Behavior Teacher (26-27 School Year)

*** This position starts in the 26/27 School Year

Position Overview

Columbia School District is seeking an innovative, Special Education Teacher to build and lead a new district behavior support program from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity for a motivated professional to design, implement, and grow a program tailored to the needs of students with significant behavioral challenges. The selected candidate will start with a small caseload, allowing dedicated time to develop program infrastructure, systems, and curriculum before the program scales.

This position is ideal for a teacher who thrives with autonomy, has a vision for best-practice behavioral programming, and is passionate about creating environments where students with complex needs can achieve meaningful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Design & Development

• Design the structure, philosophy, and operational framework of the behavior support program
• Develop individualized and group programming aligned with evidence-based behavioral practices (ABA, PBIS, trauma-informed care)
• Create systems for data collection, progress monitoring, and program evaluation
• Establish environmental design and classroom setup that supports behavioral and academic goals
• Collaborate with administration to develop program policies, referral processes, and eligibility criteria

Instruction & Case Management

• Provide direct instruction to students with IEPs who have significant behavioral support needs
• Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) including present levels, measurable goals, accommodations, and services
• Write and oversee Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) grounded in Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)
• Maintain accurate and timely IEP documentation, progress reports, and required records
• Facilitate IEP team meetings and collaborate with parents, general education teachers, and related service providers

Behavioral Support & Crisis Management

• Implement proactive, preventative behavioral strategies across all settings
• Respond to and de-escalate crisis situations using approved, trauma-sensitive techniques
• Train and support paraprofessionals in behavioral strategies and program implementation
• Analyze behavioral data and adjust interventions based on student progress

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with building administrators, school psychologists, counselors, and related service staff
• Communicate regularly and professionally with families regarding student progress and program goals
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, IEP meetings, and district-level special education planning
• Support transition planning for students moving between programs or grade levels

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Washington state teaching license/certification in Special Education (required)
• Demonstrated experience working with students with behavioral, emotional, or conduct-related disabilities
• Experience with Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)
• Working knowledge of IDEA, IEP development, and special education law
• Experience implementing or supporting PBIS, ABA principles, or structured behavioral frameworks

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building or leading a behavior support program, alternative program, or specialized classroom
• Training or certification in crisis intervention (e.g., CPI, NCI, MANDT)
• Experience with autism spectrum disorder, emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD), or students with co-occurring needs
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and restorative approaches
• Experience coaching or mentoring paraprofessionals or support staff
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Special Education Teacher
• Graduate coursework or endorsement in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or related field

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time, push or pull 18-26 lbs., sit, kneel and crouch, twist and bend, use hands to type, finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arm.

Sense: The employee is required to talk/hear conversations and other sounds. The employee must be able to communicate effectively in person and over the telephone. The employee is required to taste and smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, far vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Lifting: The employee must be able to lift or move up to 10 lbs. regularly and occasionally up to 26 lbs; must also be able to lift overhead. The employee may be required to physically move quickly in an emergency or while performing student supervision duties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Hazards: While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to work outdoors in a wide variety of temperatures; from -10 degrees F to 100 degrees F . The employee may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in this work environment is moderate.

**COMPLETION OF SAFE SCHOOLS WEB BASED TRAINING IS REQUIRED AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT**

*additional compensation possible based on qualifications and/or experience*

For employee benefits and salaries please see our district website at: 

https://www.csd400.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1130407&type=d&pREC_ID=2402692

Columbia School District #400 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX Officer, Tavis Crittenden, 787Maple Street, Burbank, WA  99323, 509-545-8573, tavis.crittenden@csd400.org , ADA/Section 504 Coordinator, Mike Taylor, 835 Maple Street, Burbank, WA  99323, 509-545-8571, mike.taylor@csd400.org and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Jillian Robillard, 977 Maple Street, Burbank, WA  99323, 509-547-9393, jillian.robillard@csd400.org.

Salary : $62,426 - $117,662