Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Teacher - BIC Unit - Job# 4621

School Board of Highlands County; Sebring (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The School Board of Highlands County is seeking an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Teacher for elementary school assignment. The role involves aiding instructional and behavioral programming, developing IEPs with staff, and supervising paraprofessionals to ensure quality education for students with diverse needs.

Minimum qualifications include a Florida teaching certificate and a Bachelor’s degree; candidate must pass background checks and drug screenings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution as determined by the Florida Department of Education.
• Certified by the State of Florida in the appropriate subject area.
• Criminal history records check and drug screening required.

Responsibilities

• Aids in instructional and behavioral programming and works with program specialist and behavioral specialist.
• Develops IEPs for students in collaboration with staff, ensuring appropriate education and goal attainment.
• Supervises paraprofessionals in the classroom and provides leadership by delegating activities.

Skills

IEP development

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Teacher - BIC Unit - Job# 4621 JobID: 4621

• Position Type: Elementary School Teaching/ ESE
• Date Posted: 9/2/2026
• Closing Date: 09/16/2026

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF HIGHLANDS COUNTY

POSITION TITLE: Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Teacher

ASSIGNMENT: Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Teacher

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution as determined by the Florida Department of Education
• Certified by the State of Florida in the appropriate subject area
• Physical Requirements: Light work, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force as frequently as needed tomove objects
• Satisfactory clearance of a criminal history records check and drug screening

ADDITIONAL DESIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Physical dexterity tasks involving: lifting, crawling, kneeling, bending, stooping, pulling, and pushing up to 50 pounds may be required
• Additional endorsement(s) in one of the following: Severe or Profound Disabilities,Orientation and Mobility, or Autism may also be required depending upon student classroom composition

PRIMARY PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Aids in instructional and behavioral programming and works with program specialist and behavioral specialist
• Develops Individual Education Programs (IEP) for students collaboratively with other staff assuring an appropriate education, evaluate the attainment of annual goals and objectives for students
• Supervises paraprofessionals assigned to the program and provides leadership for them in the classroom by delegating activities and working collaboratively with them
• Reads, reviews and understands information provided through documents such as the Special Programs and Procedures, The Exceptional Student Education Handbook, technical assistance papers and other material provided
• Audits and maintains accurate student files and reports:
  • FTE – October and February
  • December Federal Count – Survey 9
  • Teacher and Para Class Schedules
  • Data collection for IEPs and Behavior Intervention Plans
• Attends monthly department meetings
• Identifies or develops long- and short-term plans based on student needs which are consistent with District and State curriculum requirements
• Plans and prepares lessons and instructional strategies which support the school improvement plan and the District mission
• Plans and prepares instructional activities that contribute to a climate where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences
• Identifies, selects, and develops or modifies instructional materials to support learning objectives and to meet the needs of students with diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, learning styles, and special needs
• Assists in preparing for changing curriculum needs and continuous improvement
• Maintains a positive, organized, and safe learning environment
• Establishes and utilizes behavior-management techniques which are appropriate and effective
• Assists in enforcement of school rules, administrative regulations, and Board policy
• Establishes and maintains effective and efficient record keeping procedures, including student records subject to the requirements of the Family Rights and Privacy Act
• Manages materials and assigned equipment effectively, including record keeping and other inventory requirements
• Instructs and supervises the work of volunteers and aides when assigned
• Develop and utilizes assessment strategies (traditional and alternative) to assist the continuous development of learners
• Interprets and utilizes data (including, but not limited to, standardized and other test results)
• Establishes appropriate testing environment, and ensure test security
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of curriculum content
• Applies principles of learning and effective teaching in instructional delivery
• Differentiates instruction by using a variety of instructional strategies appropriate for teaching students from diverse backgrounds with different learning styles and special needs
• Uses appropriate techniques and strategies to enhance the application of critical, creative, and evaluative thinking capabilities of students
• Uses appropriate materials, technology, and resources to help meet learning needs of all students
• Provides quality work for students, focused on meaningful, relevant, and engaging learning experiences
• Provides a positive environment in which students are encouraged to be actively engaged in the learning process
• Ensures student growth/achievement is continuous and appropriate for age group, subject area, and/or student program classification
• Provides instruction on safety procedures and proper handling of materials and equipment where appropriate
• Recognizes overt indicators of student distress or abuse, and take appropriate intervention, referral, or reporting actions
• Communicates effectively, orally and in writing, with other professionals, students, parents, and the community
• Collaborates with students, parents, school staff, and other appropriate persons to assist in meeting student needs
• Collaborates with peers to enhance the instructional environment
• Assists others in acquiring knowledge and understanding of particular area of responsibility
• Engages in continuing improvement of professional knowledge and skills
• Conducts a personal assessment periodically to determine professional development needs with reference to specific instructional assignment
• Acts in a professional and ethical manner and adheres at all times to the Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct
• Fulfills professional responsibilities
• Supports school improvement initiatives by active participation in school activities, services, and programs
• Performs other incidental tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

Performs all other duties as assigned by the supervising administrator

TERM:

Length of contract and number of hours worked are determined by specific allocation as approved annually during planning-budgeting process

APPRAISAL:

Performance will be appraised annually in accordance with School Board policies

PAY GRADE:

According to the School Board of Highlands County Instructional Salary Schedule

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Except as provided by law, The School Board of Highlands County shall not on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, political or religious beliefs, national or ethnic origin, or genetic information, exclude individuals from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity in any employment condition or practice, or be denied equal access to school facilities if the organization is The Boy Scouts of America or other patriotic youth groups.

APA Approved 7/28/2015 Modified 08/19/2021

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR ALL PERSONNEL:

All applicants for positions offered by the School Board of Highlands County will be evaluated for possession of the following personal qualities:

• Honesty, dependability, punctuality, accuracy, and diligence on the job
• Ability to relate well to fellow workers, parents, students, and the general public
• Habits of dress, grooming, and personal conduct suitable to the work site and school environment
• Willingness to use professional practices appropriate to public service and school settings
• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately, orally and in writing
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral directions
• Ability to access, organize, and maintain information needed in the performance of specific work tasks
• Willingness to become totally familiar with and to comply with school district policies, procedures, rules, and functions
• Demonstrate sensitivity to cultural diversity and to district expectations governing equity, non-discrimination, and equal opportunity
• Willingness to complete in-service training needed to enhance and update job performance over a period of service

Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and interview process.

To request accommodations, please contact:

Carla Ball, Director of Human Resources

426 School Street

Sebring, FL 33870

863-471-5555

[e-mail]