Teacher - Special Education Learning Specialist (Specialize Classroom) - Paxton Keeley Elementa[...]

Teacher – Special Education Learning Specialist (Specialize Classroom) – Paxton Keeley Elementary – 2026‑27 Position Properties Position Title: Learning Specialist (Specialized Classroom) Schedule / Grade: Teacher Salary Schedule / I - III Job Code: ##TEACH076 FLSA: Exempt Calendar: TEACH Contract Type: TEACH Bargaining Unit: TCHR-NEA Revised Date: 03/11/2026 Benefits: Eligible (Retirees not Benefit eligible) Position Type: Full‑Time Salary: $45,600 to $69,130 Annual Purpose This teaching position is designed to support students on the autism spectrum who have below average cognitive, communication and adaptive behavior abilities and experience difficulty learning from the large group setting due to language and social barriers. The teacher will design and implement differentiated instruction for academics, social skills and social/emotional skills. Potential candidate should also have experience implementing behavior plans. This position requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills as the specialist will need to manage and train paraprofessionals, communicate regularly with parents, and collaborate with a large number of team members. Candidates must be willing to become trained in Safe Crisis Management. Essential Responsibilities and Duties Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated both individually and collaboratively. Plans and implements a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interests and abilities of all students using data‑driven decision‑making. Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interest of all students. Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior. Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and, in accord with the goals, establishes and communicates clear objectives to students for all lessons and units. Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of individuals or student groups involved. Collaborates with administrators, colleagues and parents in a positive and productive manner. Strives to implement by instruction and action, the District's philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives. Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required. Willing to assist students with personal hygiene needs, including, but not limited to, toileting and feeding. Evaluates the learning problems of students on a regular basis, seeking assistance of District specialists as needed or required. Take necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities. Maintains accurate and complete records as required by law, District policy, and Administrative regulation. Assists the administration in implementing all policies and/or rules governing student life and conduct and develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure while maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and appropriate manner. Strives to maintain and improve professional competence. Attend staff meetings and serve on staff committees as needed. Performs other duties as necessary to support the mission and vision of Columbia Public School District. Reporting Relationships Reports To: Building Principal and Assistant Principal Supervises: None Qualifications Minimum: Bachelor’s degree; Missouri teacher certificate in special education Preferred: Previous experience administering alternative assessments, behavior plans and supporting students with varying communication abilities; Experience using Discrete Trial Training (DTT) Ideal candidate will have a professional and friendly demeanor with a demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals in a fast‑paced environment. ADA Requirements Language: Read, analyze and interpret professional journals, Board policy, administrative procedures and forms and governmental regulations and guidance; Read, analyze, and implement curriculum and assessment data to plan instruction; Complete forms, write reports and engage in written correspondence with parents; Present information effectively and respond to questions; Write clear and complete lesson plans. Computation: Work with mathematical concepts, such as probability and statistical inference, and analyze data for instruction; Apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations. Reasoning: Solve a variety of problems in many different situations; Interpret instructions presented in written, oral, diagram or schedule form; Apply knowledge of current educational theory and instructional techniques while presenting subject matter to students; Demonstrate executive functions such as planning, organizing, remembering, and regulating information and behavior as they pertain to student performance and achievement. Other Skills and Abilities: Identify needs and abilities of individual students and adapt instructional methods accordingly; Establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers and parents; Perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Technology: Integrate technology into daily instruction; present information to students using a variety of media; Access and present information from online sources in a manner that enhances instruction; lead and monitor students as they perform online research; Instruct in buildings/classes where students are actively using 1-to-1 technology such as laptop computers, iPads, and other devices; Lead students in creating and presenting multi‑media projects when such assignments enhance student learning; Use district software for recording grades and finding student information; Readily utilizes smart boards, projectors and other instructional technology provided by the district; Adhere to all District policies and procedures regarding technology use. Physical Demands: Speak and hear in an environment where numerous conversations and activities may be taking place simultaneously; Move around the classroom to interact with and manage students/groups of students; Read handwritten or printed material. Attendance: Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of this position. Conditions and Environment: The individual who holds this position will regularly work in a school environment that is noisy and active. Occasionally the individual will be required to work outdoors for short periods of time to perform such tasks as loading and unloading students from district transportation. Prospective and current employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact human resources to discuss reasonable accommodations to perform the essential job functions. Equal Opportunity Employer #J-18808-Ljbffr Young World Physical Education