Title:

Teacher - Special Education (Life Skills)

Work Unit:

Ramirez Thomas Elementary

Reports To:

Principal(s)/Exceptional Student Services Director(s)

Contract Length:

9 month

Pay Schedule:

Teacher

Overtime Status:

Exempt

Hours:

7 hours per day

Union Status:

NEA

Licensure:

NMPED Pre K-12 Special Education

All positions with Santa Fe Public Schools require a post-offer/pre-employment background check. Some positions have additional requirements as established by Federal or State Rules and Regulations.

General Function:
Provides direct instruction to students identified for special education instructional services to help students learn subject matter and skills that will contribute to their social, emotional, behavioral, and academic development.

Education/Training/Experience
(Basic minimum requirements are subject to change from time to time to meet the needs of the District.)
Minimum: Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. New Mexico Special Education teaching license.
Preferred: Completion of a student teaching or Internship program. At least one year of previous teaching experience.

Knowledge/Skills and Abilities:
Demonstrated general knowledge of curriculum and instruction. Demonstrated knowledge of various routine tasks, duties, and procedures, and the ability to follow specific instructions with little or no previous experience. Demonstrated ability to motivate and relate to students, parents, and others. Ability to develop and maintain professional relations as evidenced by the ability to relate positively with staff, parents, students, and the community. Verbal and written communication skills, including communicating a positive attitude, and the ability to make presentations. Ability to function as a professional team member. Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Proven professional management skills such as planning, directing, organizing, and coordinating. Demonstrated ability to produce results through the completion of previous assignments. Demonstrated leadership skills and a desire to lead. Ability to establish and maintain a favorable working and learning atmosphere. Ability to demonstrate actions that support the district and its mission. Knowledge of curriculum and instructional strategies, procedures, and state and federal statutes. Knowledge of technology as it relates to education. Maintain confidentiality related to district, students, and family information. Demonstrated sensitivity and respect for diversity. Maintain confidentiality related to district, student, and family information.

Essential Job Functions
All functions are performed in accordance with established policies, procedures, safety and environmental regulations, facility and computer security policies and procedures. Functions are subject to change from time to time to meet the needs of the organization. Current essential functions include the following:

Meets and instructs assigned classes/students in inclusive and separate settings, and for the time as designated in the IEP and by the school administrator.
Provides direct instruction to students to meet the specified IEP annual goals and short-term objectives for each student, as well as the general curriculum goals and objectives.
Documents and communicates pupil progress to parents, regular classroom teachers, and other appropriate personnel.
Participates in parent-teacher conferences.
Ensures an orderly learning environment through effective teaching and management practices.
Employs a variety of instructional techniques to address the needs and capabilities of the individual or students involved.
Teaches district-approved curriculum.
Instructs pupils in citizenship and basic subject matter specified in state law and administrative regulations and procedures of the school district.
Develops lesson plans and instructional material and provides individualized and small group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each pupil.
Translates lesson plans into developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior to achieve an effective learning atmosphere.
Evaluates pupils' academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records, and prepares progress reports.
Provides individualized and small group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of the student.
Creates an environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, interest centers, and exhibits of students' work.
Collects, maintains, and records ongoing data and records on each student for progress monitoring for quarterly reporting, reevaluation, and instructional decision-making.
Utilizes data, including pre- and post-assessments, to inform instruction and impact the IEP.
Participates in interdisciplinary staffing/conferences with the school, appropriate community personnel, parents, and students when appropriate.
Develops and implements on an ongoing basis the Individual Education Plan for each student assigned to the special education programs.
Actively seeks out services and related services staff necessary to assist in meeting the IEP goals and objectives for individual students.
Plans and participates in each student’s annual review/IEP meeting, including preparation of a draft IEP in the electronic IEP system, and completion of progress notes with data on previous goals.
Provides the necessary record-keeping documents as required by the Federal, State, district rules and regulations/policies, and procedures.
Identifies pupil needs and makes appropriate referrals, and develops strategies for individual education plans.
Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with building administrators, other building teachers, and related services personnel and support personnel.
Communicates regularly with parents outside normal classroom day by means of newsletters, notes, phone calls, conferences, etc.
Is available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day.
Plans and coordinates the work of paraprofessionals, parents, and volunteers in the classroom and on field trips.
Plans and supervises the purposeful assignment of the Educational Assistant(s) and volunteers, and provides evaluative data regarding their job performance.

Salary Range:
Level 1 License: $55,000+
Level 2 License: $65,000+
Level 3 License: $75,000+

Resources Used in Performing the Job Include (but are not limited to):
A wide variety of instructional materials and resources, including electronic/digital equipment

Physical/Cognitive Requirements:
Continuous speaking, hearing, and visual effort. Frequent walking, sitting, standing, and reaching. Occasional climbing, kneeling, and transporting up to 50 lbs. High degree of concentration requiring continuous and often intense mental and visual attention. Numerous irregularities, complicated and complex tasks are involved. May be required to work with students and /or equipment related to hygiene, toileting, feeding, or therapy purposes.

Environmental Conditions:
Most work is performed indoors. Work involves irregular hours and days. Travel from location to location may be necessary. The environment may be hectic with frequent interruptions and noise. May be exposed to bodily fluids.

Personal Accountability:

Demonstrates reliability as evidenced by attendance records and punctuality
Properly notifies supervisor and/or designee of absences or tardiness
Begins and completes work within the allotted time
Consistently appears in attire appropriate to the work environment
Demonstrates skill in the use of equipment, including its capabilities, limitations, and appropriate/special applications
Protects the District’s resources through appropriate and careful use of supplies and equipment
Utilizes appropriate body mechanics to aid in the prevention of muscle strain/injury

Santa Fe Public Schools does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, medical/genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

2026-2027 SY: Teacher - Special Education (Life Skills)