Teacher, Special Education

ABOUT:

Wheatley School is a self-contained educational environment serving students k-21 who demonstrate a need for intensive educational and behavioral programming. Wheatley School provides evidence-based instructional practices to support students with significant disabilities in the areas of academics, functional communication, motor and adaptive skills, social-emotional development, functional self-care (e.g. toileting, hygiene), behavioral and vocational training. Many learners at Wheatley use augmentative or alternative communication systems (e.g., voice output devices, ASL, picture/icon exchange) to express themselves. 

The curriculum used at Wheatley aligns with Oregon’s Alternate Achievement Standards and is highly individualized for each student. Wheatley offers a high staff-to-student ratio (1:1 or 2:1) so learners can safely access their education. Instruction is provided in a highly structured classroom environment with a focus on predictability and consistent routines which promotes student success within the learning environment. As students participate in the classroom environment and achieve skills, staff use data-driven decision-making to assess their readiness to transition to a less restrictive environment.

Department: Student Services

Program: Special Education

Reports to: Principal/Assistant Principal 

Classification/Range: Licensed, Represented

Schedule: 190 days per year

Interview Schedule: Interviews offered on a rolling basis

Anticipated Start Date: 8/19/2024

POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides instructional services for students who require special education to meet their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) objectives. Support students who are significantly impacted by their disabilities, which may manifest in deficits in the areas of social-emotional skills, activities of daily living, expressive communication and academic skills. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with a team of professionals (e.g., SLP, OT) and teach in an engaging, small school environment. You will have the opportunity to run a classroom with a high staffing ratio of adults to learners. MESD shall use the core teaching standards to evaluate teacher effectiveness outlined in OAR 581-022-2410.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides daily instruction for students with disabilities.
• Design, create, and implement curriculum through a social justice lens.
• Write instructional plans, record student performance, and modify instruction as needed.
• Report pupil progress according to program procedures.
• Consults with school health staff and related services staff to assure student's needs are being met.
• Establish and maintain appropriate student behavior.
• Works 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.
• Ability to plan and implement a quality instructional program for students with disabilities, monitor daily student progress, and collect student data;
• Develop Individualized Education Plans that meet legal requirements. 
• 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.
• 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

• Valid Oregon TSPC License with Special Education endorsement.
• Background/experience with students with severe developmental delays.
• Current pediatric CPR credential or willing to receive training as soon as possible.
• Knowledge of a variety of instructional strategies for teaching students with disabilities. 

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. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

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 DEMANDS: 

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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.

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. 

Salary : $52,548 - $102,584