26-13; Teacher, Special Education ; 1.0 FTE; AHS; Probationary (INTERNAL ONLY)

Job Title:                     Special Education Teacher      
Assignment:                District-Wide
Reports To:                  Building Admin/Director of Student Services
Evaluated By:              Building Admin/Director of Student Services
FLSA:                           Exempt
Salary:                          Salary based on certified schedule (2025-2026 salary schedule; 2026-27 salary schedule to be determined.)
                                      
JOB SUMMARY

The Special Education Teacher serves as a specialist for students who experience a significant impact to their educational achievement due to a disability, and who require support services in order to access and benefit from general education instruction.

The Special Education Teacher provides direct instruction within specific skill deficit areas that may negatively affect academic progress. Areas of direct instruction may include but are not limited to academic skills, social skills, functional academic skills, life skills, social/emotional/behavioral skill development, problem solving, executive functioning, self-regulation, organization and self-management. Additionally, the Special Education Teacher may assist general education classroom teachers with appropriate academic or behavior intervention strategies and implementation of behavior intervention plans.
To lead students toward fulfillment of their potential for intellectual, emotional and psychological growth and maturation.

The Special Education Teacher will follow the federal, state and district procedural safeguards regarding individual education plan development and implementation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. 

1. Develops and recommends plans, interventions or strategies using assessment data, observations and relevant medical and developmental history.
2. Conduct specialized student assessments and evaluations, including: Is well-versed in a multitude of measurement, communicates analysis of results and recommendations clearly.
3. Uses current body of knowledge in cultural diversity issues in teaching and curriculum development to design and adapt individual/group academic and behavioral/social programs in all school settings.
4. Attends meetings with teachers, parents and other agencies regarding student assessments and implementation of intervention strategies.
5. Provide adaptive skills support including but not limited to: feeding plans, hygiene plans, bathroom support, life skills instruction, transition skills instruction, social skills instruction, and self-care skills instruction.
6. Works successfully as a flexible and responsive member of a team (IEP, Placement, SST, 504, etc.) and assumes appropriate roles: lead, follow, and support others in a productive manner.
7. Communicates and collaborates effectively with students, parents, staff, and agencies, while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
8. Focuses consistently on students' needs and assists in creating a positive and supportive learning environment.
9. Attends staff meetings and serves on committees as appropriate.
10. Completes required reports and other paperwork in a timely and professional manner (ex: IEP, evaluations).
11. Serves as a liaison between the Education Service District, school district, social service agencies, and families as appropriate.
12. Provide planning, training and monitoring for educational assistants for effective support of students.
13. Establishes and maintains open lines of communication with all students and parents/guardians concerning both the academic and behavioral progress of all assigned students.
14. Performs responsibilities of teachers consistent with OAR 584-036-0011: plans instruction, establishes a classroom climate conducive to learning, implements and plans for instruction, evaluates student achievement, and directs instructional assistants.
15. Demonstrates competencies as outlined in The Competent and Ethical Educator (Oregon Administrative Rules 584-020-0035).
16. Due to (a) the nature and scope of the essential functions, (b) the importance of personal interactions between this position, employees, students, and other members of the public, and (c) the availability of job-related tools, equipment and resources at work, performance of the essential functions requires regular, consistent, on-site attendance while working independently and with others.
17. Follows and maintains knowledge of all District policies and procedures.
18. Attends work regularly and is punctual.
19. Other duties may be assigned as needed. As student needs evolve the day to day essential functions may vary.
     

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This organization believes that every individual makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited to assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this position description is designed to define primary duties, qualifications, and job scope but should not limit the incumbent nor the organization to the work identified. We expect every employee to offer their services wherever and whenever necessary, to ensure the meeting of school and district goals.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position may supervise volunteers, student aides, and instructional assistants. All school employees have some responsibility for supervising students and assisting in maintaining a safe environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

• Education and/or Experience: A Bachelor's Degree with academic training in Special Education and licensure in Education Administration.  A minimum of three years of successful classroom teaching experience in public education.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Valid TSPC endorsement in special education or willingness and ability to obtain. Ability to obtain a valid CPR/First Aid card, and Oregon Drivers License.
• Leadership: Demonstrated commitment to equity and strengthening engagement of diverse student populations.
• Interpersonal Skills: Values and ensures inclusion of all voices; focuses on resolving conflict; listening without interrupting; remains calm and open to others in tense or difficult situations.
• Technology: General skills and knowledge of computer usage and the ability to learn, understand, and use various software systems.
• Computer Skills: Extensive knowledge of computer usage and ability to use proprietary database software, e-mail, internet software and comprehensive range of productivity software. Student information software experience required.  Ability to successfully use proprietary web-based reporting systems such as those deployed by the Oregon Department of Education.
• Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to appropriately communicate with students, teachers, parents and members of the community. Ability to exercise good judgment and work in an environment with constant interruptions. Extensive knowledge of federal and state special education laws, legal standards and regulations. In-depth knowledge of theory and current and emerging trends in educating children with disabilities. Knowledge of instruction methods and curriculum 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee is regularly required to communicate with others, including understanding and being understood. While much of the work will be completed in an office or classroom environment, the employee will need to move between buildings and throughout the District. This position requires use of various digital systems, software, and hardware for communication, budgeting, and compliance. This position will require some travel outside the District. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here represent those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate, but occasionally high depending upon student activities. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions and outdoor weather conditions. Employee may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens.

VALUES

The District is focused on eliminating systemic racism and its impact on student learning. ASD is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all its educational and employment activities. The District prohibits discrimination based on race; national or ethnic origin; color; sex; religion; age; sexual orientation; gender expression or identity; pregnancy; marital status; familial status; economic status or source of income; mental or physical disability or perceived disability; or military service. Ashland Public Schools is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable, pursuant to Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Ashland School District appreciates the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups and their roles in society.  It is the policy of the Ashland School District Board of Education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups on the grounds of age, color, creed, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation in any educational programs, activities or employment.
Family and Medical Leave Rights:
English:  https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlaen.pdf
Spanish:  https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlasp.pdf