Teacher - Special Education (Structured Learning) at MIS (2023-2024)

Join Maize Intermediate School as a Structured Learning teacher.  The Structured Learning Classroom (SLC) is for students who need intensive supports with predictable, consistent routines and structure throughout the school day to engage in learning activities in the following areas: communication, social skills, academic tasks, and behavior management. 

Special Education teachers in Kansas are required to have a special education endorsement.  If you are not already endorsed, you may qualify to work on a waiver while pursuing your endorsement.  The district provides tuition reimbursement options to assist teachers in obtaining their endorsement.  

Purpose Statement

The teacher supports the instructional process with specific responsibility for facilitating learning for special education students; instructing, assessing, and program planning for students with a primary disability of autism, moderate to severe intellectual disabilities, serious emotional and behavioral disorders, and multiple disabilities; monitoring and evaluating student progress and behavior; researching, obtaining, and providing instructional materials for special education services; serving as a resource for students, parents, and District personnel; working within a pull- out environment or within a self-contained classroom.

Support for Teachers

Maize offers all teachers new to the district a professional mentor to help them through the first two years.  Our special education teachers are also assisted by a team of coaches dedicated to ensuring the teacher's success.  We also allow our IEP case managers time away from the classroom to work on IEPs and the documentation that comes with the job.  

Essential Functions

1. Administers a variety of evaluative tools (e.g. developmental testing programs, subject specific assessments, etc.) to assess student competency levels and develop individual learning plans.
2. Administers first aid and assistance to medically fragile children (e.g. tube feeding, toileting, diapering, etc.) to ensure appropriate care for children.
3. Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and goals (e.g. behavioral, motor development and communication skills, academic needs, vocational abilities, etc.) to provide feedback to students, parents, and administration.
4. Collaborates with parents, instructional staff, other school personnel (e.g. OT, PT, Social Worker, Vocational Needs Coordinator, etc.) to improve the overall quality of student outcomes and achieve student educational plan objectives.
5. Demonstrates methods required to perform classroom and subject specific assignments to provide an effective program that addresses individual student requirements.
6. Differentiates instruction (e.g. online curriculum, alternative curriculum, multimedia, assistive technology, modified content, multi-sensory, etc.) supporting different instructional avenues that address individualized learning within established curriculum guidelines.
7. Informs parents and legal guardians of student progress to communicate expectations, student's achievements, develop methods for improvement, and reinforce classroom goals with family partners.  
8. Instructs students for the purpose of improving their success in academic, interpersonal, and daily living skills through a defined course of study.
9. Maintains documents, files, and records (e.g. grades, IEPs, etc.); providing up-to-date information and historical references in accordance with established guidelines and legal requirements.
10. Manages student behavior supporting a safe and optimal learning environment.
11. Monitors students' behavior and/or activities in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, etc.) providing a safe and positive learning environment.
12. Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g. IEP meetings, staff meetings, parent teacher conferences, etc.) to convey and gather information required to perform functions.
13. Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, IEPs, progress reports, exit plans, data sheets, lesson plans, evaluations, etc.) to document student progress and meet mandated requirements.
14. Reports incidents and appropriate documentation (e.g. fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, bullying, emergency safety intervention, etc.) to maintain the personal safety of students, provide a positive learning environment, and adhere to the education code of ethics and school policies as a mandated reporter.
15. Responds to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers, parents, administrators, etc.) to resolve issues, provide information, and direction.
16. Supervises paraeducators (e.g. training, scheduling, supporting, etc.) to monitor performance and ensure standards are achieved.
17. Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Minimum Job Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of and ability to apply assessment instruments
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and software applications
• Ability to perform algebra and/or geometry
• Ability to organize work, set priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions
• Knowledge of appropriate codes, policies, regulations and laws
• Knowledge of age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; methods of instruction and training; basic disabilities; and behavioral management strategies
• Ability to gather, collate, and/or classify data
• Ability to communicate with tact and patience
• Ability to work with diverse groups and individuals 
• Ability to solve problems and analyze issues and create action plans
• Ability to establish and maintain constructive relationships
• Ability to adapt to changing work priorities and to remain flexible and creative
• Ability to work under limited supervision

Education, Certification

Valid Kansas Teaching License

Low Incidence Endorsement

Physical Demands, Working Environment

This position generally requires the following physical demands: frequent lifting and carrying up to seventy-five (75) pounds, some pushing, and/or pulling, significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 30% sitting, 60% walking, and 10% standing. The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness and in some varying atmospheric conditions.

Attendance

All employees are expected to maintain satisfactory attendance and report to work on time every day.  Frequent unscheduled absences, including late arrivals and early departures, are grounds for discipline, up to and including discharge.

Reports To: Building Principal

Clearances:

Cleared Background Check

Current TB Test

Drug Screen

FLSA Status: Exempt

Terms of Employment: Per Negotiated Agreement

Benefits Information

Salary Information

Employer Information