Special Education Teacher - Life Skills (K - 2nd)

JOB TITLE: Special Education Life Skills TeacherSummary Of AssignmentThe certificated staff member will work under the direction of the Building Principal and the Executive Director for Student Support Services in cooperation with general and special education staff, to develop and coordinate instructional programs that meet the needs of special education students with an emphasis on closing the achievement gap in reading, writing, and mathematics.General Leadership ExpectationsUnderstand and support the educational environment and the District's mission, vision, and Strategic Plan.Implement principles and practices of effective leadership and research-based best practices.Facilitate and promote collaborative decision-making and consensus among groups of individuals with diverse interests, values, and needs.Participate as a member or facilitator in meetings, workshops, and seminars that may involve a wide range of issues such as goals attainment, problem resolution, and District operations for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job duties.Recommend solutions to a wide variety of issues for the purpose of addressing the short and long-term needs of the District.Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesWork individually and in small groups with students who may be considered in need of specially designed instruction in reading, written language, mathematics, behavior, and social/communication skills.Includes case management for students identified as eligible for special educationIncludes development of Individualized Education Plans, Behavior Intervention Plans, and all accommodations and modifications necessary for implementation of the IEP within the general education setting to the greatest extent possibleIncludes the implementation of services aligned with the Washington State Learning Standards, as well as the provision of appropriate lessons and activitiesIncludes responsibility to provide a classroom setting conducive to productive instruction of special education studentsParticular emphasis will be placed upon establishing and maintaining opportunities for inclusion and daily interaction within the least restrictive environment for each studentServe as a resource person for staff and administration in working with studentsConsults with teachers and related services staff regarding appropriate interventions for studentsConsults with individual teachers in developing appropriate accommodations and modifications for work in the general education classroom with identified studentsMonitors and directs Para-educators assigned to work with students under teacher's immediate responsibilityMay provide training to parents as neededConferences with families and teachersMakes home visits and contacts as neededMaintain appropriate data, records, interventions, and summaries of student plansIncludes tracking communications with staff and familiesProvides observational and assessment data for school conferences regarding studentsPerform related other duties as assigned.Required Knowledge, Skills, And AbilitiesKnowledge and application of quality classroom-based assessment practices.Knowledge of effective teaching and intervention strategies related to the appropriate age of instruction.Knowledge of state learning standards, district targets, assessments, etc.Skills in classroom management and organizational techniques.Skills In Establishing And Maintaining Effective Working Relationships Others.Skills to motivate students, communicate with individuals from varied educational and cultural backgrounds, and direct support personnel.Ability to be a self-starter and possess proven leadership experiences with adults and students.Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and oral form.Ability to comply with all district policies and procedures.Ability to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the instruction/learning process.Ability to learn and promote innovative ideas and skills, and to collaboratively solve problems.Ability to maintain classroom discipline and use effective classroom management skills.Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks, maintain records, and meet schedules and deadlines.Ability to provide an exceptional educational experience to all students.Ability to use conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills.Ability to provide clear and focused instruction, and motivate students, by using a variety of teaching strategies to meet the needs of all students.Ability to relate positively to people of varying socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic backgrounds, different learning styles, and various disabilities.Ability to remain flexible to changes in assignments or situationsAbility to operate a computer, iPad, Chromebook, and other office equipment, and to implement computer skills into daily classroom instruction.Minimum QualificationsEducation and Experience:Bachelor's degree in education and academic preparation in teaching preferred. Successful elementary public-school experience preferred. Or any combination of targeted job-related education and experience which provides the applicant with the requisite knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the work and that meets applicable requirements of the position may be considered.Required Licenses/Special RequirementsWashington State Teacher Certification with endorsement in Special Education. Experience with behavior disordered and at-risk students preferred. May be required to have a valid State of Washington Driver's license. Valid First Aid/CPR Card may be required.Reports ToBuilding Principal or designee.Work EnvironmentRequired to deal with a wide range of staff expertise; will experience frequent interruptions and the need to remain flexible to meet the needs of others; may deal with angry or distraught people; experience demands from a diversity of others, including students, community and staff; involves sitting, walking and standing; potentially exposed to ordinary infectious diseases carried by students; in some positions the necessary and appropriate instructional methods may require specific positions and movements, and sufficient stamina and exertions, to demonstrate techniques properly for the safety of others, or to conduct or direct staff; may teach in a room without telephone communication, will involve attendance at meetings beyond regular business hours periodically.BARGAINING UNIT: OEAFLSA: ExemptTerms Of EmploymentWork Year: 180 days aligned with the academic school calendar, plus 4 Enrichment Days (August 25, 26, 27, 2026, and February 16, 2027)Paid Hours: 7.5 per day, including 30 minute lunch periodTime of Contract Hours: Work day starts 30 minutes before the student bell schedule and concludes 30 minutes after the student day ends at the work location, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm.Salary: 2025-26 OEA Salary Schedule* (Includes Base contract and a Professional Responsibility & Enrichment Supplemental Contract (PRESC), at minimum) *This Position will be paid at the 2026-27 OEA Salary ScheduleBenefitsEligibility for benefits is determined by the number of hours an employee is anticipated to work during the school year (September 1 through August 31). Employees anticipated to work 630 hours or more in a year are eligible for the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, long-term disability and the employee assistance program.The district's healthcare benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Benefit eligible employees also qualify to optionally participate in deferred compensation/403B plans, dependent care flexible spending/health savings accounts, and additional life insurance and/or added long-term disability coverage through employee contributions. Sick leave, vacation, personal leave, and any paid holidays are aligned with bargaining agreements by association, as listed on our website.Other benefits include VEBA, which is a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) and serves as a way to contribute dollars on a pre-tax basis for out of pocket benefits costs, whether it be for medical, dental or vision premiums, or any other out of pocket medical expenses. This benefit is available, based on the outcome of annual voting of employees by group.The preceding list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the scope of responsibility and the level of knowledge and skills typically required, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements, skills, or duties so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed. The District reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.Nondiscrimination In Education And EmploymentOrting 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, marital status, 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 employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination and their offices are located at 121 Whitesell St NE, Orting, WA 98360:Civil Rights Compliance/Title IX/ADA CoordinatorCarrie Joy, Director of Human Resources360-893-6500, ext. 4028christensend@orting.wednet.eduSection 504 CoordinatorDr. Jennifer Westover, Executive Director for Student Support Services360-893-6500, ext. 4027westoverj@orting.wednet.eduInformation about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint can be accessed here.Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.