TITLE:

Teacher – Middle School Special Education

START DATE:

This position is scheduled to begin at the start of the 2026–27 school year (mid-August), though an earlier start date is possible for candidates who are available.

REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS:

Cover Letter
Resume
3 Certificated Reference Forms and/or Letters
Valid Washington State Teaching Certification with Special Education Endorsement

DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction and supervision of the Director of Special Services, Principal, and/or designee, the candidate will screen, assess, plan instruction, teach, differentiate instruction, motivate, inspire, and apply universal design for learning strategies for inclusive instruction to identify and serve students eligible for special education services; design and implement appropriate multi-tiered intervention strategies in collaboration with colleagues; plan, implement, and monitor the services included in Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) of eligible students; collect student performance data; communicate effectively with parents, staff, and administration; and work effectively with students and families from a variety of cultural backgrounds. The candidate will promote a high quality, personalized education program that reflects the Washington State standards and students’ individual needs.

The District utilizes an inclusive-practices philosophy, emphasizing serving children and youths in the least restrictive environment that meets their needs optimally. Inclusive practices consist of a range of service-delivery options that need not be mutually exclusive. They can include direct, classroom-based, community-based, and consultative intervention programming. Inclusive practices are based on a commitment to selecting and designing services and interventions that meet the needs of each child and family. Factors contributing to the determination of individual need include the child's age, type of disability, language and cultural background, academic performance, social skills, family and teacher concerns, and the student's input regarding strengths and weaknesses.

This position may serve students in preschool through eighth grade.

Preferred experience working with culturally responsive pedagogy specific to American Indian youth.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with special education endorsement is required
Washington State Patrol and Criminal Justice fingerprint/background clearance
Washington State Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Release
Successful teaching experience preferred

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Although the job tasks may vary due to specific needs from day-to-day, the duties and responsibilities listed below are not intended to be all-inclusive but are descriptive of the typical tasks performed.

Plan for student success based on assessed needs of individual students and the use of data and information to determine each student’s current knowledge and skill level, set student learning goals, and assess student progress.
Apply district approved assessment tools and strategies.
Lead or assist in identifying and in complying with teaching and learning and student accommodation requirements under Individual Education Program (IEP) and 504 accommodation requirements.
Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential records and report on student progress as mandated in the IEP.
Work collaboratively in a professional learning community with other teachers, support staff, multi-disciplinary teams, and others as appropriate, in addressing the needs of students and developing effective teaching and learning practices.
Conduct planning for lessons using commonly accepted professional practice (content, goals, assessment, re-teaching, etc.) and consistent with school/district approved curriculum and instructional practice.
Use research-based instructional strategies in planning lessons to make the teaching and learning more relevant to students (e.g., contextual learning opportunities).
Maintain and provide reasonable and meaningful student grading and evaluation consistent with school and district policy and regularly and effectively communicate such information to students and parents. Reporting may include regular posting to and maintenance of electronic grade systems with parent and student access.
Integrate district approved and/or required technology into planning, learning, progress reporting, and required record-keeping activities including the preparation of IEP’s in the case of students with special needs.
Create, communicate, and maintain classroom management practices that effectively engage students in the learning process.
Actively participate in faculty, grade level, department, and curriculum meetings; assist efforts to plan, implement, and evaluate the school’s program and to do related work as required.
Apply school policy and procedures, standard practices, state requirements, and approved curriculum, and actively and positively supports the school vision.
If licensed by the state, complete school-based Medicaid billing as required for evaluation and therapy time.
Screen students to determine the need for future individualized assessments.
Assist in appropriate referrals of students to agencies and specialists.
Complete required federal, state, and district forms within required timelines.
Collect student performance data and monitor the effectiveness of interventions.
Foster and maintain a safe and positive learning environment.
Cooperate with building principal and staff in implementation of comprehensive instructional and activities programs.
Prepare teaching materials and reports (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.)
Communicate effectively with families, staff, and community.
Serve as a cooperative member of the instructional team.
Use and integrate educationally relevant technology.
Participate in building and district in-service education and training programs.
Attend meetings and conferences as required.
Assume responsibility for and maintain a clean, functional, and safe school facility.
Follow board and district policies and stay current with updates and changes.
Protect the interest of the district with respect to all assets and liabilities.
Know and observe safety procedures, maintain safe working conditions, and comply with safety rules and regulations.
Perform other related duties consistent within the scope and intent of the position.

REQUIREMENTS:

Current knowledge of rules, regulations, and laws regarding special education.
Experience or training in highly engaging lesson planning, including complex problem solving, real world application, and interactive work groups.
Strong skills, background, and training in area of endorsement .
Willingness to benefit from building supervision, evaluation programs, and professional development.
Ability to reflect on personal performance for continuous improvement and implementation of best practices.
Use district adopted curriculum and assessments.
Ability to develop, modify, and adjust curriculum to meet the individual needs of students.
Strong student management capabilities.
Ability to actively participate in collegial teams and a professional learning community.
Ability to maintain student safety and contribute to a positive school-wide learning environment.
Knowledge of Washington State education trends, including the use of technology in the classroom.
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
Ability to develop and maintain interpersonal relationships with students, staff, and community members in a mutually respectful, supportive, and accessible manner.
Demonstrated skills in human relations and sensitivity to cultural, developmental, religious, and ethnic diversity of students, staff, and community.
Ability to maintain high ethical standards throughout all duties.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Must be punctual and dependable.
Follow school board and district policies and procedures and stay abreast of updates.
Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance benefits, as administered by the School Employees Benefit Board (SEBB). Final benefit eligibility to be determined at time of hire. Employees are eligible to enroll in the Department of Retirement Services (DRS) SERS plan (classified employees) or TERS plan (certificated employees), as well as the DRS Deferred Compensation Program. Employees will receive sick leave, personal leave, and paid holidays, as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement and District Policy.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The Hood Canal School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employee has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Dr. Lance Gibbon, Superintendent, at 360-877-5463 - 111 North State Route 106; Shelton, WA 98584. Complaint procedures can be found on website under Board Policy #3210 (students) and #5010 (employees).

The Hood Canal School District will provide reasonable accommodations to enable persons with disabilities the opportunity to apply for open positions and to participate in District interview procedures. Persons with disabilities or who need translation services are asked to notify the Human Resources Office at 360-877-5463 x 204 at least three days prior to the date on which the requested accommodation is needed.

Hood Canal - Middle School Special Education Teacher