This is for a 1.0 FTE Learning Specialist/Special Education Teacher at Hood River Valley High School. This position will begin with the 2024/25 school year.

Application Process:

Current District Regular and Temporary Employees:

Submit your interest letter in TalentEd/Recruit & Hire.

External Applicants (Including Substitutes and District Coaches):

Submit an electronic application through TalentEd/Recruit & Hire (link on District website or click here https://hoodriver.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx)

• Include a letter of interest, addressed to Jim Donnelly, HRVHS Assistant Principal;
• Three (3) recent letters of reference, or provide the names and contact information for three (3) professional references;
• Current resume;
• Copy of License or proof of licensure, if not on file with the District Office.
  Note: Official college transcripts will be required upon hire, if not already on file at the District Office.

All materials need to be included in your TalentEd/Recruit & Hire application.

HRVHS Learning Specialist (Special Education Teacher)

Job Purpose Statement: The job of “Teacher - Special Education” is done for the purpose of facilitating Special Education student success in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living through implementing District approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing specific needs of students; providing a safe and optimal learning environment, placement and maintenance of students on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc.

The ideal candidate will work to create a vibrant learning community for students needing special education support. Establish positive relationships with students, parents, and staff. Educate the whole child academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Flexibly provide instruction to students either in the general education setting or in a special education setting depending on the individual needs of the student. Use a variety of assessments to understand student learning to inform instruction and annual goals. Demonstrate a commitment to improving instructional practices, creating more inclusive cultures, and increasing student voice. Collaborate with general education teachers, instructional assistants, teaching specialists, administration, and parents to create and implement cohesive individualized educational plans. Communicate progress around student learning.

Essential Job Functions:

• Adapts lessons for the purpose of implementing the IEP goals and meeting the special needs of students.
• Evaluate student’s abilities and performance (e.g. behavioral, motor development, communication academic, vocational etc.) for the purpose of establishing eligibility under Individuals with Disabilities Act (I.D.E.A) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, setting educational goals, determining placement and evaluating student progress.
• Collaborates with school personnel, agencies and community agencies (e.g. social service agencies, caretakers, etc.) for the purpose of developing and modifying the program to maximize the quality of student outcomes.
• Develops and maintains Individualized Education Plans (IEP) on each student served for the purpose of compliance with IDEA and state regulations.
• Directs instructional assistants, volunteers and/or student aides for the purpose of providing an effective school program and addressing the needs of individual students.
• Instructs students with individualized special needs for the purpose of developing appropriate academic, interpersonal and daily living skills through a defined course of study.
• Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and an optimal learning environment.
• Maintains consistent and predictable attendance to meet the requirements of the district and the needs of the position.
• Convenes, chairs and documents the activity of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), IEP team and Placement Team for the purpose of providing a free, appropriate public education to the student and maintaining compliance with IDEA and state regulations.
• Creates and maintains student special education files in accordance with district direction for the purpose of maintaining compliance with IDEA and state regulations.
• Prepares teaching materials and reports (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) for the purpose of implementing lesson plans and providing documentation of teacher and student progress.
• Reports incidents (e.g. fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and following district and/or school policies.

Other Job Functions:

• Administers medication, first aid, personal hygiene and/or health care requirements as may be required for the purpose of providing care, treatment and/or monitoring for medical conditions of students.
• Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
• Participates in various meetings (e.g. parent conferences, in-service training, site meetings, etc.) for the purpose of receiving and/or providing information and/or meeting credential requirements.
• Updates job knowledge as needed by participating in inservices and staff development offerings.
• Other related duties as directed.

Job Requirements - Qualifications:

Experience

• Experience working with students with special needs in a structured learning center setting preferred.
• Training and experience working with IEPs and behavior plans. 

Skills, Knowledge and/or Abilities Required

• Skills to motivate students, communicate with individuals from varied educational and cultural backgrounds, direct support personnel, evaluate performance, address student health care needs. 
• Knowledge of special education disabilities, age appropriate teaching methods, state curriculum framework. 
• Abilities to stand and walk for prolonged periods, perform a variety of specialized and responsible tasks, maintain records, establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, parents, and other school personnel, and meet scheduling deadlines. Significant physical abilities include lifting/carrying, stooping/crouching, reaching/handling/fingering, talking/hearing conversations, and near/far visual acuity/depth perception/color vision/field of vision.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are preferred but not required. 

Licenses Required

• Valid Oregon Teaching License with a Special Education endorsement, or the ability to readily obtain by the time the position begins in August, 2024.

Testing/Background Check Required

Any offer of employment made by Hood River County School District to an external candidate is contingent upon satisfactory results of: 

• Drug screening tests for any illegal drug or substance classified in Schedules I through V under the Federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 811 to 812. This includes, but is not limited to, marijuana, mind-altering substances or narcotic drugs such as hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, or any other illegal drug or controlled substance, except those federally recognized as legally prescribed by a physician and used as directed.
• Post offer physical abilities assessment.
• Nationwide criminal history verification - a background check for any convictions directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the position. Unless otherwise required by law, only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the applicant from employment.

The salary range listed is for the 2024/25 school year. Learning Specialists also receive a $2,500 Special Education stipend.

HOOD RIVER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Disabled persons may contact Hood River County School District at 541/387-5016 for additional information or assistance. Speech or hearing-impaired persons may contact Hood River County School District for assistance through the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 1-800-735-2900.