Teacher, Special Education (Aspire) - Elementary

Starting 2025-2026

FTE 1.0

Current salary shown here: 2025-2026  Salary Matrix.  Exempt, benefits-eligible, 187 days 8 holidays 4 personal days.  This position is under the Teacher's Retirement System.

Internal Screening Begins 3/11/2025

Open Until Filled

The ASPIRE Program supports students whose Individual Education Plans (IEPs) outline the need for a small, selfcontained classroom setting. The focus in ASPIRE is to provide a safe, small group learning environment, where students can learn and practice social, emotional, and behavioral strategies and increase their coping and regulation skills. We believe that when students’ emotional needs are met, they can access their education, learn, and thrive academically. Ultimately, the goal for each student in ASPIRE is to gain the skills and strategies necessary to successfully reintegrate back into their least restrictive environment.

Job Responsibilities:

• Teaches students with disabilities following an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in a variety of educational settings.
• Designs and implements Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for eligible students with disabilities.
• Meets the diverse needs of students in the classroom by providing an appropriate learning environment.
• Provides quality instruction by using effective lesson plan development, instructional strategies, and research based instructional programs.
• Establishes effective classroom management, safety procedures, behavior expectations, and individualized positive behavior management plans.
• Works cooperatively, collaboratively, and establishes positive relationships with colleagues, parents, and guardians of students.
• Maintains and manages a special education case load of approximately 20-25 students. Duties include maintaining a confidential file for each student in accordance with the Administrative Rules of Montana and the Special Education Department.
• Participates in school and district professional development activities.
• Attends building and district meetings as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the building principal which may include, but are not limited to the following: monitor hallways, monitor school activities, and conduct parent teacher conferences.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Understands Special Education process and procedures.
• Skill in completing special education eligibility assessments.
• Ability to implement standard based instruction, assessment and grading.
• Skill in the use of technology to enhance instruction and communication.
• Ability to work as a contributing member of effective teaching teams.
• Ability to maintain effective professional relationships with staff, students, and parents.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Skill, dedication and aptitude for working with students.
• Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with people with a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain student confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain regular and acceptable attendance levels.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education; AND,
• State of Montana Educator license with appropriate endorsement(s) in Special Education (K-12).

Preferred Qualifications vary by position, but may include:

• Thorough knowledge of Montana Administrative Rules and Regulations in special education
• Training in Crisis Prevention Intervention
• Training and experience teaching students with significant social, emotional and behavioral deficits
• Experience serving students with disabilities in an elementary school setting.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand on feet for extended periods of time, stoop, bend, lift, and carry items up to 40 pounds.