Elementary Special Education Teacher

Job Description

The Special Education Teacher plays a crucial role in providing individualized instruction, support, and accommodations to our students who have IEPs. The special education teacher collaborates closely with classroom teachers, other special education teachers, behavior team members, the special education coordinator, administrators, and parents to develop and implement effective strategies to maximize student learning outcomes. The special education teacher fosters learning and personal growth by establishing strong relationships with students and motivating students to develop the skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to ensure a successful and fulfilling future. Candidates should have the ability to provide intervention content areas including literacy and mathematics and implement the accommodations outlined in the students’ IEPs. As importantly, we seek candidates who are committed to developing and practicing cultural competence in their teaching and able to operate effectively in diverse environments while also interacting successfully with people from diverse backgrounds.

Essential Functions

-Plan and deliver specialized instruction, which may include resource room instruction and inclusion (co-teaching) practices, to address the unique learning needs and goals of students with IEPs in collaboration with the student's teachers, service providers, parents, and relevant specialists.
-Adapt and modify instructional materials, resources, and assessments to meet the diverse learning styles and abilities of our students.
-Conduct ongoing assessments to monitor student progress, identify areas of improvement, and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
-Collaborate with team teachers to maintain best practices in data-driven instruction and assessment.
-Maintain accurate and up-to-date student progress data, including progress reports, conference forms, and year-end reports.
-Communicate regularly with parents/guardians to provide updates on student progress, discuss concerns, and foster a strong home-school partnership.
-Participate in staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and other school- wide initiatives to enhance professional growth and contribute to a positive school culture.
-Stay informed about current research, best practices, and legal requirements related to neurodivergent education to ensure compliance and provide high-quality instruction and support.
-Complete due process requirements, such as annual Individual Education Plans, progress reports and pertinent pieces of the Evaluation Report and Caseload Management, including:
-Plans, develops and writes individualized education programs (IEP’s) that address individualized learning goals, objectives, learning strategies and behavior management plans for students with special needs.
-Completes all required due process paperwork required and/or mandated by state and federal laws or as required by the District.
-Monitors student progress as described in student IEP’s.
-Conducts and carry out all due process actions relating to student evaluation and reevaluation including:
-Referral Review
-Evaluation / Reevaluation Plan Prior Written Notice in consultation with Service providers and SPED Coordinator
-Collect and complete written evaluation reports in consultation with Service providers and SPED Coordinator

Qualifications

-Hold a MN teaching license in special education
-Have comprehensive knowledge of subject(s) taught;
-Have knowledge of best practices, instructional strategies, classroom management and behavior management
-Demonstrates excellent interpersonal and communication skills with colleagues, students, and families
-Demonstrate respect for children, colleagues, parents and school leadership
-Can establish rapport and trusting relationships with people from diverse identities and cultural backgrounds.
-Has the ability to build deep understanding of data and adjust instruction based on student data
-Serve as a role model for promoting effective instruction and professionalism
-Having knowledge of Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports (PBIS) and Responsive Classroom is a plus
-Having knowledge of science of reading theory and practices is a plus.
-Believe in and support the vision and mission of PSA

Institution Description

We are a K-12 public charter in Brooklyn Park serving nearly 850 students in Minneapolis and the smaller surrounding suburbs. Founded in 2004, PSA has grown and prospered to give thousands of students an outstanding education, and more importantly, to help students gain the knowledge and skills to become, in the words of PSA’s mission, “inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring citizens who help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” Our community prides itself on providing a welcoming, safe and caring atmosphere where staff and students have a strong sense of belonging, feel engaged in our shared work around academic, cultural and social emotional learning, and where everyone can continue to learn and grow in a healthy school environment.

Application Instructions/Comments

To apply, email the following to Crystal Vang at crystal.vang@psak12.org and Julie Vang at julie.vang@psak12.org:
1. Letter of interest
2. Updated Resume