Special Education Teacher

Fargo Public Schools; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 47,393 - 91,468; Full time

Job summary

Fargo Public Schools is seeking a dedicated Special Education teacher to provide instructional support for students with diverse needs in a full-time role in Fargo, ND. The position involves planning and implementing IEP-aligned instruction, collaborating with parents and district personnel, and maintaining detailed records of student progress and services.

The teacher will deliver direct instruction across multiple domains, monitor progress, administer assessments, and adapt content to meet

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education or equivalent.
• ND Teaching License or ability to obtain with endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Establishes an instructional environment for students.
• Direct instruction per IEP areas: academics, communication, motor, mobility, social/recreation/leisure, community, vocational, independent living.
• Administers evaluative tools to assess progress and develop individual learning plans.
• Administers first aid and assistance to medically fragile children.
• Assesses progress toward objectives and provides feedback to students and parents.
• Develops BSPs or BIPs as needed.
• Maintains a behavioral management system for a safe learning environment.
• Monitors behavior across environments.
• Prepares written progress reports and documentation.
• Supervises paraeducators and coordinates with staff.
• Collaborates with parents and other school personnel.
• Differentiates instruction for varied learning needs.
• Informs parents of progress and improvement plans.
• Maintains records and reports as required.
• Participates in IEP meetings and staff meetings.
• Ensures a safe, positive educational atmosphere and enforces policies.

Skills

Strong communication

Relationship building

Flexibility & creativity

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in Special Education

ND Teaching License or eligibility

Interest in complex needs students

Understanding of child development

Effective communication skills

Confidentiality & professionalism

Awareness of current programming trends

Job description

Job Type

Full Time

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Schedule

Teacher's Contract

Salary Range

From $47,393 to $91,468 annually

Position Purpose

Responsible for facilitating learning for special education students; instructing, assessing, and program planning for students; monitoring and evaluating student progress and behavior; researching, obtaining, and providing instructional materials for special education services; serving as a resource for students, parents, and District personnel; working within a pullout environment or within a self-contained classroom. This job reports to the Building Principal.

Responsibilities

• Establishes an instructional/learning environment for students.
• Provide direct instruction to students in the following areas as determined in the IEP: academics, communication, fine and gross motor, mobility, social/recreation/leisure, community, vocational, and independent living skills.
• Administers a variety of evaluative tools (e.g. developmental testing programs, subject specific assessments, etc.) for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and developing individual learning plans.
• Administers first aid and assistance to medically fragile children (e.g. tube feeding, toileting, diapering, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care for children.
• Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and goals (e.g. behavioral, motor development and communication skills, academic needs, vocational abilities, etc.) for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents, and administration.
• Develop Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) or Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) as needed.
• Establishes and maintains a behavioral management system for students; Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
• Monitors students' behavior and/or activities in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, IEPs, progress reports, data sheets, lesson plans, evaluations, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements.
• Supervises paraeducators (e.g. training, scheduling, supporting, etc.) for the purpose of monitoring performance and ensuring standards are achieved.
• Collaborates with parents, instructional staff, other school personnel (e.g. OT, PT, Speech Pathologist, School Psychologist, etc.) for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes and achieving student educational plan objectives.
• Differentiates instruction (e.g. online curriculum, alternative curriculum, multi-media, assistive technology, modified content, multi-sensory, etc.) for the purpose of providing students with different instructional avenues that address individualized learning within established curriculum guidelines.
• Informs parents and legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations, student's achievements, developing methods for improvement, and reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.
• Maintains documents, files, and records (e.g. grades, IEPs, etc.) for the purpose of providing up-to-date information and historical references in accordance with established guidelines and legal requirements. Maintains records and reports regarding pupil progress in a timely manner.
• Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g. IEP meetings, staff meetings, parent teacher conferences, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and gathering information required to perform functions.
• Ensures a safe, pleasant, and effective educational atmosphere, provides discipline as necessary, and enforces school policy

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education
• North Dakota Teaching License or ability to obtain prior to start date with special education endorsement
• High interest in serving students with complex needs (cognitive, communication, adaptive, behavioral, academic, social/emotional)
• Understanding of child development stages and developmentally appropriate expectations
• Strong communication skills both verbal and nonverbal
• Ability to establish and maintain constructive relationships
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility and creativity
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Knowledge of current programming trends in special education

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans
• Experience in supervising and scheduling paraeducators/paraprofessionals
• Special Education endorsement in one or more of the following: Autism spectrum, Emotional disabilities, Intellectual disabilities, Multiple disabilities

Eligibility and Compliance

• Fargo Public Schools does not offer or provide sponsorships.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Applicants who are residents of ND and eligible to claim veteran's preference must upload a Form DD214.
• Claims for disabled veteran's preference must include a current statement of disabled status from the Veterans Affairs Office.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Fargo Public School District is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment free from discrimination and harassment in all employment and educational programs, activities, and facilities. The District prohibits discrimination and harassment based on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, or other status protected by law.