IEP Development & Leadership:
  Assumes the lead role in drafting, implementing, and managing an appropriate IEP for each student; leads and participates in evaluation and IEP meetings as required by law.
• Instructional Planning:
  Prepares and maintains weekly lesson plans that clearly relate to the goals and objectives described in the IEP.
• Evaluations & Data:
  Completes educational evaluations and progress monitoring; interprets complex test results and data for parents, administrators, and school personnel.

Collaboration & Specialized Consultation

• General Education Integration:
  Coordinates remedial or tutorial instruction with general education teachers and assists them in developing classroom or curricular modifications.
• Professional Consultation:
  Consults regularly with specialized staff and other professionals regarding "related educational matters" to ensure a holistic approach to student development.

Environment & Supervision/Direction

• Classroom Management:
  Maintains an environment conducive to learning by setting high expectations and employing behavior management principles (e.g., behavioral contracting, token economy).
• Supervision:
  Exercises direct supervision over students to ensure safety and instructional fidelity.
• Direction:
  Provides direction to assigned para educators to ensure safety and instructional fidelity within the responsibilities and professional boundaries of the para educator role.
• Student Support:
  Provides prompt evaluative feedback and manages students' personal needs, which may include feeding, toileting, and physical assistance.

Professionalism & Growth

• Records & Confidentiality:
  Maintains accurate, confidential records in accordance with FERPA and IDEA regulations.
• Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting:
  Adheres to state law and district policy regarding the mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Continuous Improvement:
  Pursues ongoing professional growth through active participation in workshops, seminars, and advanced coursework to stay current with best practices in special education.

Equipment Used: A variety of electronic and technology devices, copier, telephone/voice mail, fax, wheelchairs and other special needs equipment.

Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works inside, but some duties will be performed outside, including recess, field trips, etc. The employee must be able to meet deadlines with severe time constraints. The employee frequently will work irregular or extended hours while performing the duties of this job. The employee is directly responsible for the safety,…