What are the responsibilities and job description for the Middle School Special Education Teacher position at Des Moines Public School District?
This posting is for anticipated positions starting in August 2025. Known openings at this time include:
- Merrill Middle School (Strat 2 ID)
- Harding Middle School (Strat 1)
- Hoyt Middle School (Strat 1)
- Brody Middle School (Strat 1)
- McCombs Middle School (Strat 1)
- Meredith Middle School (Strat 1)
Salary numbers in this posting are based on the 24-25 salary schedule, as 25-26 salary information has not yet been set.
TITLE: Special Education Teacher (PreK-12)
POSITION TYPE: TCHR
HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:
Required:
- Valid Iowa teaching license (appropriate endorsement code for teaching assignment).
- Demonstrate effectiveness in oral and written communications.
Desired:
- Experience in an urban school district
- CPR certification.
BASIC FUNCTION: Responsible for planning and delivering a high-quality educational program to meet children’s academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs. The special education teacher is a partner with the guardian and support team in developing, implementing, and monitoring the student Individual Education Plan (IEP).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:
- Deliver daily lessons, aligned to state and district standards, that meet students’ individual needs and ensure growth.
- Establish and maintain standards of student behavior needed to achieve learning.
- Participate in building and district professional learning communities to plan for instruction, analyze data, and create assessments.
- Work with colleagues to make accommodations to instruction and curriculum to meet the learning needs of student with IEPs.
- Monitor student learning on a daily basis. Use multiple data points to guide and individualize instruction.
- Communicate with families on a regular basis.
- Participate in professional development.
- Demonstrate consistent progress on meeting the eight Iowa Teaching Standards
ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (for every DMPS position):
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Attend work promptly and on a regular basis.
- Maintain a satisfactory working relationship with staff, students, and families.
- Assist with other duties as needed to maintain a safe and orderly school.
DEPARTMENT: Student & Family Services
REPORTS TO: Building Administrator, Director of Student Services
RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM: Special Education Consultant
BARGAINING GROUP: DMEA
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
FT/PT: Fulltime DAYS: 195 OR 199 day contract HOURS: 7.75
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Standing, walking, sitting, bending/stooping, reaching/pushing/pulling, lifting carrying
WORKING CONDITIONS: Mostly indoors with some outdoor responsibilities during recess and arrival/dismissal
All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
Employee Benefits Information
All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check. Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check.
For questions about this position, contact: jeremiah.schwennen@dmschools.org
Salary : $47,500 - $80,000
