Job Description:                 

The Special Education Teacher provides services to special education students with a range of moderate to severe disabilities ages three to 21 years of age. The Special Education Teacher leads the IEP team to develop data driven student learning and behavioral goals. The Special Education Teacher is responsible for developing curriculum and program strategies consistent with the student's learning level and to continually assess student progress towards IEP goals. Teaching environments include general education classrooms, resource rooms and self-contained classrooms at the elementary, middle, and high school level.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A valid Washington State teaching certificate or certification in process through OSPI with Elementary and Special Education endorsements.
• Demonstrated strong skills and background in current trends, instructional methods and strategies in teaching students.
• Demonstrated evidence of effective classroom management skills.
• Demonstrated evidence of effectively working with students, parents and staff.
• Knowledge of appropriate content standards and ability to integrate into classroom instruction.
• Demonstrated ability to modify instruction to improve student learning through the use of formative, summative, and performance assessment strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to use data to design and implement intervention/enrichment groups.
• Advanced ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and through the use of technology.
• Candidate has not received notice of nonrenewal from the Ridgefield School District pursuant to RCW 28A.405.220

Preferred Experience and Training:

• Personalized Learning.
• Use of educational and assistive technology.
• Knowledge of classroom and individual student behavior management techniques.
• Experience and training in CPI nonviolent crisis intervention techniques or equivalent process.
• Experience using the IEP-Online system.
• Training and/or experience in instructional and/or management strategies in positive behavioral supports, Collaborative Problem Solving, TEACCH, ABA, visual systems/learning, assistive technology, social thinking, social emotional learning, curriculum adaptations, social skills instruction, Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) or similar strategies.
• Professional Learning Communities.

Essential Functions:

• First point of contact for behavioral support for the self-contained classrooms.
• Transition liaison for general and self-contained teachers to students in the general education setting.
• Participate as a member of the Building Assessment Team.
• Assess and evaluate students in all areas of potential need to determine eligibility and areas of service/need.
• Develop, implement and monitor Individualized Education Plans, behavioral intervention plans, and age appropriate transition plans.
• Provide specially designed instruction, support, and related services to students including accommodations, supplemental services, and modifications of general education curriculum to students.
• Implement student learning focused data collection/ monitor and report student progress.
• Participate in State and Federal testing requirements.
• Consult and communicate with other professionals and students' families regarding the needs of students.
• Work effectively and cooperatively with parents, teachers, administrators, support staff, and community.
• Supervise, schedule and train paraprofessionals.
• Assist the Director of Special Education with writing and conducting performance evaluations for special education paraprofessionals.
• Understand and use a variety of assistive technologies and programs.
• Participate in personal ongoing professional development.
• Maintain student records and confidentiality.
• Meet district, state, and federal timelines and legal requirements.
• Oversee general management of student's health and physical needs.
• Implement services and supports focused on student’s hygiene, health, and basic needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

 Working Conditions:

• Classroom setting.
• Provide assistance and attend to the physical needs of students including moving and positioning students and assisting with personal hygiene needs, including but not limited to: tube feeding, catheterization, changing diapers, toileting.
• Sit, stand, stoop to attend to student's needs and to provide instruction. Strength and agility to assist physically impaired students.

Must meet current Washington State mandates concerning COVID-19 as directed by the Governor of the State of Washington and/or Regional Health Director: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or request and approval of religious or medical accommodation.

START DATE: 08/31/2022 with TRI days starting 8/23/2022.  

New teacher induction dates: 8/17, 8/18, 8/19, & 8/22. 

APPLY AT:  www.ridgefieldsd.org

                           Notice of Nondiscrimination

Ridgefield School District No.122 complies with all state and federal rules and regulations and provides equal opportunity in programs and employment and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin/language, marital status, HIV/Hepatitis C status, sex, sexual orientation-including gender expression or identity, creed, religion, age, veteran or military status, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.  

Ridgefield School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services and activities. For information regarding translation services, bilingual education or inquiries regarding compliance procedures, contact Chris Griffith, Title IX/Section 504/ADA Coordinator, 510 Pioneer St., WA 98642, (360) 619-1304, or by email at chris.griffith@ridgefieldsd.org