SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER -FULL TIME- ELEMENTARY

Teacher-Special Education

Special Education

T- Teachers

A Special Education Teacher is responsible for providing individualized instruction and support to students with disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate educational services in alignment with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The role includes collaboration with families, general education teachers, and support staff to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Develop and implement lesson plans tailored to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Adapt instructional methods, materials, and assessments to accommodate diverse learning styles.

Provide direct instruction in academic, social-emotional, and functional skills.

Develop and update Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in collaboration with the IEP team.

Ensure compliance with federal and state special education laws (e.g., Collect and document data to assess progress toward IEP goals.

Work closely with general education teachers to support inclusive practices.

Collaborate with paraprofessionals, related service providers, and other support staff.

Serve as an advocate for students with disabilities to ensure access to appropriate educational resources.

Use data-driven decision-making to refine instructional strategies.

Participate in professional development and training to enhance instructional effectiveness.

Supervise and provide direction to paraprofessionals and support staff.

Participate in school-wide initiatives, committees, and professional learning communities.

Adhere to all district policies, ethical guidelines, and confidentiality requirements.

Special Education Laws & Policies: Understanding of IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and state regulations governing special education.

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): Knowledge of IEP development, implementation, and compliance requirements.

Instructional Strategies: Familiarity with differentiated instruction, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and evidence-based teaching practices.

Assessment & Data Collection: Assistive Technology: Familiarity with adaptive tools, software, and communication devices that support student learning.

Inclusion & Co-Teaching Models: Understanding of best practices for integrating students with disabilities into general education classrooms.

Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong skills in working with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and families.

Ability to develop and implement creative solutions to support student learning and behavior.

Capability to adjust teaching strategies and interventions as student needs evolve.

Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, including lesson planning, IEP meetings, and documentation.

Adapt instruction for students with various disabilities and learning styles.

Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay current with best practices and professional development in special education.

Frequent standing and walking throughout the classroom and school to assist students and provide instruction.

Occasionally required to assist students with mobility needs, provide support during activities, or manage classroom materials.

Lifting & Carrying: May need to lift and carry instructional materials, student belongings, or adaptive equipment (typically up to 25 lbs). Some positions may require assisting students with physical disabilities in transferring or positioning (training and assistance from support staff are typically provided).

Physical Restraint & De-escalation (if required): In some cases, training in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) or similar methods may be necessary to ensure student and staff safety.

Assisting with Daily Living Skills: If working with students with significant needs, the role may involve helping with toileting, feeding, or other self-care tasks.

Visual & Auditory Requirements: Required for writing, typing reports, and manipulating classroom materials.

General Education Classrooms: Collaboration with general education teachers in co-teaching or push-in models.

Community-Based Learning: Some programs may involve field trips, vocational training, or real-world learning experiences outside of school.

Daily interaction with students who have a range of disabilities, including cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical challenges.

Colleagues & Support Staff: Frequent collaboration with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers (e.g., speech therapists, occupational therapists), and school administrators.

District & Community Resources: May coordinate with external agencies, specialists, and transition services to support student success.

Physical Activity: May involve standing, walking, assisting students, and managing classroom materials.

Adaptive & Assistive Technology: Use of specialized equipment, visual aids, communication devices, and assistive technology tools.

Standard School Hours: Typically follows the academic calendar, including professional development days, IEP meetings, and parent conferences.

May require occasional evening or weekend commitments for training, school events, or family meetings.

Supporting students with disabilities requires patience, empathy, and the ability to handle emotionally charged situations.

Commitment to Equity & Inclusion: Advocating for students' rights and ensuring equitable access to education.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's Degree in Special Education, Education, or a related field.

Preferred Education: Master's Degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field (may be required for advanced licensure or specialized roles).

Previous Teaching Experience in a special education classroom or inclusion setting.

Experience collaborating with general education teachers, related service providers, and paraprofessionals.

Experience working with diverse student populations, including English learners and students with multiple disabilities.

Strong understanding of federal and state special education laws (IDEA, Section 504, ADA).

Commitment to professional growth through ongoing training and professional development.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Additional coursework in behavior management, inclusive education, or assistive technology.

Valid State Teaching License with an endorsement in Special Education:

Academic and Behavioral Strategist (ABS)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD)

Learning Disabilities (LD)

Completion of a state-approved Special Education Teacher Preparation Program.

Louis Park Schools provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees working 20 or more hours per week. Health and Dental Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care expenses

Life Insurance

Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

The cost of benefits varies based on the employee group and full-time equivalent (FTE) status. For detailed information, including specific benefits and associated costs, please refer to the applicable group or bargaining unit contract Employment Contracts .