2026-2027 Elementary Resource Special Education Teacher Early Contract

Sioux Falls School District; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 52,821 - 59,485; Full time

Job summary

A public school district in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, invites applicants for an early contract to secure a teaching position in special education. This role involves developing instructional plans, managing IEPs, and maintaining a supportive classroom environment. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree with special education endorsements and a valid teaching certificate, along with skills in conflict management and effective communication. Competitive salary range is $52,821 to $59,485 annually based on experience, with a commitment of 1.0 FTE for 9 months.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year in a position requiring interpersonal skills and support for students with challenging behaviors.
• Constant coordination; ability to manage students with behavior or self-care needs.

Responsibilities

• Design meaningful instructional tasks aligned with learning goals.
• Implement district curriculum and maintain instructional focus.
• Communicate high expectations and clear learning goals.
• Adapt instruction for diverse learners and sequence content at appropriate pace.
• Assess learning continuously and recognize student effort.

Skills

Excellent oral and written communication

Conflict management

Leadership

Proficiency in computer word processing, spreadsheets, and databases

Knowledge of IEP process and special education law

Education

Bachelor’s degree with special education endorsements

South Dakota teaching certificate

Job description

Early Contract Opportunity

The Sioux Falls School District invites early contract applicants to secure a teaching position before district placement decisions are finalized. Early contract acceptance opens a dialogue with district leaders to determine the best placement.

Special Education Support

• Innovative online IEP system with a 96% teacher satisfaction rate.
• Dedicated IEP facilitators streamline meetings for more instructional time.
• Monthly virtual office support via Zoom for special education challenges.
• Special Services Learning Academy equips educators with instructional coaches for curriculum mastery.
• Behavior team, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), provides expert guidance.

Essentials & Duties

1. Plan and Prepare Instruction
   • Design meaningful instructional tasks aligned with learning goals.
2. Instruction Delivery
   • Implement district curriculum and maintain instructional focus.
   • Communicate high expectations and clear learning goals.
   • Adapt instruction for diverse learners and sequence content at appropriate pace.
   • Use questioning to promote understanding and relate content to prior and future learning.
   • Assess learning continuously and recognize student effort.
3. Classroom Environment
   • Establish clear rules and enforce them consistently.
   • Redirect students naturally and maintain organized materials.
   • Maximize instructional time and begin and end class with learning focus.
4. Professional Growth & Professionalism
   • Participate in ongoing professional growth and community events.
   • Communicate effectively and professionally with colleagues, parents, and students.
   • Conduct parent-teacher conferences per district policy.
5. Follow district policies and procedures, support district goals, report student progress, and perform assigned duties.
6. Individual Education Program (IEP) Management
   • Case manage student IEPs and coordinate documentation compliance with timelines.
   • Implement specialized instruction and participate in IEP meetings, maintaining confidential records.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree with special education endorsements; South Dakota teaching certificate.
• Experience: Minimum one year in a position requiring interpersonal skills and support for students with challenging behaviors.
• Physical: Constant coordination; ability to manage students with behavior or self-care needs.
• Other: Excellent oral and written communication, conflict management, leadership, and proficiency in computer word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; knowledge of IEP process and special education law; assessment training.
• Background check: Comprehensive state and FBI criminal history check with fingerprinting, sex offender registry check, child abuse and neglect registry check; components completed prior to start and repeated every five years.

Certification & Training

Valid South Dakota teaching certification with K‑12 Special Education endorsement (endorsement requirements may vary).

South Dakota Codified Law requires at least one hour of youth suicide awareness and prevention training every five years. Certificate of completion must be provided prior to employment.

Pay

Salary schedule 2025‑2026: $52,821‑$59,485 per year, based on experience. Payment on last working day of each month.

Hours & FTE

1.0 FTE, 40 hours per week, 9 months.

Application

All current district employees interested in applying must complete an application. Post‑offer criminal background check required.

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