What are the responsibilities and job description for the Teacher, Special Education position at Spectrum Academy - Pleasant Grove?
Description:
Spectrum Academy, recently awarded the 2025 Utah Public Charter School of the Year, is the premier charter school that specializes in working with students who are neurodivergent.
We are looking for SPED teachers to join us and help in either our Functional Skills classrooms in our STARS building (K-12 ) or our Secondary Learning Skills Classroom.
Functional Skills Classroom Description and Essential Job Functions:
Our functional skills classrooms are part of our self-contained classroom model. Students in this class are significantly delayed developmentally and academically. The teacher will be working mostly with behavior management systems and teaching based on the DLM Essential Elements for Core skills as well as functional skills and social skills. Special education severe license preferred; ARL/Emergency Licensure will be considered. Severe endorsement preferred, but Mild/Moderate endorsement may be considered with experience.
Job Responsibilities:
1.Teach students with disabilities the core content area(s) outlined in the USOE’s Core Curriculum, and adopted by the Board of Education, using research-based strategies and materials correlated with other approved learning activities and adjusted to suit each student’s needs (DLM Essential Elements).
2. Implements applied behavior analysis (ABA) based interventions in the classroom based on the STAR Program (Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research).
3. Develop lesson plans and instructional materials and provide individualized and small group instruction
4. Collect data on behaviors, task performance, IEP accommodations, goals etc.
5. Implement classroom management system and manage non-emergent behaviors within the classroom setting.
6. Train, supervise and support paraprofessionals in various classroom aspects, including instruction and behavior management.
7. Implement behavior intervention plans, and provide individualized behavior supports as necessary.
8. Assisting students with basic self-care tasks as necessary and appropriate.
9. Fosters a safe classroom climate conducive to learning.
10. Utilizes instructional management systems that increase student learning and maximize time on task.
11. Communicates effectively within the educational community and with parents on a regular basis.
12. Function as a member of the Special Education team by attending meetings and collaborating with other professionals
13. Maintains and upgrades professional skills.
14. Adjusts, modifies and differentiates curriculum and uses research-based methods of instruction to suit each student’s needs
15. Promotes and maintains positive pupil-teacher- parent relationships.
16. Adheres to the teacher code of conduct and school employee policies.
17. Performs other job related duties as assigned by the Principal or other administrators
18. Provide engaging, interactive lessons that will teach life skills students the abilities that they need to succeed in society.
19. Collaborates with other teachers and staff to provide inclusion options for students in academic and social environments.
20. Administer and score standardized assessments
21. Maintain student records as required by IDEA
22. Assure confidentiality of all students’ information
Qualifications/Requirements
Candidates must have a Special Education K-12 Endorsement in Mild/Moderate or Severe, or be enrolled in an ARL program working towards licensure.
A minimum of one-year experience implementing applied behavior analysis
A minimum of one-year experience working with children with autism
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS-- -Not limited to the following:
* While performing the duties of this job, the teacher is regularly required to speak and/or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The teacher is occasionally required to use hands to handle or feel and must occasionally climb or balance.
* The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
* Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.
* The teacher must be able to respond to the unique educational needs of students with disabilities in a stressful setting.
* This job may emphasize intervention with and management of aggressive and self-abusive students, angry students, emotional students, and personal physical abuse.
Compensation
Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Possible additional compensation: ESA of $10, 660.50 contingent on state funding, individual's current licensing status and good standing.
Learning Skills Classroom (currently 1 opening in Secondary):
Description: Our Learning Skills classroom is part of our student-supported classroom model. Students in this class demonstrate increased need for instruction regarding self-regulation skills and benefit from a learning environment that emphasizes positive behavior interventions. The teacher will be working mostly with behavior management systems and supporting classroom instruction in other academic areas as aligned with the Utah State Core Standards. A Special Education license or current enrollment in a SPED program is required.
Essential Functions/Requirements:
1-Lead a self-contained classroom for students with diverse learning needs.
2-Develop and implement engaging, differentiated lessons aligned with IEP goals.
3-Create and manage Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in compliance with school and state regulations.
4-Closely monitor student progress and adjust instruction as needed.
5-Collaborate effectively with the behavior team to implement and support students on BIPs.
6-Collaborate with the student’s general education teacher to provide support and create a cohesive learning experience.
7-Foster a positive, inclusive, and structured classroom environment.
8-Maintain open communication with students, parents, and colleagues.
9-Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance your skills.
10-Function as a member of the Special Education team by attending meetings and collaborating with other professionals
11-. Adheres to the teacher code of conduct and school employee policies.
12- Performs other job related duties as assigned by the Principal or other administrators
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS-- -Not limited to the following:
* While performing the duties of this job, the teacher is regularly required to speak and/or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The teacher is occasionally required to use hands to handle or feel and must occasionally climb or balance.
* The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
* Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.
* The teacher must be able to respond to the unique educational needs of students with disabilities in a stressful setting.
* This job may emphasize intervention with and management of aggressive and self-abusive students, angry students, emotional students, and personal physical abuse.
Qualifications/Requirements for Learning Skills listing
1- Active Utah Special Education Teaching License or current enrollment in a SPED program is required.
2-Experience working with students with diverse learning needs.
3-Strong understanding of differentiated instruction, IEP development, and behavior management.
4-Experience or willingness to learn and implement BIPs.
5-Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Reports to Building Principal
Compensation
Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Possible additional compensation: ESA of $10, 660.50 contingent on state funding, individual's current licensing status and good standing.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $50,216.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Physical Setting:
- Charter school
License/Certification:
- SPED license (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $50,216