Institutional Education Teacher

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

This position involves developing and implementing individualized educational programs, which address the educational needs of elementary and secondary-age students with severe behavioral disabilities or the remediation of social/emotional, educational, and prevocational/vocational skill deficits for a group of at-risk students in an alternative setting.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Employee(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

• Provides oversight and directs the work of assigned Paraeducators.
• Develops and implements an individualized educational program (IEP) for each student, which addresses the educational needs of students with students with severe behavioral disabilities, social/emotional, educational, and prevocational/vocational skill deficits. Specifies in the IEP appropriate instructional goals and objectives in accordance with the state essential learning goals. Develops working schedules for staff and students designed to meet student goals.
• Collects baseline data relative to student’s social/emotional, educational and vocational skills utilizing standardized tests, teacher-made tests, and behavioral observation procedures.
• Develops appropriate learning plans to meet the unique needs of at-risk students in an alternative setting.
• Collects data on student progress at regular intervals.
• Develops and maintains an effective records management system which reflects accurate and current data on student performance.
• Completes and distributes all required reports in an accurate and timely manner.
• Redefines and modifies instructional goals, objectives, and intervention strategies as needed.
• Works closely with a building-based, multidisciplinary team, during the assessment, planning, implementation, and transition phases of a student’s program.
• Assists with the de-escalation and physical management of students in crisis according to established program procedures.
• Communicates on an ongoing basis with resident district staff regarding student progress and works with basic educational staff to facilitate successful inclusion of students into the regular classroom setting.
• Provides consultation to school district staff to facilitate the successful transition of students to less restrictive placements.
• Communicates with parents and/or other individuals involved in the care of the student on a regular basis regarding student progress and relevant issues.
• Keeps informed of new curricula/instructional strategies to meet student needs.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of general and special education principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the development and implementation of IEPs which address the educational needs of elementary and secondary-age students with severe behavioral disabilities.
• Knowledge of functional life skills and the ability to teach, train, and apply such in an educational setting.
• Knowledge of child development within the educational setting.
• Knowledge of effective supervisory techniques and demonstrated experience in doing so.
• Knowledge of effective leadership and decision-making techniques.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to utilize specialized teaching techniques and behavior objectives in a special educational setting.
• Ability to design IEPs and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of each program.
• Ability to promote positive public relations between the school and parents.
• Ability to coordinate and facilitate multi-disciplinary team meetings.
• Ability to supervise and motivate others to achieve individual and program objectives.
• Ability to problem-solve and constructively manage crisis and high stress situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written format.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, school district staff, parents, vendors, employers, group home personnel, and the public.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree and teacher preparation program; Special Education endorsement or willingness to obtain. Current CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance. Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Holders of standard/continuing teaching certificates (issued prior to 8/31/87) which are unendorsable, need to include copies of official transcripts highlighting the 24 quarter hours of special education course work.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed in an educational center for special needs students. Travel may be required on occasion. Must be physically capable of performing de-escalation techniques. Lifts and carries a maximum of 40 pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards: Due to the nature of the population of the school, hazards include but are not limited to exposure to weapons, threats, verbal abuse, hitting, fighting, throwing of objects, etc.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.