Special Education Teacher (2025-2026)

We are seeking a special education teacher to facilitate engaging instruction in an constructivist, arts-integrated elementary learning environment that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their full potential academically and socially. 

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The Academy for Integrated Arts (AFIA) is an innovative, arts integrated school. Our school community is reflective, dedicated and caring. The unique vision of AFIA embraces arts instruction integrated into the core curriculum as a meaningful part of what students do every day. At AFIA, the arts serve as a catalyst for learning, achievement, curiosity and self-esteem. 

Additionally, instruction is from a strong constructivist viewpoint and is delivered with developmentally appropriate practices. AFIA is a fantastic community in which to work with an emphasis on teacher leadership. AFIA is a true learning community, as everyone in the building, from students to staff engage in reflective, meaningful learning on a daily basis. To learn more, go to www.afiakc.org.

Teachers of AFIA:

• Demonstrate a commitment to teaching students who are traditionally underserved
• Value the power of school in changing and improving children’s lives by constructing student-centered learning opportunities
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and an ability to create a classroom environment in which all students and community members feel a sense of belonging
• Have a strong understanding of and ability to implement constructivism
• Value the presence and the voice of students’ families as partners in the school
• Engage in powerful, productive partnerships with families and students to ensure that instruction meets the needs of all students

Essential skills, duties and responsibilities:

• Plan, prepare and deliver lessons that facilitate active, student-centered learning based on the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP).
• Collaborate with general education teachers to co-plan, co-deliver, and individualize instruction 
• Assess the needs of students and support students in their educational goals as determined by the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).
  
• Provide individual and small group push-in or pull-out instruction as indicated in the student's IEP
  
• Collaborate with other staff, general education teachers, support staff, and administrators in advocating for student needs
• Build a positive classroom community and effectively manage student behaviors 
• Invest in students’ well-being and build productive, positive relationships with students and their families
• Develop a vision for student success and carry-out that vision through high-quality instruction
• Provide appropriate timely feedback to students and their families  
• Maintain accurate documentation of students’ progress and development utilizing established systems 
• Collaborate with colleagues and families in meeting needs of all students

• Have excellent communication skills
• Be able to work collaboratively with others in a team environment
• Be a reflective practitioner with a strong personal commitment to ongoing learning and growth
• Be willing to grow in the ability to implement the arts throughout the curriculum
• Collaborate with the art/music teachers and community partners to integrate arts across the curriculum
• Demonstrate ethical behavior, including understanding the importance of confidentiality of information about students and teachers in the school environment and community
• Embrace feedback and participate in continual, intensive job-embedded professional development 
• Demonstrate an excellent work ethic, flexibility and positive attitude

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree 
• Hold or be eligible to hold the appropriate certification 

Salary and Benefits:

• Starting salary for certified, first year teachers: $50,000
• Benefits package including medical benefits
• Kansas City Public School Retirement System
• Ongoing, intensive, job-embedded professional development
• Unique opportunities to engage in team teaching and specific professional learning such as arts integrated professional development

Start Date: August 1, 2025
Application Deadline:  The position will remain open until filled.
To Apply:  Submit resume or curriculum vitae, brief cover letter and 3 references via Bamboo HR 

Questions about the position can be directed to the Executive Director, Tricia DeGraff at tricia.degraff@afiakc.org.