Certified Special Education Life Skills Teacher, 1.0 FTE

ELLENSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT #401

POSITION:2026-2027 Certified Special Education: Life Skills Classroom Teacher 1.0 FTE

LOCATION: Morgan Middle School

REPORTS TO: Special Services Director & Building Principal

Job Summary

• Plan prepare and deliver a quality educational program based upon state standards district curriculum IEP goals and effective instruction to students with diverse needs.

Responsibilities

• Planning preparing implementing and evaluating instructional activities consistent with established program and/or curriculum objectives and Washington State standards
• Demonstrating effective teaching practices and utilizing appropriate instructional methods and materials suited to the students aptitudes and interests and the nature of the learning activities
• Delivering IEP Services in a specialized classroom setting
• Providing clear and intentional focus on subject matter content and curriculum
• Using multiple student data elements to modify instruction and improve student learning
• Providing instruction that centers on high expectation for student achievement
• Exhibiting collaborative and collegial practices focused on improving instructional practice and student learning
• Recognizing individual student learning needs and developing strategies to address those needs
• Establishing classroom policies and procedures governing student behavior to ensure a safe and positive learning environment
• Providing guidance counseling and discipline to encourage students to meet the standard of achievement and conduct
• Communicating and collaborating with students parents and/or guardians administration and other staff members to provide guidance and evaluation and encourage student achievement
• Evaluating and recording student progress and providing reports for administrative purposes
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Principal
• Prepare WA-AIM assessment materials
• Write secondary transitions plans
• Collaborate with area agencies related to secondary student post-employment
• Attend all Transition Planning Community meetings

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated background in use of Assistive Technology
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement Behavior Support Programs
• Demonstrated thorough knowledge of learning theory and applications of principles in the secondary level classroom
• Demonstrated understanding of the principles of secondary curriculum
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability of best practices for instructing students in Life Skills
• Demonstrated ability to utilize a variety of instructional strategies and methods appropriate to student learning needs
• Demonstrated ability to align instruction and assessment with Washington State Standards
• Demonstrated ability to integrate subject matter
• Demonstrated effective and positive student behavior management skills
• Demonstrated ability to promote high expectations maintain a caring attitude and establish a learning environment that enhances academic achievement for all students
• Demonstrated ability to establish effective working relationships and interact successfully with all school district staff and students
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential matters in an ethical manner
• Demonstrated ability to work independently take initiative and accept the responsibility of providing effective leadership in a fast paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and provide logical solutions in complex situations
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to produce and maintain accurate records
• Demonstrated ability to remain flexible to change in assignment or situations
• Demonstrated high level of computer proficiency and application of technology
• Bilingual skills preferred
• Right Response Trainings mandatory
• Ability to write Behavior Intervention Plans
• Must be able to modify general education materials
• Open to Co-Teaching in the general education classroom

Educational/Vocational Preparation Occupational Certificates/Licenses

• Valid Washington State teaching certificate appropriate to assignment. Endorsements Special certification and/or license required for specific assignment.
• Must qualify to work in the proximity of children under the conditions of a WSP/FBI background check
• GLAD Training preferred

Preferred Education and Experience

• Successful experience as a special education teacher preferred
• Second language or language acquisition background preferred
• Student cultural and economic diversity experience preferred

Acknowledgment

This Job description is intended to provide an overview of the requirements of the position. As such it is not necessarily all-inclusive and the job may require other essential and/or nonessential functions tasks duties or responsibilities not listed herein. The District reserves the right to add modify or exclude any essential or nonessential requirement at any time with or without notice. Nothing in this job description nor by the completion of any requirement of the job by the employee is intended to create a contract of employment of any type.

Applicants interested must follow the application procedurescarefully. Consideration will only be given to fully completed application files. Minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS:Health insurance benefits for employees working 630 hours or more per year include medical dental vision life and long term disability plans through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB).School employees Washington State Health Care Authority

Retirement benefits are provided through the WA State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).

State of Washington: Department of Retirement Systems

180 Day Employees - Paid leave benefits to include 12 days of sick leave 3 personal leave days

Applicants of diverse backgrounds encouraged to apply.

Ellensburg School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex race ethnicity color religion creed national origin sexual orientation gender identity gender expression homelessness immigration or citizenship status disability neurodivergence the use of a trained dog guide or service animal age and honorably discharged veteran or military status and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Compliance and Title IX Coordinator Rhonda Schmidt ; Section 504/ADA Coordinator Lori Gylling . Address for both coordinators: 1300 East Third Avenue Ellensburg WA 98926.

Required Experience:

IC