Special Education Teacher on Special Assignment – Wheatley School

Department: Student Services
Program: Wheatley School
Reports to: Senior Program Administrator for Special Education
Classification/Range: Licensed
Schedule: 200 Days per Year

The Special Education Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) at Wheatley School provides instructional leadership coaching technical assistance and program support to strengthen educational services for students with significant disabilities. Wheatley School serves students ages K21 who require intensive educational behavioral communication adaptive and transition programming.

The TOSA supports staff in implementing evidence-based instructional practices aligned with Oregons Alternate Achievement Standards while ensuring compliance with IDEA Oregon Department of Education (ODE) requirements and MESD procedures. The position promotes high-quality programming in the areas of academics functional communication social-emotional learning adaptive skills behavior support community-based instruction vocational training and transition services.

The TOSA serves as a collaborative non-evaluative coach and resource to licensed and classified staff supporting continuous improvement in instructional practice and student outcomes.

NATURE & SCOPE

The Wheatley TOSA works across classrooms and programs to provide instructional coaching professional development compliance support and program development. The position collaborates closely with administrators teachers related service providers families and community partners to ensure students receive meaningful individualized educational experiences in the least restrictive environment.

This position does not carry administrative authority and serves in a non-evaluative support role.

• Provide coaching and consultation to licensed and classified staff regarding evidence-based instructional practices for students with significant disabilities.
• Support implementation of individualized standards-aligned instruction in academics communication adaptive behavior social-emotional learning and functional life skills.
• Model effective instructional practices and provide job-embedded coaching and feedback.
• Assist staff in developing and implementing individualized instructional plans aligned with IEP goals.
• Support use of student performance data progress monitoring and data-based decision-making to improve instructional outcomes.
• Assist teams in utilizing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and communication supports.
• Support classroom teams in developing predictable structured learning environments that promote student success and engagement.

• Support implementation of Wheatleys specialized programming for students with significant developmental and behavioral needs.
• Assist staff in developing functional life skills vocational independent living and transition-focused instruction.
• Collaborate with teams to design and implement community-based instruction and work-based learning opportunities.
• Support implementation of positive behavior supports and program-adopted crisis prevention/intervention strategies.
• Assist in evaluating student readiness for less restrictive educational settings through data collection and team collaboration.
• Serve as a resource regarding curriculum adaptation differentiation instructional technology and specialized supports.

• Provide guidance regarding IDEA Oregon Administrative Rules ODE requirements and MESD procedures.
• Support staff in developing reviewing and revising legally compliant Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Assist with development of behavior support plans transition plans and related documentation.
• Attend eligibility placement manifestation determination and IEP meetings as needed.
• Conduct periodic reviews of IEPs student records and documentation to support compliance and quality assurance.
• Assist teams in maintaining timelines documentation requirements and procedural safeguards.
• Support school and district efforts related to monitoring compliance reviews and corrective actions.

• Design and facilitate professional learning opportunities related to:
• Special education compliance
• Evidence-based instructional practices
• Social-emotional learning
• AAC implementation
• Functional life skills instruction
• Behavior support systems
• Transition services
• Data collection and progress monitoring
• Support onboarding mentoring and ongoing development of new special education staff.
• Facilitate collaborative problem-solving and professional learning communities.

• Partner with school administrators to support instructional excellence and program effectiveness.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including speech-language pathologists occupational therapists physical therapists school psychologists behavior specialists nurses and other related service providers.
• Communicate effectively with families regarding instructional programming and student supports.
• Facilitate meetings planning sessions and collaborative team processes.
• Serve as a resource for staff regarding program implementation and student needs.

• Demonstrate a commitment to MESDs Equity Initiative by supporting equitable access inclusive practices and culturally responsive instruction.
• Participate in professional learning related to diversity equity inclusion and belonging.
• Promote educational practices that support the success of students from diverse racial cultural linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Maintain required records reports schedules and documentation.
• Utilize digital systems and data tools to support program implementation and compliance.
• Adhere to Wheatley School MESD and district policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Valid Oregon TSPC Teaching License with Special Education Endorsement.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in special education settings.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing legally compliant IEPs.
• Knowledge of IDEA Oregon special education regulations and compliance requirements.
• Expertise in instructional strategies for students with significant disabilities.
• Experience utilizing data to guide instructional decisions and monitor student progress.
• Ability to provide coaching consultation and professional support to adult learners.
• Strong collaboration facilitation and communication skills.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain.
• Valid Oregon drivers license and reliable transportation.

• Experience working with students with significant developmental disabilities and intensive behavioral support needs.
• Experience in Functional Life Skills (FLS) and Transition Age Youth programming.
• Experience with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems.
• Knowledge of community-based instruction vocational programming and transition services.
• Experience supporting crisis prevention/intervention systems.
• Experience coaching adults and facilitating professional development.
• Experience working across multiple classrooms or programs.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills including American Sign Language.

Work is performed in classroom school office and community-based environments. The position requires frequent movement throughout instructional settings and may involve supporting staff in environments serving students with significant behavioral communication and adaptive support needs. Travel between sites may be required.

• Ability to sit stand walk bend kneel and move for extended periods.
• Ability to lift carry push and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students staff families and community partners.
• Ability to use standard technology and instructional equipment.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and sound judgment in dynamic and high-stress environments.

Required Experience:

IC