High School Special Education Teacher

Professional/Instructional/Certified - Position Type/Grade Level - Teacher
Grades 9-12
Job Number 8600035367
Start Date 08/14/2023
Open Date 06/26/2023
Closing Date
STRAT I SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER (2023-2024 School Year)
English Language Arts / Reading Co-Teacher
Decorah High School
Decorah High School in Decorah, IA seeks a dynamic and innovative Special Education Teacher to join our esteemed faculty. As one of the premier High Schools in the state, Decorah High School takes pride in our tradition of high academic achievement, athletic prowess, and musical excellence. Our students thrive in a culture of rigorous expectations, and we seek a teacher who can help our students reach even greater heights.
Decorah is a picturesque college town in the Driftless Area of Iowa, offering exceptional quality of life for its residents. The city is home to Luther College, a well-known liberal arts institution that provides educational and cultural resources for the community, including the Center for the Arts, which hosts various performances, exhibitions, and events throughout the year. The area's commitment to the arts extends beyond the college, with numerous galleries, workshops, and festivals celebrating local talent.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the abundance of recreational opportunities in Decorah, such as fishing, kayaking, canoeing, walking, running, cycling, and hiking in the various parks and nature reserves available, including the beautiful Dunning's Spring Park. With its vibrant arts scene, stunning natural beauty, and thriving educational community, Decorah is truly a hidden gem in the heart of the Midwest, making it an ideal place for educators to call home.
At Decorah High School, you will join a team of dedicated educators committed to helping each student achieve their full potential. Our students consistently perform at the highest levels academically, athletically, and musically, and our teachers work tirelessly to ensure that each student has ample opportunities and support needed to graduate.
The ideal candidate will have an Iowa Teaching License and a strong background in Special Education. They will be responsible for developing and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with learning disabilities and providing academic support to these students in the classroom.
The Special Education Teacher will work closely with a team of educators, including regular Education Teachers, office staff, paraprofessionals, and administration, to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically and socially. They will also collaborate with parents, school administrators, paraprofessionals, and outside agencies to provide the best possible support for their students.
Qualified candidates should have strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and a commitment to meeting the needs of all students. Experience with evidence-based interventions and positive behavior support is preferred.
Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with general Education Teachers to modify and adapt curriculum, instructional strategies, and assessments to accommodate the diverse needs of students with disabilities.
• Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): Assess students' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs, and create individualized educational plans to address these needs, setting specific goals and objectives.
• Implement IEPs: Ensure the implementation of IEPs, adjusting the teaching approach and support as necessary to help students achieve their goals.
• Support inclusion: Facilitate the integration of students with disabilities into general education classrooms, providing necessary accommodations and modifications and promoting a positive learning environment.
• Monitor student progress: Regularly assess and document students' progress towards IEP goals, adjusting instruction and support as needed.
• Manage classroom behavior: Develop and implement classroom management strategies to create a structured, positive learning environment that promotes appropriate social behavior.
• Communicate with parents and caregivers: Establish and maintain regular communication, updating them on their child's progress and collaborating to support the student's learning at home.
• Participate in professional development: Attend workshops, conferences, and other professional development opportunities to stay informed about best practices in Special Education.
• Work with related service providers: Collaborate with school psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and other related service providers to ensure a comprehensive approach to meeting students' needs.
• Maintain confidentiality: Uphold the confidentiality of students' records and information per the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other applicable laws.
• Comply with federal and state regulations: Adhere to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and any other applicable state and local regulations.
• Participate in school-wide activities: Engage in school-wide events, meetings, and committees to promote a positive and inclusive school culture.

Requirements:

• Valid, current Iowa teaching license (or willingness to obtain)
• Endorsed to teach Special Education in Iowa (or willingness to obtain) in either of the following areas:
• 5-12 Instructional Strategist I: Mild/Moderate - 261
• K12 Instructional Strategist II: BD/LD - 263
• 5-12 English Language Arts and/or Reading Endorsement(s) preferred
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Commitment to ongoing professional development

We welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. If you are passionate about supporting the unique needs of students with intellectual disabilities and behavioral disorders, we encourage you to apply.
Application Deadline: Posting will remain active until the position is filled
Apply at: https://ats5.atenterprise.powerschool.com/ats/job_board_form?op=view&JOB_ID=8600029352&COMPANY_ID=JA002638&redirect_qs=&redirect_qs=COMPANY_ID%3DJA002638%26REPRESENTATIVE_COMPANY_ID%3DJA002811
Subject Area/Teaching Field/Endorsement 261 5-12 Instructional Strategist I: Mild/Moderate, 263 K-12 Instructional Strategist II: BD/LD, 120 5-12 English/Language Arts
Extra-Curricular Coaching/Sponsoring Interests Coach
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