Preschool/Elementary Special Education Teacher

Preschool/Elementary Special Education Teacher

Kake City School District Apply Now $50,000 - $77,000 yearly May 07, 2026

The Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (Preschool–2nd Grade) is a specialized educator dedicated to supporting the district's youngest learners during their most critical developmental years. This role is unique in its scope, providing direct instruction within district classrooms while also serving as a vital liaison and support system for students in external placements, such as Head Start and other community-based programs.

The successful candidate ensures that every student, regardless of their placement or ability, receives high-quality, individualized instruction in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).

Essential Job Functions

1. Specialized Instruction & Developmental Pedagogy

• P-2 Expertise: Applies deep knowledge of early childhood development to teach students from age 3 through 2nd grade, focusing on foundational literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills.
• Philosophy in Practice: Demonstrates a clear educational philosophy that prioritizes inclusive, student-centered learning and evidence-based interventions.
• Balanced Programming: Organizes instructional time to provide a mix of play-based learning, direct demonstration, small-group work, and formal assessment.
• Individualized Adaptation: Translates core curriculum into developmentally appropriate experiences, modifying materials to meet the specific sensory, cognitive, and physical needs of each pupil.

2. External Placement Support & Liaison Duties

• Community Partnership: Acts as the primary district representative for students placed in external settings like Head Start or community preschools.
• Consultative Services: Provides specialized support and technical assistance to teachers in outside placements to ensure IEP goals are being implemented effectively.
• Transition Management: Leads the "bridge" process for students moving from preschool settings into the elementary K-2 environment, ensuring data and strategies are shared across teams.

3. Case Management & IEP Leadership

• IEP Development: Leads the multidisciplinary team in identifying student needs, drafting Individualized Education Plans, and setting measurable, ambitious goals.
• Progress Monitoring: Evaluates academic, motor, and social growth through rigorous data collection; prepares clear, concise progress reports for parents and administrators.
• Referral Coordination: Identifies emerging needs in young learners and initiates appropriate referrals for specialized services (Speech, OT, PT, or Counseling).

4. Environment & Behavior Management

• Positive Climate: Establishes standards of behavior that are firm yet compassionate, creating an atmosphere where young children feel safe to take risks.
• Engaging Spaces: Maintains a functional, attractive, and sensory-friendly classroom featuring interest centers and displays that celebrate student work.
• Safety & Supervision: Directly supervises students, paraprofessionals, and volunteers, ensuring a safe and productive environment at all times.

5. Technology & Innovation

• Instructional Tech: Uses current technology and assistive devices to remove barriers to learning and increase student independence.
• Administrative Tech: Employs digital tools for compliant record-keeping, virtual collaboration with external sites, and research into current educational trends.

6. Family & Professional Collaboration

• Parental Partnership: Communicates regularly with families via newsletters, digital platforms, and conferences, recognizing that parents are the primary partners in early childhood education.
• Professional Contribution: Participates in district-wide professional development and contributes to the broader field of special education through peer collaboration.

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Alaska Teaching Certificate with an Endorsement in Special Education
• Regulatory Knowledge: Firm understanding of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and state-specific special education regulations for the P-2 age bracket.
• Cultural Competence: Ability to teach and communicate with respect for the diverse individual and cultural characteristics of the community.
• Mobility & Flexibility: Ability to travel between district buildings and community placement sites (e.g., Head Start) as needed.

Accepting International Visa Applicants?

No

Kake City School District (KCSD) serves the community of Kake, Alaska, through one school—Kake Elementary & High School—covering pre-K through grade 12, as well as the Shirley Jackson Community Library. With just over 100 students, the district provides small class sizes, close relationships, and strong community connections.

Grounded in Tlingit heritage and values, KCSD's mission is to nurture integrity, confidence, and compassion in students, preparing them to be respectful, successful learners and responsible citizens. The district emphasizes both academic achievement and cultural education, offering programs such as marine safety training, cultural heritage projects, athletics, and hands-on learning tied to local traditions.

Challenges include addressing academic achievement gaps, reducing chronic absenteeism, and navigating the constraints of a small, rural setting. Strengths include its personalized learning environment, integration of cultural identity, and a strong sense of community support.

KCSD is led by a superintendent/principal and a locally elected school board, with staff who are deeply invested in student success despite the unique challenges of rural Alaska.