West Seattle High School - Special Education Teacher (Resource) - 1.0 FTE

$59,386 - $137,434/Yr

Seattle Public Schools - Seattle, WA

Full-time - Entry Level

Seattle, WA

Educational Services

About the position

The Special Education Teacher (Resource) at West Seattle High School is responsible for creating and maintaining an effective learning environment for students with special needs. This position operates under the general direction of the building principal or program manager and collaborates with other staff members to ensure that the educational needs of students are met. The teacher will develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to the unique requirements of each student, adapting instructional methods and materials to foster student engagement and learning. The role requires a commitment to continuous professional development and the ability to work effectively with a diverse student population. In this role, the teacher will spend approximately 40% of their time fostering an educational environment conducive to learning, which includes planning instructional programs and preparing lesson plans that cater to individual student needs. Another 15% of the time will be dedicated to utilizing appropriate instructional methods and materials, ensuring that the curriculum is adapted to meet the needs of the students. The teacher will also establish classroom policies and procedures, providing guidance and discipline to encourage students to meet achievement standards, which accounts for 10% of the role. The teacher will engage with students, parents, and other staff members to maintain open communication and support student achievement, which constitutes 5% of the responsibilities. Additionally, the teacher will evaluate and record student progress, prepare reports for parents, and direct the activities of non-certificated personnel, which takes up another 15% of their time. The remaining responsibilities include collecting and interpreting data, attending staff meetings, and participating in professional development activities. Overall, this position requires a dedicated educator who is passionate about supporting students with special needs and is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Fosters an educational environment conducive to the learning and maturation process of assigned special education students.
• Plans an instructional program designed to meet individual student needs and prepares individual student lesson plans.
• Uses necessary and appropriate instructional methods and materials suited to the well-being of the students.
• Establishes and implements classroom policies and procedures governing student behavior and conduct.
• Confers with students, parents or guardians, specialists, and other staff to provide guidance and evaluation.
• Establishes classroom goals and objectives appropriate to the special education student population and their individual education programs.
• Directs the activities of assigned non-certificated personnel and attends to the physical, emotional, behavioral, medical, or hygienic needs of students.
• Collects and interprets a variety of data; develops, implements, and evaluates individual education plans (IEPs).
• Attends or participates in all required staff meetings and other activities deemed necessary by the District and/or building principal.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in education or a related field.
• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with Special Education Endorsement.
• Experience in teaching a culturally, racially, and economically diverse student population in an urban school system.
• Knowledge of effective behavior management techniques and instructional techniques for special education.
• Ability to adapt curricula and programs to meet the intellectual, social, physical, and emotional needs of special education students.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with bilingual students and assisting them in the transition to regular classrooms.
• Experience implementing programs designed to prevent dropout of at-risk students.
• Experience teaching multi-level, open-concept, and mainstreamed classes.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range from $59,385.60 to $137,433.60 annually.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan options.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Supportive work environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.