HS THERAPEUTIC CLASSROOM TEACHER

High School Therapeutic Classroom Teacher

The Washington Community School District is looking for a dynamic, flexible, and caring individual to fill the position of therapeutic classroom teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. 

Interested applicants should submit letter of application, resume with references, and any other supportive documents to support their candidacy to Ed Rathjen at erathjen@washington.k12.ia.us.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Master's degree preferred. 
2. Special Education endorsement. 
3. General knowledge of behavior management strategies preferred.  Experience working with diverse populations.  Ability to use cultural knowledge to enhance student learning.
4. A self-starter with a willingness to receive certification in Safety Cares and additional training as necessary.  Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the District may find appropriate and acceptable. 
5. 5 years experience in education preferred.   

REPORTS TO: Principal of the High School

This position is responsible for providing comprehensive educational services in compliance with Navigating Emotions and Stress Through Teaching (NESTT) program guidelines, policies and procedures for children who have an identified Social-Emotional-Behavioral Health (SEBH) and/or special education need. The Therapeutic Classroom Teacher is responsible for integrating the Iowa core curriculum into the classroom by creating lesson plans, and developing and implementing individual learning Tier 3 plans to meet the needs of an identified child, including observing, assessing, and documenting each child’s progress. The Therapeutic Classroom Teacher works in collaboration with Special Education and Classroom teachers to support each child’s developmental, social-emotional and behavioral needs. The Therapeutic Classroom Teacher will be an active participant in planning for the education needs of the children. Also responsible for maintaining active supervision of children, and providing ongoing communication with parents, including home visits as needed, parent conferences and other events.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Provide comprehensive services for children diagnosed with special education needs and/or mental health concerns.  Strictly follow the highest standards of confidentiality and ethics when working with children, parents, and peers.  Observe, document, and finalize each child’s plan whether it be an IEP or intensive tier 3 plan. Observe each child on a regular basis in all developmental domains to establish an IEP or Tier 3 plan, writing specific goals to achieve measurable outcomes that aligns with the child’s IEP and/or tier 3 goals. Responsible for recording authentic observations and documentation to accurately measure progress toward child outcomes and established school readiness goals.  Partner with parents to establish child goals and present results of the child’s progress towards meeting the goals using the assessment tools.  Assist parents by providing individualized strategies in order to continue curriculum learning and progress towards meeting child’s goals in the home. Communicate with parents regarding the child’s overall development, including the child’s successes and areas of needed improvement.  

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 184 days total = Teacher calendar year.  Salary and calendar year to be established by the Board of Education. 

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the District's policy on Evaluation, State Statute, and any applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.