Full-Time: 185 Day Contract
Contract Start Date: August 2025
Monday - Friday
Salary: $51,250 minimum - $83,758 maximum base Benefits

JOB DESCRIPTION

Laramie County School District #1

Program for Adaptive Living Skills (PALS) Teacher

Purpose Statement

The job of Program For Adaptive Living Skills (PALS) Teacher is done for the purpose/s of providing adapted/accommodated grade level academics and age appropriate living skills to students on IEPs with severe cognitive disabilities and/or profound physical limitations; providing for the supervision and instruction of severely special needs students; observing and documenting student progress; implementing plans for instruction; and assisting students by providing for special health care needs.

This job reports to the Building Principal.

Essential Functions

• Adapts grade level academics and/or appropriate living skill materials for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives and the IEP.
• Administers developmental testing programs, subject specific assessments, etc. for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and/or developing individual educational plans.
• Administers immediate first aid and medical assistance as instructed by a health care professional (e.g. diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication, etc.) for the purpose of meeting immediate health care needs and/or developing children's daily living activities and behavioral skills. Attends meetings, workshops, professional development activities and in-service presentations (e.g. first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, current best practices, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
• Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents and a variety of community resources for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives, and meeting IEP objectives.
• Communicates with professional personnel and parents/guardians (e.g. teachers, parents, counselors and/or participates in IEP meetings, etc.) for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Directs student teachers, paraprofessionals, volunteers and/or student workers for the purpose of providing effective classroom programs, addressing the needs of individual students and maintaining equitable schedules.
• Instructs and monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. lunch, bus stops, playground, classroom, field trips, public transportation, assemblies, kitchen, classroom, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment and meeting the requirements of the IEP.
• Maintains instructional materials and/or manual and electronic files/records for the purpose of ensuring availability of items, providing written reference, and/or meeting mandated requirements.
• Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment. Meets with a team of school professionals, parents, and other involved persons for the purpose of developing an IEP that will promote growth in students, living skills and academic areas.
• Participates in the development and implementation of IEP goals for the purpose of meeting IEP goals and/or District benchmarks as well as meeting District, State, and Federal guidelines.
• Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. grades, advancement in IEP objectives, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements.
• Provides quality instruction, support, care, and supervision (e.g. transfer, shower, change diapers, feed with tubes, administer medicine, perform motor programs, etc.) for the purpose of helping students safely learn academics and life skills in a healthy environment.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/ behavior.

ABILITY is required to schedule a significant number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working with constant interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to significantly impact the organization's services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 34% sitting, 33% walking, and 33% standing. The job is performed in a generally hazard free environment.

Experience: Job related experience is required.

Education: Bachelors degree in job-related area.

Equivalency Required Testing

Certificates: Appropriate Wyoming State Department of Education Certificate, endorsement and Highly Qualified Status

Continuing Educ./Training: Current MANDT Certification

Clearances: Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

Salary : $51,250 - $83,758