K-8 Special Education Teacher

DEFINITION

Under the direction of the Principal, the K-8 Special Education Teacher will provide an educational program and environment which promotes learning and personal growth for students in a self-contained classroom.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Teacher will create a quality program by demonstrating proficiency in the Washington State Standards for the Teaching Profession: Criterion 1-Centering instruction on high expectations for student achievement; Criterion 2-Demonstrating effective teaching practices; Criterion 3-Recognizing individual student learning needs and developing strategies to address those needs; Criterion 4-Providing clear and intentional focus on subject matter content and curriculum; Criterion 5-Fostering and managing a safe, positive learning environment; Criterion 6-Using multiple student data elements to modify instruction and improve student learning; Criterion 7-Communicating and collaborating with families and school community; Criterion 8-Exhibiting collaborative and collegial practices focused on improving instructional practice and student learning. The Teacher will provide curriculum, instruction, and a learning environment aligned with Washington State Content Standards to produce 21st Century outcomes for all students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

· Implements the mission, goals, objectives, policies, and course of study of the district as adopted by the School Board. Complies with all state/federal rules and regulations and record keeping as well as Board policies.

· Maintains appropriate standards of classroom behavior, using behavioral management techniques and strategies that promote citizenship and socially positive outcomes in students; establishes a climate that promotes fairness and respect; plans and implements classroom procedures and routines that support student learning.

· Plans, develops, and utilizes a variety of instructional methodologies appropriate to the instructional level of students from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

· Develops and implements annual Individualized Educational Program (IEP) plans, FBA/BIP’s for students to include: present levels of educational performance, special education needs, instructional goals and objectives, evaluations and reevaluations and the special education and related services required to meet those goals.

· Serves as primary contact for the parent or guardian and holds parent conferences to discuss individual student progress and interpret the school program.

· Provides direction, supervision and evaluation of paraeducators as directed.

· Maintains professional competence through continuing education activities provided by the district, and/or professional learning communities.

· Participates in school and district plans to assure the safety of students including taking action, or assisting in taking action, to restrain students who are at risk of harming themselves or others by following school/district approved restraint procedures.

· Support paraeducators or other staff in toileting/changing or other physical needs students may require.

· Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

· Washington State Learning Standards

· Educational curriculum and instructional goals and objectives, and educational trends and research findings pertaining to student learning

· Motivational, behavior management, and behavior shaping strategies, techniques and methods and conflict resolution procedures

· Socio-economic and cultural backgrounds of the school population

· Oral and written communication skills in English; writing skills to develop professional correspondence; effective oral communication to conduct meetings

· Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy, including human relations skills, conflict resolution strategies and procedures, and team building methods and techniques

Ability to:

· Perform all essential duties of the position

· Provide appropriate and effective learning experiences for students from a wide range of socio-economic levels and cultural backgrounds

· Effectively assess the instructional and educational needs of students

· Provide a motivating and stimulating learning environment

· Comply with the district’s core values, continuous improvement efforts, and strategic initiatives

· Participate in the school improvement process through goal setting and implementation as well as data analysis for instructional improvement

· Maintain an effective, collaborative learning climate at the school(s) with students and staff

· Communicate openly and work productively with a community of diverse opinions and ideas

· Read, interpret, apply, communicate, and enforce rules, regulations, policies, procedures, laws, and codes

· Analyze problems and issues and develop appropriate solutions

· Prioritize, plan, and coordinate work to meet deadlines

· Operate a computer, Chromebook, and other office equipment

· Become proficient using district software including, Google platform

· Communicate effectively both orally and in writing in English

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree, including all courses needed to meet credential requirements. Master’s

Degree in education, preferred.

Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements:

Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate, with proper endorsement(s) in Special Education. Endorsement and/or appropriate authorizations in grade levels and areas assigned. ESSA Compliant.

Familiarity of Mason County and the Grapeview area is preferred.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

The employee is regularly required to hear and speak to exchange information in a proficient manner, as well as sense of smell for safety issues related to fire smoke, gas leaks, etc.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand and walk; hear and speak to exchange information in a proficient manner in person and by telephone; use hands and fingers to touch, handle, feel, grasp or operate standard office equipment including technology; and reach overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally. The employee is occasionally required to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, climb and balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more. The employee may be subject to physical and emotional outbursts by students, including

such behaviors as kicking, spitting, scratching, biting, and running; the employee must be able to run quickly for brief spurts; should this occur, a meeting will be conducted to discuss preventative actions. The employee must be able to operate a motor vehicle and drive from place to place.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability it adjusts focus. The employee must have hand-eye coordination and be able to read printed material and computer or other technology screens.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; use math and mathematical reasoning; perform highly detailed work; work on multiple and concurrent tasks; work with frequent interruptions; meet deadlines; demonstrate judgment and professionalism when interacting with district and program personnel, school administrators, managers, staff, students, the public, and others encountered in the course of work; establish and maintain cooperative relationships throughout the work environment; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards to accomplish assigned duties and to apply new skills. The employee must be able to work independently. The employee occasionally may deal with dissatisfied or quarrelsome individuals, including students, parents, and district employees; should this occur, the employee must report it to their supervisor. Some stress may be encountered while performing the duties of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employees regularly work in a classroom environment and an outdoor working environment, including exposure to seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions. The employee will work under typical classroom conditions which are moderately quiet, but will encounter a loud, noise level both indoors and outdoors, occasionally. Employees are subject to exposure to minor contagious illnesses, blood and other bodily fluids and possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The employee occasionally drives to district sites, training facilities, community meetings and other locations as needed. The employee is subject to constant interruptions.

OTHER CONDITIONS OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT

Grapeview School District #54 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Grapeview 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(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights and Title IX Coordinator: Gerry Grubbs, 360-426-4921, ggrubbs@gsd54.org; and 504 Coordinator: Hannah Nelsen, 360-426-4921, hnelsen@gsd54.org. 822 E Mason Benson Road Grapeview, WA 98546.

Grapeview School District #54, in accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (Title 8, U.S. Code, Section 1324A), will hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States: therefore, all new employees will be required to complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9), issued by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. New hires are required to produce documentation that establishes one's identity and authorization to work in the United States.

Grapeview - Teacher, Special Education