Special Education Teacher - 1.0 FTE at Axtell Park Structured Teach Program

Sioux Falls School District; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 53,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Sioux Falls School District is seeking a Special Education Classroom Teacher to support students with diverse needs. The role emphasizes implementing district curriculum, planning meaningful tasks, and applying effective instructional practices.

Candidates must hold a SD K-12 SPED endorsement and a valid SD teaching certificate. The position includes collaboration with a dedicated team and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and endorsements in teaching; SD teaching certificate.
• Experience with students with challenging behaviors is desired.
• Knowledge of IEP process and special education law; training in assessment.

Responsibilities

• Plan instructional tasks aligned to learning goals.
• Provide instruction using the district curriculum and maintain high expectations.
• Establish and enforce classroom rules; manage transitions and organize materials for effectiveness.
• Coordinate IEPs, documentation, and related processes in compliance with district/state requirements.
• Communicate with parents and collaborate with team members and specialists.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Oral & written communication

IEP knowledge

Assessment training

Tech literacy

Education

Bachelor’s degree; SD teaching certificate (K-12 SPED endorsement)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Databases

Job description

We wantYOUhere!

Discover the unparalleled support awaiting special education teachers within the Sioux Falls School District!

• With an innovativeonline IEP systemboasting a 96% satisfaction rate among our teachers, anddedicated IEP facilitatorsstreamlining meetings, educators have more time to focus on what truly matteres - nurturing their student's growth.
• Our "Virutal Office", offered multiple times a month, provides instant support and guidance via Zoom for challenges Special Educators face.
• Join theSpecial Services Learning Academywhich equips educators with the tools they need for success and work withInsturctional Coachesto ensure swift curriculum mastery.
• When it comes to managing classroom dynamics, our esteemedbehavior team, includingBoard Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), are on hand to provide expert guidance and support.

In the Sioux Falls School District, you're not just an educator; you're an integral part of a supportive, collaborative team committed to unlocking every student's highest potential.

We want your talent - we want your passion - we want YOU here!

REQUIREMENTS

• Education Level: Bachelor’s degree and endorsements in the areas of teaching assignment. Certification or licensure: South Dakota teaching certificate
• Experience Desired: At least one year of work experience in a position requiring interpersonal interaction skills and knowledge of strategies to support students with challenging behaviors.
• Physical Requirements: Constant hand-eye and mind-eye coordination and hearing; intermittent speaking, standing, walking and writing. The ability to provide physical management to students with behavior or self-care needs.
• Other Requirements: Excellent oral and written communication skills. Skills in human relations, leadership and conflict management. Knowledgeable of teaching techniques that meet the diverse needs of students. Demonstrated skills in computer word processing, spreadsheets and
  databases. Knowledge in implementation of IEP process and special education law. Training in assessment and interpretation of information.

CERTIFICATION

This position requires a valid South Dakota teaching certification with the K-12 Special Education endorsement.

Please note, endorsement requirements may vary based on specific course assignments.

Questions about SD teaching certification: South Dakota Department of Education

YOUTH SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION TRAINING

South Dakota Codified Law 13-42-71 requires certified educators to complete at least one hour of approved youth suicide awareness and prevention training every five years. Compliance is verified through district accreditation reviews. You will be required to provide your most recent certificate of completion prior to starting employment with the Sioux Falls School District.

Visit https://doe.sd.gov/suicideprevention/ to view the list of approved trainings and detailed instructions for completion. These trainings listed are the only accepted trainings per SDCL 13-42-71. Please carefully review the options before selecting a training as unapproved trainings will require you to retake an approved course.

View the complete job description here: Special Education Classroom Teacher

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIES

1. Ability to Plan and Prepare Instructional Tasks

• Plan instructional tasks that are meaningful and related to learning goals

2. Provide Instruction to Students

• Implement District curriculum
• Maintain a strong instructional focus utilizing the elements of effective instruction
• Communicate a high level of expectation
• Communicate clear learning goals to students
• Adapt instruction to meet the needs of all students
• Address various learning styles
• Sequence content at an appropriate pace
• Use appropriate level of questioning to promote understanding
• Relate lesson content to prior and future learning
• Require students to summarize information in written and/or verbal form
• Appropriately recognize and reinforce individual student effort
• Represent knowledge/information non-linguistically through a variety of methods
• Organize students in cooperative or ability groups when appropriate
• Require students to analyze and apply knowledge
• Display enjoyment, humor, and enthusiasm for teaching and expect students to enjoy learning
• Conduct ongoing assessments for learning

3. Provide Effective Classroom Enviornment

• Establish appropriate classroom rules and procedures that are clearly understood by all students
• Effectively and consistently enforce rules and follow procedures
• Redirect students naturally and immediately without disrupting others
• Be well-organized and have all materials, equipment, etc., ready for immediate use
• Carry out smooth and effective transitions (e.g., from one activity to another, as students enter and leave the room)
• Maximize time on purposeful instructional tasks
• Begin and end class period with focus on learning
• Establish a positive learning environment

4. Participate in Professional Growth Opportunities and Demonstrate Professionalism

• Participate in ongoing professional growth
• Participate in school/professional and/or community organizations or events
• Complete routine assigned tasks and comply with District requirements
• Promote the education profession
• Communicate effectively and professionally with colleagues, parents and students
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences in accordance with District policy

5. Follow District and buildign policies and procedures.

6. Support of District goals.

7. Report student progress to parents and students.

8. Perform other duties as assigned.

• Case manages student individual education programs (IEP) to meet specialized needs of students with disabilities
• Coordinates special education documentation regarding the special education process including referral, evaluation, IEP development and implementation, and related processes in compliance with district, state and federal requirements including timelines
• Implements specialized instruction utilizing researched strategies and interventions based on the needs of the students
• Participates in IEP meetings and communicates with parents on a routine basis keeping them informed of their child’s progress in compliance with district procedures
• Maintains student special education records and related information as outlined in district procedures and in a confidential manner

PAY INFORMATION

Starting at $52,821 to $59,485per year, based on experience.

View the complete salary schedule here: 2025-2026 Teacher Salary Schedule

Pay Day: Last working day of each month.

HOURS & FTE

Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm

1.0 FTE, 40 hours per week, 9 months

CALENDAR

2024-2025 New SFEA Staff Calendar

2025-2026 calendar coming soon!

ESTIMATED START

August 2025

BENEFIT INFORMATION

Benefits (only for positions 20 hours per week or more)

CURRENT DISTRICT EMPLOYEES

All current District employees interested in applying must complete an application.

Post-Offer Criminal Background Check Required Relay Services for Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Dial 711, then the desired number