Special Education Teacher (High School) ($3,000 Sign On Bonus)

Supervisor: Building Administrator
Contract Length: 190 days
Job Classification: Certified Teacher 
FLSA Status: Exempt

In the Fort Dodge Community School District, we are professional, high-performing team players focused on delivering the best possible learning experience for each one of our 3700 students. We respect diversity, value integrity, reward competitively, celebrate success and support employee growth and development. We aim to attract, develop and retain the best people as part of our Dodger family. 

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Principal, facilitate student success and growth in academic and interpersonal skills by implementing district approved curriculum, documenting student progress and outcomes, addressing specific educational needs of individual students and creating a flexible, safe and optimal learning environment. Provide feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations and goals.
All positions assigned 30 or more hours weekly (typically 6 hours daily) are eligible for a full benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance and paid leave. ?

Essential Functions 

• Leads the development of Individual Educational Plans for students. 

• Ensures compliance with all applicable laws and district policy for the identification, progress-monitoring and IEP development and implementation. 

• Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEP's and behavior management plans. 

• Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions

• Coordinates with administrators and teaching staff to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs.

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to make accommodations to instruction, curriculum and the learning environment to meet the learning needs of students.

• Coordinates, schedules and provides feedback to paraeducators.

• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective and timely communication with parents. 

• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe, engaging and conducive to individualized and small group instruction and student learning.

• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences.

• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.

• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by actively taking part in professional learning communities and other opportunities.

• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and laws.

• Coordinates with other professional staff members to evaluate and assess curriculum and participates in faculty meetings and committees.

• Selects and requisitions appropriate instructional materials and supplies and maintains inventory.

• Supervises students in activities that take place out of the classroom during the school day, including activities involving school transportation, lunch and recess.

• Administers standardized tests in accordance with district testing programs.

• Performs other duties, as assigned.

• Reliable work attendance is required. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field applicable to special education teaching.

• License issued by Iowa BoEE for special education teaching.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy enabling differentiation

• Knowledge of special education law, Department of Education requirements, and best practice.

• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.

• Ability to use computer network system, technology devices, and software applications.

• Ability to organize and coordinate work.

• Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, coworkers and the greater community.

• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others. 

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

It is the policy of Fort Dodge Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. If you have questions or grievances related to this policy, please contact Aaron Davidson, Executive Director Educational Services, 515-576-1161, adavidson@fdschools.org, located at Central Administration Office, 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, or contact the Office for Civil Rights Midwestern Division for U. S. Department of Education Office, John C. Kluczynski Federal Building 230 S. Dearborn St., 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604 (Alternate for Section 504 is Branwyn Greathouse, Director of Special Education/Special Needs, 515-574-5675, bgreathouse@fdschools.org, Central Administration Office, 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501). Affirmative Action Compliance Coordinator The District’s Compliance Coordinator for Affirmative Action is Kimberly Whitmore, Director of Human Resources, 515-576-1161, kwhitmore@fdschools.org, 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Physical/Sexual Abuse Reporting The District’s Designated Investigators of Physical/Sexual Abuse of Students by School EmployeesRoger Porter, Director of School Safety and Security, 515-576-1161,rporter@fdschools.org, located at Central Administration Office, 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. The alternate is Branwyn Greathouse, Director of Special Education/Special Needs, 515-574-5675, bgreathouse@fdschools.org, Central Administration Office, 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Harassment Complaints and Allegations The District’s Officers for Harassment Complaints and Allegations Roger Porter, Director of School Safety and Security, 515-576-1161,rporter@fdschools.org, located at Central Administration Office, 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Sex Discrimination and Harassment (Title IX) The District’s Coordinator for Sex Discrimination and Harassment is Roger Porter, Director of School Safety and Security, 515-576-1161,rporter@fdschools.org. The Deputy Coordinator is Kimberly Whitmore, Director of Human Resources. Both are located at Central Administration Office, 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. 

 Rev. 7/2023

Fort Dodge Community School District is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.