Position: Special Education Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)

Department: Student Services 

Reports to: Senior Program Administrator for Student Services

Classification/Range: Licensed, Represented

Schedule: .8 FTE (Four days per school week); 8 hours per day

POSITION PURPOSE: 

Responsible for providing leadership in staff training and support in the area of curriculum, teaching and social skill development for students, efficient support for Oregon Department of Education (ODE) mandated procedural compliance requirements including the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and of other associated special education state, district, and or student related paperwork.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Attend placement, eligibility, and IEP meetings for certain classrooms within school sites (e.g. transition, referral, intake, or exit).
2. Provide procedural compliance support to all classrooms on a daily basis.
3. Provide procedural compliance guidance and professional development through one to one or small group training opportunities at least twice a month in schools or at the district.
4. Attend professional development at the district and state level as assigned by the Principal.
5. Periodically, at a minimum of twice a year, review student IEP files for assigned classrooms.
6. Effectively support teachers in their classrooms by problem solving teacher questions; researching legal guidelines (IDEA 2004) and providing technical assistance with MESD required paperwork.
7. Assist in writing, revising, and updating IEPs and behavioral plans as requested by Principal.
8. Serve as a resource to staff on best practice instructional strategies, curriculum scope and sequence, use of curriculum, or instructional data reviews.
9. Observe students and make recommendations to teachers on student needs in relation to prescriptive instructional methodologies or curricular classroom materials that are evidenced based and aligned to state standards.
10. Serve as a contact person for individual student or parent needs at the request of the Principal.
11. Assist schools with maintaining and monitoring files in relation to Oregon Department of Education’s document review process (SPR&I) and procedural paperwork processes.
12. Assist teams in their pre-planning process for procedural paperwork.
13. Communicate effectively and collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders (e.g. staff, related services staff, principal, parents, students, building level staff, LEA reps).
14. Effectively facilitate small and large group meetings.
15. Adhere to MESD and school policies and procedures.
16. Perform additional related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES:

Equity: Lead and support regional equity initiatives

Vision: Lead with vision, follow-through and student focus. 

Trust: Develop trust among coworkers and students through honesty and fairness. 

Communication: Communicate in an inclusive, effective and collaborative manner. 

Personal Qualities: Be respectful, excel in customer service, caring, humble and courageous. 

Agency-wide perspective: Be involved in and supportive of continuous overall improvement of MESD programs and services.

Attendance: Daily and consistent attendance and puncuality are paramount as this provides consistency and alignment with students, peers and programming outcomes. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES: 

Knowledge of current Federal/State special education law (IDEA 2004).

Experience performing classroom assessments (e.g. State/Curriculum Based).

Basic word processing skills.

Effective and collaborative communication skills.

Valid First Aid Card and CPR card.

Valid driver’s license with a personal form of transportation. A driving record that is acceptable to MESD standards including a valid insurance carrier.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Preliminary or Professional Teaching License with a Special Education Endorsement or Personnel Services License in Oregon.
• Minimum of five years experience and training in special education, IEP planning, writing, and implementation as well as experience with instructional planning, design, and implementation in grades K-Post Secondary.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Persons with certain disabilities may be capable of performing the essential duties of this class with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on the nature of the disability. 

Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with public contact and frequent interruptions. 

BENEFITS: 

• District pays full medical, dental and vision premiums for eligible employees and dependents

• Two medical insurance plan options: 
• Group Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Opt-Out option
• MESD pays employee’s 6% Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) contribution

• Paid holidays, sick leave and personal time off and vacation
• Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development 

This position is subject to board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations and applicable state and federal statutes. This position does not carry administrative authority. All commitments outside of authorized programs and services are subject to prior approval by the supervisor of this position.

NOTE: The description contained herein reflects general details as necessary to describe the principle 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 to balance the workload.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

MESD recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of MESD that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, age, veterans status, genetic information or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment. 

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. Individuals with disabilities may contact the Human Resources Director for additional information or assistance. Speech/Hearing impaired persons may contact the district for assistance through the Oregon telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.