Special Education Teacher

**Position:** Special Education Teacher for 2026-27 - USD 251

Purpose

Provide special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and other instructional materials to match student ability levels. Work in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Certification(s)/License(s):

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university
• Valid Kansas teaching license and endorsements as required for the position
• Health and Inoculation Certificate on file in the Central Office

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area(s)
• Knowledge of Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation
• Knowledge of how to adapt curriculum and instruction for special needs
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, including:
• Ability to speak clearly and audibly to various groups expressing ideas in a logical and forthright manner
• Possess composition skills suitable for producing written communication for a variety of readers
• Ability to quickly analyze a situation and provide prompt advice
• Ability to manage job responsibilities while meeting established deadlines
• Ability to work constructively, cooperatively, and professionally with others

Experience:

• Teaching, student teaching, approved internship, or related work experience

Essential Functions

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the general education intervention process for each student assigned.
• Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
• Present subject matter effectively and according to guidelines established by IEP.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media including technology to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
• Participate in IEP and general education intervention meetings on a regular basis.
• Participate in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional media.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
• Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
• Stay abreast of new technologies to facilitate and support student learning, assistive technology, data management, and communication.
• Communicate effectively with administrators, parents, staff, and community agencies and services with regard to student progress/needs.
• Interact with students, parents, and staff in a professional manner demonstrating acceptance of individual differences, patience, and sensitivity.
• Maintain appropriate work habits, including regular and punctual attendance; timely submission of required reports; participate in staff, department, and committee/team meetings; assist in the early recognition and prevention of educational problems.
• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior and administer discipline including intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
• Consult with classroom…