Special Education Resource Teacher

Elk River Independent School District 728; Elk River (MN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Elk River Area ISD 728 is seeking a Center-Based Special Education Teacher to design and implement individualized educational programs for students with special needs in a structured setting. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to adapt curriculum and foster academic, social, and emotional development.

The role requires developing IEP-based lesson plans, using assistive technology, and coordinating with paraprofessionals and families to support student progress.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Special Education or related field.
• Certification State Special Education teaching license/certification; Autism spectrum licensure preferred.
• Experience with students with disabilities in center-based or special education setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized lesson plans aligned with each student's IEP goals.
• Modify curriculum and instructional methods to meet diverse learning needs.
• Utilize evidence-based teaching strategies and assistive technology.
• Assess student progress regularly and adjust instruction accordingly.

Skills

IEP development

Collaborative approach

Assistive tech

Family communication

ABA experience

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Special Education

State Special Education license

Job description

Special Education Resource Teacher 1.0 FTE (Study Skills and Math) JobID: 19311

• Position Type: Special Education Teaching/ Resource Special Education Teacher

Are you ready to educate, inspire, and empower diverse learners?

Come make a difference at Elk River Area ISD 728, the eighth-largest school district in the state! We are a rapidly growing, forward-thinking district dedicated to shaping our students' futures so they can accomplish their dreams and contribute positively to our local and global communities.

Why choose ISD 728?

• A Culture of Excellence: Be part of a winning team! Our district boasts an impressive 89% graduation rate—outpacing the state average by more than 4 percentage points. Our students consistently achieve greatness, from advancing in the National Civics Bee to winning big at the Minnesota State Science Excellence Fair.
• Unprecedented Growth & Innovation: As our community continues to grow, so do our opportunities. We are actively expanding our learning spaces, Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, and targeted student services to meet the needs of our dynamic district.
• A Role for Everyone: Whether you are an experienced educator or looking to support our schools in other vital ways, we have a place for you! We are actively hiring across multiple departments, including Teachers, Administrative and Classroom Assistants, Summer Special Education Assistants, Custodial Grounds, Food Service, and EdVenture Club Child Care professionals.

Help us build strong schools and strong communities. Explore our current openings and join us in making a meaningful impact today!

As a member of our team you will receive:

• Robust Administrative & Team Support: Support by a network of specialists, including lead teachers, special education coordinators, curriculum and behavior specialists, and related service providers like speech-language pathologists (SLPs), occupational therapists (OT), developmental adaptation physical education (DAPE) teachers, and physical therapists (PT).
• Reduced Paperwork Burden: To prevent teachers from getting buried in paperwork, the district utilizes dedicated evaluation teams and due process assistants. These assistants alleviate burdens on case managers by handling scheduling, parent communication, and documentation.
• Paid Due Process Nights: The district respects teachers' time by offering extra pay for "due process nights". These events provide uninterrupted, focused time outside of the standard contract day to collaborate with coordinators and complete required due process paperwork.
• Abundant Resources & Guidance: The leadership team provides comprehensive guidance documents to help write IEPs, prior written notices, and behavior support plans. Additionally, center-based programs have full access to both general education and special education curricula.
• Ongoing Professional Development: Training is continuous and structured to ensure staff success in the classroom. The district provides constant refreshers and reminders for certifications, such as Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training.
• Data-Driven Student Growth: Decisions regarding student services are data-driven and focused on individual needs. The district's full continuum of services allows staff to customize student schedules within their own buildings to transition them into general education classrooms as they grow.
• Career Mobility & Growth: Because ISD 728 is a large district covering a wide geography, it offers wide-ranging advancement opportunities. Staff members are able to easily transition between different buildings, job positions (such as moving from a readiness teacher to a special education teacher), and setting programs.
• Competitive Compensation: Positions in the district are backed by a highly competitive contract.

What you will be responsible for:

The Center-Based Special Education Teacher is responsible for designing and implementing individualized educational programs (IEPs) for students with special needs in a structured, center-based setting. This role involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, adapting curriculum to meet diverse learning needs, and fostering a supportive environment that promotes academic, social, and emotional development.

• Develop and implement individualized lesson plans aligned with students' IEP goals.
• Modify curriculum and instructional methods to meet the diverse learning needs of students with disabilities.
• Utilize evidence-based teaching strategies, assistive technology, and specialized instructional materials.
• Assess student progress regularly and adjust instruction accordingly.

Classroom & Behavior Management:

• Establish a structured, supportive, and engaging classroom environment.
• Implement positive behavior support strategies and individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSP).
• Maintain a safe and inclusive learning space for students with varying disabilities.
• Utilize data from Functional Behavioral Assessments to facilitate the creation and implementation of effective Behavior Support Plans (BSP).
• Work closely with paraprofessionals, itinerants, and other support staff to meet student needs.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress and IEP goals.
• Participate in IEP meetings, evaluations, and interdisciplinary team discussions.

Compliance & Documentation:

• Maintain accurate records of student progress, attendance, and IEP documentation.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local special education laws and regulations.
• Administer assessments to track academic and developmental progress.

You meet our minimum qualifications if you:

• Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Special Education or related field.
• Have a certification State Special Education teaching license/certification. Licensure in Autism Spectrum Disorders preferred.
• Have prior experience working with students with disabilities in a center-based or special education setting preferred.
• Skills:
  • Strong understanding of IEP development and implementation.
  • Knowledge of various disabilities, including autism, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral disorders.
  • Proficiency in using assistive technology and adaptive teaching strategies.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
  • Patience, flexibility, and a passion for working with students with special needs.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you:

• Have experience with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or other evidence-based interventions.
• Have training in crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies.
• Experience with creation and implementation of visuals.

The work environment & physical demands include:

• Ability to lift/move students as needed and assist with mobility.
• Comfortable working in a structured, high-needs classroom setting.

May require occasional evening meetings or professional development sessions.