Teacher - Special Education

An opportunity to Inspire, Challenge, and Empower!

Posting Information: We are currently hiring for special education teachers at both the elementary and secondary levels for the 2025-2026 school year. Open until filled. For best consideration, qualified applicants should apply by March 25, 2025.

Interview Process: Applicants are encouraged to apply by the deadline provided above. If selected for an interview, you will be invited to complete an Asynchronous Virtual Interview. Candidates chosen for a second round interview will participate in an in-person interviews at a date to be determined.

Schedule: 180 days per school year, 7 hours per day with start and end times varying by building. Special education teachers receive additional days for work required outside of the regular work day as negotiated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Location: Varies

Salary: $64,664 - $119,032 annually, depending on experience.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Benefits: 12 sick leave days of which 6 can be used for personal leave each school year; 5 days bereavement leave per school year; health insurance benefits through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. Retirement through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS); other fringe benefits as allowed under the Shelton Education Association (SEA) Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Overview

Special education teachers support the Shelton School District's Strategic Plan by helping with the development, modifications, and implementation of Individual Education Plan (IEP's) for students.

Requirements:

• Washington State Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in Special Education.
• Knowledge in all phases of the special education process, procedures, and disability categories. Some assignments may require special expertise in various disability categories.
• Ability to pass a Federal Criminal Background check.
• Demonstrated commitment to students with special needs and their families.
• Ability to maintain lightheartedness and incorporate humor into the workplace.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement all phases of a special education program.
• Ability to successfully integrate special needs students into appropriate classrooms for peer interaction, socialization, and/or academics.
• Ability to consult with general education teachers on implementation of a transition plan for the education of students with IEP's in their classroom.
• Ability to monitor and adjust any educational interventions for the students they serve.
• Ability to develop and implement a behavioral plan, coordinating it with the home, whenever possible.
• Ability to listen and professionally mediate toward solutions.
• Ability to provide innovative and responsible problem solving in a team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and tact in all aspects of employment.
• Ability to organize activities, written work, and para educators.
• Ability to use assessment tools for students in diagnostic investigations.
• Ability to collaborate with staff, students, and others in a professional , positive, and confident manner.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with staff, students, families, and community members.
• Ability to develop and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to participate in conferences, workshops, and training sessions.
• Ability to remain flexible to changes in assignments or situations, including flexible work hours.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Essential Functions:

• Provides instruction for students in the identified area(s) of need, per the IEP.
• Provides daily lesson plans and keeps records and data on student progress toward meeting the goal areas identified in the IEP.
• Designs and implements activities in the classroom, playground, or other related areas specific to their IEP.
• Develops an annual IEP, and with the team, the assessment summation from individual assessment reports submitted through the MDT process.
• Maintains compliance with state and federal guidelines for program delivery.
• Keeps current in trends and practices for special education specific to the population of students.
• Designs and implements behavioral intervention programs, coordinating those programs with the home whenever possible.
• Maintains effective communication with counselors, staff and building administrators, families, and agency providers to develop appropriate programs for special education students.
• Updates individual goals as indicated by formal and informal assessments.
• Maintains effective communication with individual staff members, families, administrators, other school personnel, and agencies to provide continued, appropriate progress and changes in the student’s program.
• Maintains files and forms for special education compliance in a timely manner.
• Records and submits timely signed and dated reports for each student assessed.            
• Provides consultative and advisory services to the family, educational staff, agencies, and interested community organizations.
• Works closely with all social agencies having contact with their students in the service area.
• Understands the Common Core and how students with IEP's can access general education curriculum as appropriate.
• Understands state assessments and accommodations for assisting students at various levels.
• Familiarity with IEP programs that are online.
• Attends trainings and meetings as appropriate or directed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.