Special Education Teacher - Special Programs

Mount Vernon School District (MVSD) seeks to graduate inspired critical thinkers who honor diversity and are committed to the betterment of their own lives and the lives of others. When coupled with our strategic goal of 100% of our students graduating with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in post- secondary education, careers and life, we become accountable for the achievement of each student’s fullest potential.

We believe every student can achieve this goal; and yet, longstanding inequitable practices have hindered students of color from attaining academic parity with their white peers, leading to disproportionate student outcomes. In order to ensure race, ethnicity and culture cease to be a predictor of student performance in MVSD, we must eliminate systems, structures, practices and behaviors contributing to discrepancies in student learning and graduation outcomes. Therefore, MVSD commits to eliminate all forms of discrimination and inequity in order to provide safe and productive learning opportunities for every student.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plan and provide clear, intentionally focused, and evidence-based instruction using state standards, subject matter content, district curriculum and student needs.
• Participate in collaborative planning, programming, and instructional activities focused on improving instructional practices and student learning.
• Recognize individual student strengths and learning needs and develop strategies and interventions to address those needs for the purpose of promoting individual achievement.
• Use multiple student data elements for the purpose of assessing student progress, modifying instruction, and improving student learning.
• Integrate technology into instruction to support digital literacy and engagement.
• Communicate and collaborate with parents and school community for the purpose of fostering student success and achievement.
• Foster and manage a safe, positive learning environment for the purpose of promoting effective student behavior and success.
• Maintain and submit information/records including student progress.
• Participate in various meetings for the purpose of implementing school initiatives and addressing student needs.
• Attend all relevant professional development and training opportunities.
• Comply with supervision and evaluation procedures.
• Direct the work of assigned classified staff if applicable.
• Implement and comply with District policies and the Code of Professional Conduct.
• Maintain consistent attendance and conform to regular work hours specified under contract.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

JOB REQUIREMENTS - MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of this position include:

• Knowledge of applicable Washington State and federal rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of subject matter/course content relevant to assignment.
• Knowledge of and skills in using effective instructional strategies and practices.
• Knowledge of and skills in using various formative and summative assessments.
• Knowledge of state mandated testing.
• Ability to effectively address a wide range of academic and social needs including at-risk, cultural diversity, English language learners, and special education students.
• Skills in effective planning and implementation of lessons based upon state standards, district curriculum and student needs.
• Skills in reflective practices for instructional improvement using feedback from supervisors and peers.
• Skills in managing and promoting positive student behavior.
• Ability to work successfully with diverse learners providing access and opportunities for all students.
• Skills and ability to demonstrate a commitment to a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment.
• Skills and ability to demonstrate an understanding of equity; specifically focused on the intersection of race, language, gender, and disability.
• Ability to effectively meet developmental needs of students.
• Ability to interact and collaborate positively, effectively and respectfully with parents, students, staff and administrators.
• Skills in and ability to communicate effectively and accessible with others in both written and verbal form.
• Skills and abilities in organization, time management, and record keeping.
• Ability to operate technology devices and specific software programs.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability and commitment to strengthen job-related competencies.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, implement, and evaluate effective classroom instruction consistent with building and district curriculum/programs.
• Participate in team planning, programming, and instructional activities focused on improving instructional practices and student learning.
• Diagnose and prescribe learning and training programs for individual students based on aptitude, interest, and level to achieve.
• Develop instructional goals and objectives to meet teaching assignment.
• Use multiple student data elements to modify instruction and improve student learning.
• Demonstrate a passion and enthusiasm for equity when working with all children, regardless of background or disability.
• Understand how to support and effectively implement individualized modifications and accommodations for students with disabilities.
• Foster and maintain a safe positive learning environment.
• Cooperate with district, building and staff in the implementation of effective multi-tiered systems for support and prevention.
• Prepare teaching materials and reports (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) for the purpose of implementing lesson plans and providing documentation of teacher and student progress.
• Communicate effectively with parents and the school community.
• Serve as a cooperative member of the instructional team.
• Use and integrate educationally relevant technology.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Write and manage Individual Educational Plans, complete all required documentation, paperwork and forms and meet all deadlines
• Must be qualified to teach students in a self-contained or resource room setting
  Ability to communicate and report progress to parent/guardians at regular intervals and maintain positive working relationships with them
• Work as a team player with other special education and general education staff and manage and work with support staff (instructional assistants and paraprofessionals)
• Must be organized, patient, able to motivate students, understanding of their students' special needs, and accepting of differences in others
• Teach students with mild to more complex physical, emotional and cognitive challenges
• Demonstrated ability to connect with students, staff and community members in a mutually respectful, supportive and accessible manner.
• Knowledge of and/or experience related to the state mandated testing and assessment.
• Ability to develop, modify, adjust curriculum to meet the individual needs of students.
• Willingness to benefit from building supervision, evaluation programs and professional development.
• Use district adopted curriculum and assessments
• Possess strong student management capabilities
• Knowledge of and ability to assess and design instruction for a classroom of diverse learners (English Language Learners ‘ELL’, highly capable, students with disabilities, etc.)
• Proficiency in use of PCs, Microsoft Office Suite, e-mail, and the use of technology in the classroom.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal form. Ability to process information to make sound judgments and decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of staff and stakeholders.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent or designee may find appropriate and acceptable.

Education:

• Valid Washington State certification with appropriate endorsement(s) in Special Education.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Second language or language acquisition background, preferred. Specifically Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, and/or Mixteco
• Student cultural and economic diversity experience, preferred.
• Additional endorsements in ELL, special education and/or reading, preferred.

BENEFITS:

Mount Vernon School District employees are eligible for SEBB medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, and long-term disability (LTD) coverage if they are anticipated to work 630 hours or more during the school year. Eligibility for retirement benefits applies to employees working 3.5 hours per day or more for five or more consecutive months. We also offer optional tax-sheltered annuities, including the Omni 403(b) and the Deferred Compensation Plan. Personal leave, vacation leave (for 260-day employees only), and sick leave are prorated based on full-time employment status.

Physical Requirements:

Salary : $68,478 - $133,951