Special Education Teacher | Middle School

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

A Special Education Teacher is responsible for providing individualized instruction and support to students with disabilities ensuring they receive appropriate educational services in alignment with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The role includes collaboration with families general education teachers and support staff to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement lesson plans tailored to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
• Adapt instructional methods materials and assessments to accommodate diverse learning styles.
• Provide direct instruction in academic social-emotional and functional skills.
• Utilize assistive technology and specialized resources to support student learning.
• Monitor and assess student progress adjusting instructional strategies as needed.
• Develop and update Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in collaboration with the IEP team.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state special education laws (e.g. IDEA Section 504).
• Collect and document data to assess progress toward IEP goals.
• Participate in IEP meetings multidisciplinary team discussions and student evaluations.
• Provide accommodations and modifications in accordance with IEPs.
• Work closely with general education teachers to support inclusive practices.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress and needs.
• Collaborate with paraprofessionals related service providers and other support staff.
• Serve as an advocate for students with disabilities to ensure access to appropriate educational resources.
• Implement positive behavior support plans (PBSP) and interventions.
• Utilize de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies as needed.
• Promote a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Foster students social and emotional development through targeted interventions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date student records including progress reports and services documentation.
• Use data-driven decision-making to refine instructional strategies.
• Participate in professional development and training to enhance instructional effectiveness.
• Supervise and provide direction to paraprofessionals and support staff.
• Participate in school-wide initiatives committees and professional learning communities.
• Adhere to all district policies ethical guidelines and confidentiality requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Special Education Laws & Policies: Understanding of IDEA Section 504 ADA and state regulations governing special education.
• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): Knowledge of IEP development implementation and compliance requirements.
• Instructional Strategies: Familiarity with differentiated instruction Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and evidence-based teaching practices.
• Behavior Management: Understanding of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP).
• Assessment & Data Collection: Knowledge of formal and informal assessments to track student progress and inform instruction.
• Assistive Technology: Familiarity with adaptive tools software and communication devices that support student learning.
• Inclusion & Co-Teaching Models: Understanding of best practices for integrating students with disabilities into general education classrooms.
• Instructional Delivery: Ability to modify and differentiate instruction based on student needs.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong skills in working with general education teachers paraprofessionals related service providers and families.
• Communication: Clear and effective verbal and written communication with students parents and colleagues.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to develop and implement creative solutions to support student learning and behavior.
• Adaptability & Flexibility: Capability to adjust teaching strategies and interventions as student needs evolve.
• Classroom & Behavior Management: Skill in implementing behavior support strategies and fostering a positive learning environment.
• Time Management & Organization: Ability to manage multiple responsibilities including lesson planning IEP meetings and documentation.
• Build Positive Relationships: Establish trust and rapport with students families and staff.
• Support Diverse Learning Needs: Adapt instruction for students with various disabilities and learning styles.
• Maintain Confidentiality & Ethical Standards: Handle sensitive student information with professionalism and discretion.
• Advocate for Student Success: Ensure students receive the necessary support accommodations and services.
• Foster Independence & Self-Advocacy: Encourage students to develop self-regulation confidence and autonomy.
• Implement Crisis Intervention Strategies: Apply de-escalation techniques and support students in managing behaviors.
• Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay current with best practices and professional development in special education.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Standing & Walking: Frequent standing and walking throughout the classroom and school to assist students and provide instruction.
• Sitting: Periods of sitting while working with students developing lesson plans and completing documentation.
• Bending Stooping & Kneeling: Occasionally required to assist students with mobility needs provide support during activities or manage classroom materials.
• Lifting & Carrying: May need to lift and carry instructional materials student belongings or adaptive equipment (typically up to 25 lbs). Some positions may require assisting students with physical disabilities in transferring or positioning (training and assistance from support staff are typically provided).
• Assisting with Mobility: Supporting students who use walkers wheelchairs or other assistive devices.
• Physical Restraint & De-escalation (if required): In some cases training in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) or similar methods may be necessary to ensure student and staff safety.
• Assisting with Daily Living Skills: If working with students with significant needs the role may involve helping with toileting feeding or other self-care tasks.
• Visual & Auditory Requirements: Ability to observe students monitor behaviors and respond to verbal and nonverbal cues.
• Clear speech and strong listening skills to communicate effectively with students parents and staff.
• Fine Motor Skills: Required for writing typing reports and manipulating classroom materials.
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Classroom Environment: Most work is conducted in a specialized or inclusive classroom setting supporting students with diverse learning needs.
• General Education Classrooms: Collaboration with general education teachers in co-teaching or push-in models.
• Resource Rooms & Therapy Spaces: Small group or one-on-one instruction in designated areas for students requiring targeted interventions.
• Community-Based Learning: Some programs may involve field trips vocational training or real-world learning experiences outside of school.
• Students: Daily interaction with students who have a range of disabilities including cognitive emotional behavioral and physical challenges.
• Colleagues & Support Staff: Frequent collaboration with general education teachers paraprofessionals related service providers (e.g. speech therapists occupational therapists) and school administrators.
• Families & Caregivers: Regular communication with parents/guardians to discuss student progress challenges and support strategies.
• District & Community Resources: May coordinate with external agencies specialists and transition services to support student success.
• Noise Levels: Vary from quiet focused learning sessions to high-energy classroom interactions.
• Physical Activity: May involve standing walking assisting students and managing classroom materials.
• Behavioral Challenges: Some students may display disruptive behaviors requiring de-escalation strategies or Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) techniques.
• Adaptive & Assistive Technology: Use of specialized equipment visual aids communication devices and assistive technology tools.
• Standard School Hours: Typically follows the academic calendar including professional development days IEP meetings and parent conferences.
• Additional Responsibilities: May require occasional evening or weekend commitments for training school events or family meetings.
• Paperwork & Compliance: Time dedicated to documentation IEP reports and student progress tracking.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Managing student needs instructional changes and unexpected challenges.
• Emotional Resilience: Supporting students with disabilities requires patience empathy and the ability to handle emotionally charged situations.
• Commitment to Equity & Inclusion: Advocating for students rights and ensuring equitable access to education.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors Degree in Special Education Education or a related field.
• Preferred Education: Masters Degree in Special Education Educational Leadership or a related field (may be required for advanced licensure or specialized roles).
• Previous Teaching Experience in a special education classroom or inclusion setting.
• Experience collaborating with general education teachers related service providers and paraprofessionals.
• Familiarity with behavior intervention plans (BIPs) functional behavior assessments (FBAs) and assistive technology.
• Experience working with diverse student populations including English learners and students with multiple disabilities.
• Strong understanding of federal and state special education laws (IDEA Section 504 ADA).
• Commitment to professional growth through ongoing training and professional development.

CERTIFICATES LICENSES REGISTRATIONS

• Additional coursework in behavior management inclusive education or assistive technology.
• Valid Minnesota Teaching License with an endorsement in Special Education (ABS ASD LD)
• Certification in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) or other de-escalation techniques (preferred or required depending on district).
• Completion of a state-approved Special Education Teacher Preparation Program.

BENEFIT INFORMATION
St. Louis Park Schools provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees working 20 or more hours per week. Key benefits include:

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care expenses
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

The cost of benefits varies based on the employee group and full-time equivalent (FTE) status. For detailed information including specific benefits and associated costs please refer to the applicable group or bargaining unit contract Employment Contracts.