Teacher, Special Education (FLS, Elementary)

About: The Functional Living Skills (FLS) Program provides evidence-based instructional practices in the areas of functional academics, communication, motor, adaptive, social emotional, medical, health, behavioral and vocational training to students with significant disabilities. Staff has extensive training in the area of Autism. The FLS program prioritizes meaningful connection and expression, ensuring that each student's specific communication system or alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) device is accessible and embedded across all activities to foster student voice and agency. Recognizing that communication and behavior are deeply intertwined, the program provides proactive positive behavior intervention services, including Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs) and Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) for students, in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Services are provided in component school districts in order to provide the least restrictive environment (LRE) as possible.
 
Department: Student Services
Program: Functional Living Skills (FLS)

Work Location: Shaver Elementary School
Reports to: Program Administrator
Classification/Range: Licensed Represented
Schedule: 190 days per year
Start Date: August 17, 2026

 

Salary and Labor Relations agreements can be found here.
*The listed salary reflects the salary table for 26-27 SY and will be updated to reflect the agreed upon salary upon ratification of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

 

POSITION PURPOSE: 
Provides instructional services for students who require special education to meet their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) objectives. The students may have significant adaptive, cognitive, communication, motor, and behavioral challenges. Disabilities range from moderate to severe, and service categories may include Other Health Impairment, Autism, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Visual Impairment, Orthopedic Impairment. Services are provided in self-contained settings and placements, allowing the least restrictive environment options for students to be included in regular education or community access opportunities. You will have the opportunity to team teach with Related Servcies Staff in an engaging, small classroom environment.
 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Plan and implement a quality instructional program for students with disabilities, monitor daily student progress, and collect student data; 
• Provide daily instruction for students with disabilities.
• Write Individual Educational Programs (IEPs) that meet legal requirements.
• Design, create, and implement curriculum through a social justice lens.
• Write instructional plans, record student performance, and modify instruction as needed.
• Report student progress according to program procedures.
• Establish and maintain appropriate student behavior.
• Direct educational and classroom activities, including leading adult staff working in the classroom.
• Work with staff, administration, and other agency personnel to establish an effective academic program. 
• Communicate cooperatively with parents, students, colleagues, building personnel, supervisors, community members, and others to address individual student needs.
• Implement program-adopted crisis prevention/intervention strategies, including de-escalating procedures and physical interventions to avoid injuries.
• Maintain records, and meet timelines.
• Adhere to the school building, district, and Multnomah ESD policies and procedures
• Be culturally competent
• Demonstrate a commitment to the MESD Equity Initiative by developing a thorough knowledge and application of the district Racial Educational Equity Policy and other board policies.
• Participate in staff development, in-services, and training related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and in K – 12 education; model appropriate behaviors; develop, recommend and implement improvements to human resources practices with awareness and understanding of their impact on a racially and culturally diverse community.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Supervisor or indicated to ensure students' physical and emotional well-being.

 
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: 

• Daily and consistent attendance and punctuality
• Positive attitude regarding students with disabilities and their families

 
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES: 
ENVIRONMENT: Duties are typically performed in a comprehensive school setting. May be designated in an alternative work setting using computer-based equipment to perform duties.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Must be able to hear and speak to exchange information; see to perform assigned duties; sit or stand for long periods of time;possess dexterity of hands and fingers to operate computer and other office equipment; kneel, bend at the waist, and reach overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, to retrieve and store files; lift objects up to 50 pounds. All requirements are subject to modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.
 
 
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s Degree and an ability to obtain a restricted teaching license in Special Education; those who presently hold a teaching license from the Oregon Teachers Standards and Practices Commision (TSPC) with a Special Education Endorsement are encouraged to apply.
 
EQUIVALENCY: Our basic requirements are that you have an undergraduate degree and the desire to earn a master’s degree in your first two years of work, while you are on a restricted license to be a full-time special education teacher.

A combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and experience in developing and writing Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) that meet legal requirements, assessment procedures, and adherence to federal and state regulations for students with disabilities. Experience providing instruction in urban settings, working with diverse students, multicultural instruction methods, and strong behavior intervention and classroom management skills. 
 
 
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, vacation, sick leave and personal time off
• 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.