Special Education Specialist, Paulding Middle School/Student Services 2026-2027

Lucia Mar Unified School District; Arroyo Grande (CA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Lucia Mar Unified School District in Arroyo Grande, CA, is seeking a Special Education Teacher (Mild/Moderate) for Paulding Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year. This certificated vacancy requires a valid California credential with a Mild/Moderate SPED authorization and Autism authorization.

The position includes up to 184 work days, 1.0 FTE, and salary range from $63,607 to $107,276 with an additional $2,500 recruitment incentive, rising to $5,000 in 2027.

Qualifications

• Valid California teaching credential with authorization to teach Special Education (Mild/Moderate).
• CLAD/BCLAD/EL Authorization required (Emergency permits not accepted).
• Valid Added Autism Authorization.

Responsibilities

• Provides research-based specialized instruction to address IEP goals.
• Develops and implements annual IEP plans with goals and services.
• Schedules team meetings and coordinates delivery of SPED services.
• Establishes a positive learning environment and monitors student progress.
• Communicates with parents and staff regarding student progress.

Skills

IEP management

Special education

Team collaboration

Instructional planning

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Special Education Specialist, Paulding Middle School/Student Services 2026-2027 JobID: 1923

• Position Type: Teacher/ Special Education Teacher - Mild/Moderate
• Date Posted: 9/28/2026
• Location: Paulding Middle School

NOTICE OF VACANCY

Human Resources

[phone], ext. 1194

September 28, 2026

CERTIFICATED NOTICE OF VACANCIES

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

PAULDING MIDDLE SCHOOL / STUDENT SERVICES

2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

We are now accepting applications for the following certificated position(s) beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

POSITION(S):

Special Education Teacher, Mild/Moderate

REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid California teaching credential with an authorization to teach special education in a mild/moderate setting
• Valid CLAD/BCLAD/EL Authorization (Emergency permits are not accepted)
• Valid Added Autism Authorization

WORK DAYS:

up to 184 days, 1.0 FTE

SALARY:

Annual entry level salary placement from $63,607 to $107,276 for a full time position; with an additional $2,500 recruitment/retention incentive paid in equalized monthly installments. The additional retention incentive shall increase to $5,000 annually, effective July 1, 2027.

Salary based prorated based on start date, FTE, and on prior experience and semester units above Bachelor's degree.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Lucia Mar Unified School District prohibits unlawful discrimination, intimidation, harassment (including sex-based harassment) or bullying based on a person's actual or perceived race; color; ancestry; nationality; national origin; immigration status; ethnic group identification; ethnicity; age; religion; pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation, including related medical conditions and recovery; parental, family, or marital status; reproductive health decision making; physical or mental disability; medical condition; sex; sex stereotypes; sex characteristics; sexual orientation; gender; gender identity; gender expression; veteran or military status; or genetic information; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

For questions or complaints, contact Equity Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator: Jennifer Handy, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at 602 Orchard Street, Arroyo Grande, California, 93420. Phone: [phone] ext. 1190 Email: [e-mail]

LUCIA MAR UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT CERTIFICATED

HUMAN RESOURCES JOB DESCRIPTION

REVISED DATE: November 12, 2019

TITLE: SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER, GRADES K-12

SALARY RANGE: Placement on the District Certificated Salary Schedule is based upon years of full-time credentialed teaching experience and units of college coursework beyond a Bachelor's Degree.

SCHEDULE: 184 work days according to the District Instructional Calendar

EXEMPTION STATUS: Exempt - Teaching Professional Employee Exemption – FLSA

DESCRIPTION:

The Special Education Teacher designation develops and provides specialized instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities; evaluates and assesses student progress against instructional objectives; follows State mandated due process procedures and functions as IEP Manager to assigned students. The Special Education Teacher plans, and administers the special education instructional program and classroom operation in compliance with guidelines and regulations determined by the administration, Board of Education, state and federal agencies. The teacher will create an environment that encourages learning, motivates students to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to establish and continue a firm foundation to perpetuate the learning experience through the post secondary education and/or career opportunities. The Special Education Teacher will utilize all the resources available to establish a cooperative relationship with parents, staff members and administrators to support each student's opportunity to learn and grow in educational and life experiences. The position of Special Education Teacher shall include active participation in the school's operation to support a positive learning environment.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Credential: Valid California teaching credential with an authorization to teach Special Education in a Moderate/Severe setting.
• Valid California teaching credential authorization to teach Autism.
• CLAD/BCLAD/EL Authorization (Emergency permits are not accepted).
• Education: A Bachelor's Degree, including all courses and/or exams needed to meet credentialing and subject matter competency.
• Experience: As mandated by the state, and accepted by the school district.
• Personal Qualities: Resourceful, innovative, helpful, diligent, persistent, and a willingness to work with colleagues and students.

PREFERRED:

• Additional: Valid California Driver's License
• Experience: Prior teaching experience.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. INSTRUCTIONAL:

• Provides research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives contained within each student's IEP.
• Assesses student progress and determines the need for additional reinforcement or adjustments to instructional techniques.
• Employs various teaching techniques, methods and principles of learning to enable students to meet their IEP goals.
• Develops and implements annual Individualized Educational Program (IEP) plans for students to include: present levels of educational performance, special education needs, instructional goals and objectives, and the special education and related services required to meet those goals.
• Schedule team meetings and works cooperatively with child study team members and others in developing instructional goals and strategies.
• Coordinates the delivery of special education services in each student's IEP.
• Creates a positive learning experience with emphasis in individualized instruction using appropriate sources and technology.
• Services as the primary contact for the parent.
• Conducts special education evaluations and reevaluations.
• Provides direction, supervision, and evaluation input of special education assistance, as directed.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of special education and specialty area; including through knowledge of the principles and methodology of effective teaching of students with disabilities.
• Ability to deliver and articulate oral presents and reports.
• Provides individualized and small group instruction (as necessary) to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each pupil. Determines the appropriate pace for instruction related to students' abilities and explains material and subject content to students and parents. Differentiates instruction for students based upon need and works with students and other teachers in inclusive settings.
• Establishes and maintains standards of behavior in the classroom and throughout the school to achieve a positive and functional learning atmosphere for students.
• Evaluates students' academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records, prepares student progress reports, and provides accurate and constructive feedback to students and parents.
• Uses data to improve the learning and instruction process.
• Creates and maintain an environment that fosters student creativity, critical thinking skills, academic achievement and the development of lifelong skills.
• Shows competence and confidence in working with new technology and various application packages.

B. STUDENT MANAGEMENT:

• Maximize opportunities for student success by creating positive mentoring and working relationships with students and colleagues.
• Create a classroom environment reflective of the 21st century skills and the various student individual needs.
• Be a role-model for students regarding life-long learning and professional behavior.
• Establish and implement a classroom discipline policy to articulate and maintain standards of expected pupil behavior and achieve an effective learning environment in the classroom; maintain a classroom atmosphere conductive to learning.
• Provide students with additional instruction as required if they need support in academic skill development.

C. PROFESSIONAL:

• Maintain positive staff relations; Works closely with the site principal to collaboratively lead the school through shared decision-making processes.
• Cooper