Description
Helemano Elementary School is located in Whitmore Village in Wahiawa, Hawaii, within the central upland plateau of O'ahu. The campus is surrounded by a scenic view of the Waianae mountain range and prime agricultural land.
Helemano Elementary School is a collaborative community where teachers work to support one another. An extensive induction and mentoring program has been established to assist any new staff members with the transition to the school and profession.
Job Overview:
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated special education preschool teacher to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in early childhood education with a focus on special needs education. As a special education preschool teacher, you will be responsible for creating and implementing individualized educational plans to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities in a preschool setting. You will work closely with a team of educators, therapists, and parents to provide a supportive and nurturing environment where every child can thrive and achieve to their highest potential.
Responsibilities:
* Individualized Instruction: Develop and implement individualized educational programs (IEPs) for each student based on their unique strengths, challenges, and learning goals.
* Curriculum Development: Design and adapt curriculum materials, activities, and instructional strategies to accommodate the diverse learning styles and needs of students with disabilities.
* Classroom Management: Create a positive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes learning, independence, and social-emotional development. Utilize effective behavior
management techniques and interventions as needed.
* Collaboration: Collaborate with other educators, therapists, support staff, and parents to ensure coordinated and comprehensive support for students with special needs. Participate in IEP
meetings, parent conferences, and team discussions to review progress and set goals.
* Assessment and Progress Monitoring: Conduct ongoing assessments to evaluate student progress and adjust instruction accordingly. Keep detailed records of student performance, behavior,
and achievements.
* Differentiated Instruction: Differentiate instruction and adapt teaching strategies to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities, including those with physical, cognitive, emotional, or
sensory impairments.
* Professional Development: Stay current with best practices, research, and trends in special education and early childhood education. Participate in professional development opportunities to
enhance skills and knowledge.
Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
* State teaching certification/license in Special Education (Pre-K to Grade 3).
* Experience working with young children with disabilities in an educational setting.
* Knowledge of early childhood development, learning theories, and evidence-based instructional practices.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, parents, and other stakeholders.
* Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for working with children with special needs.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional ethics and standards.
If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young children with special needs and are dedicated to providing high-quality education and support, we encourage you to apply for the special education preschool teacher position.
Minimum Qualifications
The Hawaii State Department of Education is committed to hiring highly qualified teachers in every classroom. With the exception of designated Career and Technology Education (CTE) positions, the minimum qualification to apply for a teacher, librarian or counselor position is a Bachelor's Degree.
If you are hired without completing a Teacher's Education Program, you have a maximum of 3 years to obtain a valid Hawaii teaching license. You must enroll in a Program to continue employment with the Department. Within each year of employment, you must satisfactorily demonstrate active pursuit towards meeting Hawaii licensing requirements, as set forth by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB). It is your responsibility to ensure the program you have enrolled is aligned with the teaching line you are hired in.
Upon hire you will need to have a valid Hawaii teaching license or Emergency Hire Permit. You may apply for your Hawaii teaching license on the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board Website (https://hawaiiteacherstandardsboard.org/).
Supplemental Information
Please visit www.teachinhawaii.org to review the eligibility requirements for all bonuses, differentials, and initial salary placement. To obtain a Hawaii Teaching License, which is required to receive any salary differentials, please apply with the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board at www.hawaiiteacherstandardsboard.org.
For more information about this school, please visit their website at:
Certificated 10-Month Teachers enjoy a range of competitive benefits:

• Compensation: 10-month teachers shall be compensated for the applicable Bargaining Unit 05 10-month salary schedule for working a 10-month work year. Salaries, Benefits, and Support - Teach in Hawaii
• 18 Days of Paid Sick Leave and State/Federal Holidays: 10-month teachers receive 18 days of paid sick leave (of which 6 can be utilized for personal and/or professional development purposes) during the school year provided that all conditions under the respective collective bargaining agreement are met.
• Health Insurance: If eligible, the State pays a part of the premiums for each employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Adult Dental Plan. For more information, please visit the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund | Home to see premiums and contributions for Bargaining Unit 05 members.
• Group Life Insurance: The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees and retirees.
• Premium Conversion Plan: Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex (nbsbenefits.com) This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis.
• Retirement Plan: The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees with at least 10 years of credited service and who have reached 62 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and are 55 years old may retire and receive benefits. For more information, please visit ERS (ehawaii.gov)
• Tax Shelter Annuity (TSA): If eligible, Department employees are able to participate in a tax shelter annuity program. The TSA plan allows eligible employees to contribute pre-tax dollars to an employee-selected investment service provider authorized to provide TSA products.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers employees a tax deferred (sheltered) retirement investment program. This program is an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several investment options are available.
• Temporary Disability Insurance: Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.
• Social Security: As an employer, the State also contributes to an employee's social security account.
• Workers' Compensation: If an employee is injured while on the job, benefits covering medical expenses and partial wage support may be available through workers' compensation.
• Union & Collective Bargaining: Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. 12-Month Teachers are represented by the Hawaii State Teachers Association. More information can be found at by visiting the HSTA.

The above is intended as a general summary of the benefits offered and is subject to change. This does not constitute a contract or binding agreement. Benefits vary by type of employment appointment and collective bargaining agreements.