Teacher - Special Education - Transition Program

  • TACOMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
  • Tacoma, Washington
  • Jul 18, 2024
Full Time Education and Training

Job Description

Description

Tacoma Public Schools

Expected Start Date: September 1, 2024

FTE: 1.0

Hours per day: 7.5

Salary Level: Based on preparation level and experience per TEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Range is $68,534 (BA+0 step 1) - $134,412 (MA+90 step 20)

Union/Days per year: Teacher, 182 work days, 10 month

Benefits: This job has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools.

Additional Information: This position requires a valid WA State teaching certificate endorsed in Special Education K-12 or P-12.

Examples Of Duties

JOB SUMMARY:
This position plans, organizes and provides students with disabilities ages 16-22 transitioning to and those currently in transition programming with appropriate learning activities, experiences and learning environments designed to develop focused and individualized transition skills. Supports the School/Building, School Board, District and State curriculum, policies, and initiatives for student achievement.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:
1. Develops, plans and strategizes a program of study that is based on and capitalizes on the learning needs of students and meets the individual needs, interests and abilities of the students; supports an environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the interns; employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media to engage the interns and provide an opportunity for participation that is consistent with the students’ needs, transition plans and individual skillsets.

2. Analyzes current and future interns work experience, performance and preferences indicated on various assessments, personal characteristics, and other factors to inform specially designed instruction and meaningful learning opportunities. Assesses the accomplishments for student growth on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required; maintains and issues appropriate grades to reflect level of student achievement; refers students for evaluation by District Specialists, as needed and required; provides guidance which will promote the students’ welfare, educational development, and citizenship.

3. Strives to implement pedagogical content knowledge, instruction, action and support, the District’s philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives; assists the administration in implementing all District policies and rules governing student life and conduct as outlined by the State criteria for teacher evaluation requirements; develops reasonable rules of learning environment behavior; encourages students to set and maintain standards of learning environment behavior; manages student behavior and maintains order in the learning environment in a fair and just manner; participates in the planning and evaluation of the school program(s) and the District’s curriculum and program development.

4. Develops norms for learning that reflect teacher knowledge of content; prepares learning opportunities for assigned learning environment and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of assigned Administrator; provides differentiated instruction and scaffolding of tasks; Performs job analysis techniques to determine job content, skills and abilities for students and conducts workshops for students in various job skill areas. Provides individualized and/or supplemental training to reduce employment barriers (i.e., mobility, grooming, dependability, social interaction and co-worker support); assists students with job acquisition skills and job application procedures.

5. Establishes and maintains open lines of communication with students, parents, colleagues and community members; makes provisions for being available to the students and to the parents for education-related purposes when required; conducts parent(s)/guardian(s) conferences and a variety of other meetings with District staff, parent(s)/guardian(s) and students to communicate student progress and interpret program rationale and each student’s educational, social and behavioral development. Fosters ongoing outreach and collaboration activities to public and private organizations to build partnerships with community partners.

6. Maintains accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, District policy and administrative regulations; utilizes multiple data elements (both formative assessment and summative) to plan, inform, provide other formative assessment opportunities by adjusting instruction; evaluates student learning and success criteria to modify and improve program effectiveness; uses the Washington State approved student growth rubrics for tracking student growth data.

7. Takes necessary and reasonable precautions to protect the students, equipment, materials and facilities; provides for and promotes the care and protection of students and school property; supervises students in lunchroom, in hallways, on school grounds, and in any program held at the school under School District sanction; effectively utilizes and provides access to the materials, resources and services of the community and the District to enhance students’ learning and teacher’s effectiveness.

OTHER JOB DUTIES


1. Maintains and updates knowledge and skills necessary for success in the position and improving professional competence by participating in professional development activities and training, as required, as needed or as assigned.

2. Attends staff meetings as called by the Administrators and serves on staff committees; supervises Educator Support Professional and other classroom office assistance as required; provides guidance and works with staff members in an appropriate manner.

3. Develops and maintains a professional and collegial relationships with colleagues; collaborates with peers and administrators to improve student learning; supports appropriate conduct and performance of job duties; adheres to Tacoma Public School Board policies; contributes to the development of new teachers and student teachers per District guidelines.

4. Maintains electronic files on latest curriculum guides; keeps updated on resources and methods and makes relevant changes to instructional plans and activities.

5. Performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis.

6. Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.

7. Collaborates with program administrator in placement of participants; interviews participants in program to determine needs, interests, and abilities.

8. Actively supports and guides transition planning with high school case managers, families and students.

9. Plans and attends community outings with students using public transportation.

10. Completes Special Education Case Management for students ages 18-22. Collaborates with agencies Tacoma Public Schools TEACHER, CBT Page 3 (DDA, DVR, supported employment vendors.) linked to transitions services.

CONDITIONS
Confined to work area; must secure substitute or leave only at assigned breaks; may be required to work with and defuse, if appropriate, difficult and sensitive situations and/or people; may have to be out in inclement weather to supervise students; may be exposed to high noise levels; possible outdoor work; travel to community-based sites; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree from accredited university with appropriate educational endorsement; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work.

Licenses/Special Requirements

Valid Washington State teaching certificate with Special Education endorsement. Completion of all District-required trainings, as assigned. Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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 various formative and summative assessments.
Knowledge and skill in instructional principles, methods and techniques.
Skill in obtaining, clarifying and exchanging information.
Skill in critical thinking and problem solving.
Skill in attention to detail.
Skill in learning environment management.
Skill in handling student discipline.
Skill in providing quality customer service.
Ability to plan, organize and coordinate activities.
Ability to multi-task, set priorities and meet deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the District.
Ability to use informational technology.
Ability to exercise critical thinking and use sound judgment.
Ability to be flexible and adaptable.
Ability to work with difficult and/or sensitive situations to provide appropriate resolutions.
Ability to serve as role model and treat students and colleagues as individuals in a professional and ethical manner.
Ability to adhere to all Tacoma Public School Board policies.
Ability to support the School/Building, School Board, District and State curriculum, policies and initiatives for student achievement.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable and regular attendance.
Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, bend, climb and/or be mobile.
Ability to travel throughout the District by means of private or public transportation.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multicultural, diverse socio-economic setting.

Supplemental Information

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. District administration has the exclusive right to alter this job description giving consideration to bargaining comment. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the primary functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload .

Tacoma Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
  • Civil Rights Coordinator: Renee Trueblood, 253-571-1252, civilrights@tacoma.k12.wa.us
  • Title IX Coordinator: Wayne Greer, 253-571-1191, wgreer@tacoma.k12.wa.us
  • 504 Coordinator, Elementary: Jennifer Herbold, 253-571-1096, jherbol@tacoma.k12.wa.us

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1357, Tacoma, WA 98401-1357.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Job Address

Tacoma, Washington United States View Map