Special Education Teacher -Alternative Program

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Job Title: Teacher, Special Education Special Instruction - Alternative Program Setting

Location: Integrated Learning Program, 2504 Meredith Avenue, Omaha, NE 68111

Reports To: Building Program Director

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: As per negotiated agreement / Exempt

Start Date: August 1, 2025

Salary Schedule

2025-2026

Step 1 with a Bachelor's Degree: $51,200 10% special education variance ($5,120)= $56,320

Step 1 with a Master's Degree: $57,820 10% special education variance ($5,782)= $63,602

Salary credit may be awarded for applicable experience. Placement on the salary schedule will follow the applicable negotiated agreement.

Position Purpose

Plans for, teaches and facilitates learning for students. Creates a positive learning environment. Maintains progress, records, and discipline. Works collaboratively with students, parents, building staff, and other Individual Education Program team members to provide and implement classroom education and IEP services to meet the needs of all the assigned students. Creates and implements individualized behavior intervention plans. Provides daily social skills instruction as well as embeds it throughout the curriculum. Maintains a safe classroom environment with clearly defined expectations with consistent procedures and routines. Effectively provides engaging academic instruction, de-escalation and response to crisis, assessment of student behavior through Functional Behavior Assessments and positive behavior supports and interventions through individualized Behavior Intervention Plans.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid NE Teaching Certificate with endorsement in Special Education with emphasis in Behavior Intervention Specialist preferred.
• Ability to develop positive relationships to promote mutual dignity and respect among students and staff.
• Ability to work collaboratively to identify needs of students and implement strategies on a consistent basis
• Ability to create and implement individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) as well as review and revise it on a regular basis.
• Ability to target skill deficits and desired replacement behaviors (identified through FBA) for each student in the classroom.
• Excellent attendance record.
• Professional verification of successful classroom teacher performance and/or student teaching experience.
• Evidence of the willingness and ability to comply with standards for ethical and professional performance established by the State Board of Education.
• Ability and patience to work interactively with students.
• This individual will exhibit skills pertinent to foster positive human relationships and the ability to work effectively with students, staff, parents and the community.
• Skill in organization, time management, communication, and positive interpersonal skills.
• Ability to deliver teaching instruction in accordance with approved curriculum and standards.
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance.
• Excellent skills in verbal and written communication.
• A demonstrated philosophy that all students can and will learn.
• Ability to understand the individual needs of each student.
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Outlook and the student information system.
• Displays a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and special education students.
• Knowledge of OPS’s mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them.
  
  

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Develops students’ cognitive, emotional and social capacities for learning.
• Maintains a classroom atmosphere conducive to enhancing interpersonal relationships, social skills, problem resolution, and decision making while achieving academic success.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences so as to best utilize the available time for instruction
• Completes effective assessment of student behavior through Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)
• Creates, implements and maintains up-to-date individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)
• Plans for and implements daily social skills instruction as well as embeds social skills throughout the curriculum.
• Provide de-escalation and response to crisis
• Plans for and uses paraprofessionals effectively to support the students
• Implements clear expectations and routines in the classroom consistently
• Positively fosters students’ self-esteem.
• Working with and understanding a diverse student population.
• Plans for and guides the learning process to help students achieve their program objectives.
• Implements useful diagnostic and progress assessment measures.
• Selects and uses effective instructional methods and learning materials.
• Establishes a cooperative relationship with all assigned students.
• Maintains open lines of communications with parents, guardians and staff.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and lesson planning and student progress toward IEP goals as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Instructs students in the principles of responsible citizenship and other subject matters specified in applicable laws, as well as administrative regulations and procedures of the Omaha Public Schools.
• Coordinates with other school professional staff members and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Evidence of the willingness and the ability to comply with the standards with ethical and professional performance established by district policy as well as the State Board of Education.
• Works collaboratively to achieve the overall purpose of the behavioral skills program and support the District’s vision, aims and goals.
  
  

Additional Duties

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Central Office Administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use assistive technology in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Limited travel may be required.

Physical And Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Work in school building environments.
  
  

Interrelations

• Contact with personnel within the district and other stakeholders
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the building administration in order to complete day to day tasks
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy
• Must understand and respond appropriately to stakeholder needs and maintain a positive attitude with all
• Expected to interact with all internal and external stakeholders in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive service
  
  

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.
  
  

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a full-time exempt certified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment or teaching in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time, and the Teacher Contract. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

Terms Of Employment Are Contingent Upon

• Verification of a valid Nebraska Teaching License or other required license.
• A background check which demonstrates background is acceptable for the position sought and working with or around students.
• Verification of U.S. Citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required by federal law for your position).
• Execution and delivery to OPS of a Teacher Contract presented by OPS.
  
  

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.

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