Keonepoko Elementary - Grade K-6 Special Education Teacher (2024-02405)

Hawai'I Department Of Education - Honolulu, HI

Full-time - Entry Level

Honolulu, HI

About the position

Keonepoko Elementary School seeks a dedicated and compassionate Elementary Special Education Teacher to join our team. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with general education teachers, support staff, and families to provide high-quality instruction and support to students with diverse learning needs in grades K-6. This role is crucial in ensuring that students with special needs receive the appropriate educational resources and support to thrive in their academic environment. The teacher will be responsible for developing and implementing individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with special needs, ensuring alignment with state standards and student goals. Direct instruction will be provided in core academic subjects, including reading, writing, math, and science, using evidence-based instructional strategies tailored to each student's unique needs. The teacher will also utilize various assessment tools and techniques to monitor student progress, adjust instructional strategies, and modify IEPs as necessary. Collaboration is key in this position, as the teacher will work closely with general education teachers to differentiate instruction and provide accommodations and modifications to support students accessing the general education curriculum. A positive, inclusive classroom environment that promotes social-emotional learning, self-advocacy, and independence will be fostered. The teacher will implement behavior intervention plans and support students in developing appropriate social skills and behavior management strategies. Regular communication with parents and guardians will be essential to provide updates on student progress, discuss concerns, and collaborate on strategies for supporting learning at home. Participation in team meetings, professional development opportunities, and ongoing training will enhance knowledge and skills related to special education best practices and instructional technology. Maintaining accurate and organized records, including IEP documentation, progress reports, and assessment data, is also a critical responsibility. The teacher will collaborate with colleagues and school leadership to support a positive school culture and contribute to Keonepoko Elementary School's overall success.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with special needs, ensuring alignment with state standards and student goals.
• Provide direct instruction in core academic subjects, including reading, writing, math, and science, using evidence-based instructional strategies tailored to each student's unique needs.
• Utilize various assessment tools and techniques to monitor student progress, adjust instructional strategies, and modify IEPs as necessary.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to differentiate instruction and provide accommodations and modifications to support students accessing the general education curriculum.
• Foster a positive, inclusive classroom environment that promotes social-emotional learning, self-advocacy, and independence.
• Implement behavior intervention plans and support students in developing appropriate social skills and behavior management strategies.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians to provide updates on student progress, discuss concerns, and collaborate on strategies for supporting learning at home.
• Participate in team meetings, professional development opportunities, and ongoing training to enhance knowledge and skills related to special education best practices and instructional technology.
• Maintain accurate and organized records, including IEP documentation, progress reports, and assessment data.
• Collaborate with colleagues and school leadership to support a positive school culture and contribute to Keonepoko Elementary School's overall success.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Valid state teaching license/certification in Special Education (K-6).
• Knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Experience working with students with diverse learning needs, including but not limited to learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and emotional/behavioral disorders.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, parents/guardians, and community stakeholders.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a growth mindset, with a commitment to meeting each student's individual needs.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and responsibilities.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• 18 Days of Paid Sick Leave and State/Federal Holidays: 10-month teachers receive 18 days of paid sick leave (of which 6 can be utilized for personal and/or professional development purposes) during the school year provided that all conditions under the respective collective bargaining agreement are met.
• Health Insurance: If eligible, the State pays a part of the premiums for each employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Adult Dental Plan.
• Group Life Insurance: The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees and retirees.
• Premium Conversion Plan: Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex.
• Retirement Plan: The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees.
• Tax Shelter Annuity (TSA): If eligible, Department employees are able to participate in a tax shelter annuity program.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers employees a tax deferred (sheltered) retirement investment program.
• Temporary Disability Insurance: Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.
• Social Security: As an employer, the State also contributes to an employee's social security account.
• Workers' Compensation: If an employee is injured while on the job, benefits covering medical expenses and partial wage support may be available through workers' compensation.