What are the responsibilities and job description for the Exceptional Children (EC) Teacher position at Western Carolina University?
The primary location of this position is on the campus of Western Carolina University.
This is a 10 months per year position with an appointment period of August 1 – June 30 of each school year.
The Exceptional Children (EC) Teacher at Western Carolina University’s Catamount School will serve as a key member of the instructional team. The primary responsibilities include ensuring compliance with special education regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
Instructional Responsibilities:
This is a 10 months per year position with an appointment period of August 1 – June 30 of each school year.
The Exceptional Children (EC) Teacher at Western Carolina University’s Catamount School will serve as a key member of the instructional team. The primary responsibilities include ensuring compliance with special education regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
Instructional Responsibilities:
- Utilize assessment data to inform instructional strategies and support student needs through MTSS, including PBIS and academic areas.
- Support the implementation of state, county, and district assessments and support staff in conducting formative assessments.
- Ensure ethical testing practices and appropriate accommodation for students with disabilities.
- Based on student needs, deliver instruction across the continuum of services.
Collaborative Teaching:
- Co-teach with content teachers, sharing responsibilities in planning, delivering, and assessing instruction.
Case Management and IEP Oversight:
- Manage a caseload of students with disabilities, implementing IEPs and inclusive practices.
- Ensure delivery of special education instruction and related services as stipulated in IEPs.
- Maintain compliance with local and federal laws and regulations related to special education.
Communication and Coordination:
- Communicate the special education process to parents and guardians, including referrals, evaluations, IEPs, and reevaluations.
- Facilitate IEP meetings using a strengths-based and family-centered approach.
- Coordinate with the special education team to ensure timely completion of documents and preparedness for meetings.
- Provide quarterly IEP progress reports to parents/guardians.
Record Keeping and Training:
- Maintain student files according to school and state/federal standards.
- Provide training and technical assistance to teachers and support professionals on case management and special education processes.
Curriculum and Assessment:
- Develop appropriate curriculum and school-based assessments to support the academic growth of students with IEPs.
- Gather data for all reporting requirements concerning students with IEPs.
Professional Development and Advocacy:
- Stay updated on developing special education issues and policy changes.
- Advocate for special education with school leadership and engage parents and families in their student’s learning.
- Connect with related service professionals and community resources to support student needs.
Confidentiality:
- Maintain the confidentiality of student records and information.
Additional Duties:
- Other duties as assigned.
Applicants are encouraged to visit the WCU website (www.wcu.edu) and read the university vision and details about The Catamount School (www.catamountschool.wcu.edu).
Minimum Qualifications
Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance.
Candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Current or eligibility for North Carolina licensure in the field of special education.
- A minimum of three years of successful public school instructional experience in a special education setting.
- Demonstrated experience serving as a case manager for students with disabilities.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates with more than three years of successful experience as a special education teacher, licensure and experience in the middle grades, National Board Certification, a master’s degree in special education or a related field from an accredited institution, and experience with problem-based learning. The candidate will be expected to teach and supervise interns and will share program responsibilities including providing services to students; therefore, preference will be given to candidates who have both provided student services and mentored interns and taught preservice teachers. Consistent participation in all aspects of The Catamount School is expected. Applicants should provide evidence of experiences or the potential to work collaboratively and across disciplines, contribute to the university’s mission and goals, and successfully collaborate with in-service teachers in public school settings. Interest and experience in teaching in technology rich and flexible environments is a plus.
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week
Number of Months Per Year
10
Posting Text
Open Date
11/13/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
To be considered, you must apply online. Please attach the following:
- A cover letter describing how the applicant’s professional qualifications relate to the position and how the applicant can contribute to the mission, core values and goals of the Catamount School.
- A current and complete resume.
- Unofficial copies of transcripts of undergraduate and graduate degree programs completed.
- Names, addresses (including titles and institutions), telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least five (5) references.
- OPTIONAL – Other supporting materials relevant to the candidate’s scholarship and teaching.
For questions or additional information please contact Sarah Tatham, Search Committee Chair and Catamount School Principal, email: statham@email.wcu.edu
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.