Special Education Teacher - Strat II: ID (Alan Shepard Elementary)

North Scott Schools is looking to hire a Special Education Teacher at Alan Shepard Elementary School.

BEGINNING: 2026-2027 School Year

QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Iowa Teacher Certificate 
2. Instructional Strategist II: ID (264) or the ability to obtain this endorsement

REPORTS TO: Building Principal 

JOB GOAL: To devise and implement programs for students who have disabilities that prevent them from learning through traditional methods. 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities, in collaboration with parents/guardians, other teachers, and support staff.
2. Assess students’ abilities and create instructional plans tailored to their individual needs and learning styles.
3. Demonstrate ability in interpreting behavior assessments, Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention plans and data for the purpose of creating behavior plans as well as student safety plans.
4. Adapt and/or modify curriculum materials and teaching strategies to accommodate students with diverse learning needs and abilities.
5. Provide direct instruction in academic subjects, life skills, and social-emotional development.
6. Utilize assistive technology and specialized equipment to support student learning.
7. Monitor and track student progress, and adjust instruction as needed to ensure students are making meaningful gains.
8. Collaborate with general education teachers and support staff to promote inclusion and support the needs of students with disabilities in the general education setting.
9. Communicate regularly with parents and guardians to discuss student progress, concerns, and goals.
10. Effectively facilitate IEP meetings; participate in collaborative teams to promote student achievement.
11. Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of student progress, IEP goals, and related paperwork.
12. Stay current on best practices and trends in special education, and participate in professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
13. Ensure a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students.
14. Maintain ongoing communication with teachers and other student support personnel to ensure IEPs are implemented with fidelity.
15. Meet all Iowa Teaching Standards (outlined below) 
16. Perform other duties as assigned.

Standard 1 

Demonstrates ability to enhance academic performance and support for 

implementation of the school district’s student achievement goals. 

Criteria 

The teacher: 

1. Provides multiple forms of evidence of student learning and growth to students, families, and staff. 
2. Implements strategies supporting student, building, and district goals. 
3. Uses student performance data as a guide for decision making. 
4. Accepts and demonstrates responsibility for creating a classroom culture that supports the learning of every student. 
5. Creates an environment of mutual respect, rapport, and fairness. 
6. Participates in and contributes to a school culture that focuses on improved student  learning. 
7. Communicates with students, families, colleagues, and communities effectively and accurately. 

Standard 2 

Demonstrates competence in content knowledge appropriate to the teaching position. 

Criteria 

The teacher: 

1. Understands and uses key concepts, underlying themes, relationships, and different  perspectives related to the content area. 
2. Uses knowledge of student development to make learning experiences in the content area meaningful and accessible for every student. 
3. Relates ideas and information within and across content areas. 
4. Understands and uses instructional strategies that are appropriate to the content area. 

Standard 3 

Demonstrates competence in planning and preparing for instruction. 

Criteria 

The teacher: 

1. Uses student achievement data, local standards, and the district curriculum in planning for instruction.
2. Sets and communicates high expectations for social, behavioral, and academic success of all students. 
3. Uses student’s developmental needs, backgrounds, and interests in planning for  instruction. 
4. Selects strategies to engage all students in learning. 
5. Uses available resources, including technologies, in the development and sequencing of instruction. 

Standard 4 

Uses strategies to deliver instruction that meets the multiple learning needs of students. 

Criteria 

The teacher: 

1. Aligns classroom instruction with local standards and district curriculum. 
2. Uses research-based instructional strategies that address the full range of cognitive levels. 
3. Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness in adjusting instruction to meet student needs. 
4. Engages students in varied experiences that meet diverse needs and promote social, emotional, and academic growth. 
5. Connects students’ prior knowledge, life experiences, and interests in the instructional process. 
6. Uses available resources, including technologies, in the delivery of instruction. 

Standard 5 

Uses a variety of methods to monitor student learning. 

Criteria 

The teacher: 

1. Aligns classroom assessment with instruction. 
2. Communicates assessment criteria and standards to all students and parents. 
3. Understands and uses the results of multiple assessments to guide planning and instruction. 
4. Guides students in goal setting and assessing their own learning. 
5. Provides substantive, timely, and constructive feedback to students and parents. 
6. Works with other staff and building and district leadership in analysis of student progress. 

Standard 6 

Demonstrates competence in classroom management. 

Criteria 

The teacher: 

1. Creates a learning community that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement, and self-regulation for every student. 
2. Establishes, communicates, models, and maintains standards of responsible student behavior. 
3. Develops and implements classroom procedures and routines that support high expectations for student learning. 
4. Uses instructional time effectively to maximize student achievement. 
5. Creates a safe and purposeful learning environment. 

Standard 7 

Engages in professional growth. 

Criteria 

The teacher: 

1. Demonstrates habits and skills of continuous inquiry and learning. 
2. Works collaboratively to improve professional practice and student learning. 
3. Applies research, knowledge, and skills from professional development opportunities to improve practice. 
4. Establishes and implements professional development plans based upon the teacher’s needs aligned to the Iowa teaching standards and district/building student achievement goals. 
5. Provides an analysis of student learning and growth based on teacher created tests and authentic measures as well as any standardized and district-wide tests. 

 Standard 8 

Fulfills professional responsibilities established by the school district. 

Criteria 

The teacher: 

1. Adheres to board policies, district procedures, and contractual obligations. 
2. Demonstrates professional and ethical conduct as defined by state law and district policy. 
3. Contributes to efforts to achieve district and building goals. 
4. Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for all learners and staff. 
5. Collaborates with students, families, colleagues, and communities to enhance student learning.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The noise level in the work environment is variable. The position requires the commitment of professional working hours that may require the employee to extend beyond workday. The employee will frequently work in different areas of the classroom including in/at desks, on or near the floor, standing, in movement while supervising indoor and outdoor activities, etc. The employee will usually work in indoor temperatures but will work outdoors when supervising students outside of the classroom. The information contained in this job description is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individual holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.