Special Education Teacher ($5,000 Sign on Bonus)

Fort Dodge Community School District

Fort Dodge (IA)

On-site

USD 45,000 - 60,000

Full time

14 days+
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Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus of $5,000
Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A public school district in Fort Dodge, Iowa, is seeking a Special Education Teacher. This role involves leading the development of Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) and ensuring compliance with laws and district policies. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in special education and a license from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. The position offers a $5,000 sign-on bonus and requires collaboration with students, parents, and staff to optimize educational experiences.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field applicable to special education teaching.
  • License issued by Iowa BoEE for special education teaching.

Responsibilities

  • Leads the development of Individual Educational Plans for students.
  • Ensures compliance with applicable laws and district policy.
  • Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and modifies instruction.

Skills

Knowledge of current teaching methods
Knowledge of special education law
Ability to communicate effectively

Education

Bachelor's degree in special education
License issued by Iowa BoEE

Job description

Special Education Teacher ($5,000 Sign on Bonus)

Fort Dodge Community School District, Fort Dodge Senior High School – Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Job Details

Job ID: 5634013

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Apr 08, 2026 7:03 PM (UTC)

Job Description

Special Education Teacher (High School)

Supervisor: Building Administrator

Contract Length: 190 days

Job Classification: Certified Teacher

FLSA Status: Exempt

Under the general supervision of the Principal, facilitate student success and growth in academic and interpersonal skills by implementing district-approved curriculum, documenting student progress and outcomes, addressing specific educational needs of individual students, and creating a flexible, safe and optimal learning environment. Provide feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations and goals.

Essential Functions
  • Leads the development of Individual Educational Plans for students.
  • Ensures compliance with all applicable laws and district policy for the identification, progress‑monitoring and IEP development and implementation.
  • Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEP's and behavior management plans.
  • Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions.
  • Coordinates with administrators and teaching staff to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs.
  • Works collaboratively with colleagues to make accommodations to instruction, curriculum and the learning environment to meet the learning needs of students.
  • Coordinates, schedules and provides feedback to paraeducators.
  • Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective and timely communication with parents.
  • Promotes a classroom environment that is safe, engaging and conducive to individualized and small group instruction and student learning.
  • Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences.
  • Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
  • Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn about current developments in the educational field by actively taking part in professional learning communities and other opportunities.
  • Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record‑keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and laws.
  • Coordinates with other professional staff members to evaluate and assess curriculum and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
  • Selects and requisitions appropriate instructional materials and supplies and maintains inventory.
  • Supervises students in activities that take place out of the classroom during the school day, including activities involving school transportation, lunch and recess.
  • Administers standardized tests in accordance with district testing programs.
  • Performs other duties, as assigned.
  • Reliable work attendance is required.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field applicable to special education teaching.
  • License issued by Iowa BoEE for special education teaching.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy enabling differentiation.
  • Knowledge of special education law, Department of Education requirements, and best practice.
  • Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
  • Ability to use computer network system, technology devices, and software applications.
  • Ability to organize and coordinate work.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, coworkers and the greater community.
  • Ability to engage in self‑evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.
Travel Requirements
  • Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
Physical Requirements
  • Mobility – occasionally.
  • Bending – occasionally.
  • Talking – occasionally.
  • Hearing – occasionally.
  • Operating computer – occasionally.
  • Stationary position – occasionally.
  • Balance – occasionally.
  • Lifting up to 20 pounds – occasionally.
  • Manual dexterity tasks – occasionally.
  • Reaching, pushing or pulling – occasionally.
  • Sitting – occasionally.
  • Carrying (25 feet) – occasionally.
Working Conditions
  • District office hours – occasionally.
  • Indoors – occasionally.
  • Weekends/Off schedule – occasionally.
  • Temperature extremes – occasionally.
Sign‑on Bonus and Repayment Policy

Teachers will not be eligible for future sign‑on bonuses if rehired within 3 years of separation. A teacher will not be eligible for a sign‑on bonus if a prior bonus has been offered and accepted. If a teacher is terminated before a full year of employment or abandons their contract, they will be required to repay the sign‑on bonus at separation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Fort Dodge Community School District is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.

We will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status (for programs) in our educational programs, services, and employment practices.

Contact Information
  • Kimberly Whitmore, Director of HR
  • 109 N 25th Street
  • Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501
  • Phone: 515‑574‑5657
  • Email: kwhitmore@fdschools.org
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