Special Education Teacher .5 FTE

Hopkins-Public-Schools; Hopkins (MN); On-site; USD 51,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Hopkins Public Schools is seeking a licensed Special Education teacher to join our diverse E-12 district serving Hopkins and surrounding communities.

The role focuses on equity-minded instruction, collaboration with general education staff, and development of individualized plans to help each student access the mainstream classroom. Salary reflects district scales and contract terms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education or a closely related field.
• Active Minnesota teaching license in SPED (special education).
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet district requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials for individualized and small groups.
• Teaches district-approved curriculum and translates plans into learning experiences.
• Maintains pupil records; communicates progress with parents and guardians.
• Plans and coordinates paraprofessionals and volunteers in classroom and field trips.
• Maintains professional standards and participates in ongoing professional development.

Skills

Lesson planning

IEP development

Curriculum alignment

Student assessment

Classroom management

Parent communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in education

Minnesota SPED license

Driver's license

Job description

• Position Type:
  Teacher/ Special Education Teacher
• Date Posted:
  10/30/2026
• Date Available:
  01/04/2027

At Hopkins Public Schools, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our students,staff, and community. We are a proudly inclusive E-12 district serving approximately 7,200students across the City of Hopkins and surrounding communities. Our district represents arich mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; we value andcelebrate that diversity in everything we do. As an academically rigorous andhuman-centered district, we are committed to fostering a welcoming environment whereevery student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. There is no "typical" Hopkinsstudent, and we embrace this truth as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and equity inlearning.

We seek educators and staff who are equity-minded, culturally responsive, and deeplycommitted to creating inclusive spaces where all learners can thrive.

We welcome candidates who are passionate about dismantling systemic barriers,advancing justice, and preparing students to become bold, collaborative, andcompassionate global citizens. When you join Hopkins Public Schools, you are not justjoining a district, you are becoming part of a community that honors difference, nurturespotential, and inspires remarkable achievement in every learner, from birth throughgraduation.

You are welcome at Hopkins. You belong at Hopkins.

SUMMARY

Creates a classroom environment that fosters learning and personal growth; motivates pupils to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed to provide an excellent education, in accordance with each pupil's ability.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This class specification lists the primary duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials, providing individualized and small-group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each pupil.
• Teaches district-approved curriculum.
• Translates lesson plans into developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior to achieve an effective learning atmosphere.
• Evaluates pupils' academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records, and in a timely fashion prepares progress reports. Communicates this information regularly with parents.
• Identifies pupil needs and makes appropriate referrals and develops strategies for individual education plans.
• Provides individualized and small-group instruction to tailor the curriculum to the needs of each student.
• Maintains a professional day, as defined by the school building and contract.
• Communicates regularly with parents outside the regular classroom day through newsletters, notes, phone calls, emails, and conferences.
• Plans and coordinates the work of paraprofessionals and volunteers in the classroom and on field trips.
• Works in a supportive and collaborative manner with colleagues and supervisors.
• Maintains and improves professional skills by participating in building and department meetings, formal coursework, workshops, and seminars to stay current with best teaching practices.
• Participates in a regular personal professional goal-setting process.
• Utilizes assessment and evaluation to develop IEP goals and align instruction to the individual student's needs in a special education classroom setting.
• Collaborates with regular education teachers in the development of modified and accommodated curriculum to promote student access to the mainstream classroom setting
• Promotes and supports the overall mission of the District by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
  • Classroom management techniques.
  • Best practices, strategies, and teaching for varying learning styles and needs.
  • Minnesota State Standards.
  • Instructional design for students with educational needs in reading and writing, including the delivery of an alternative English curriculum.
  • District policies and procedures.
  • Disabilities and accommodations.
  • Computer applications related to the work.
  • Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in education or a closely related field.

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

Continued employment is contingent upon maintaining all required licenses and certificates in active status without suspension or revocation.

Driver's license.

Valid Minnesota Teaching License in SPED.

Required Skills

• Creating and administering individualized lesson plans.
• Interpreting and applying state and Federal statutes, codes, rules, and regulations.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands.
• Operating a personal computer using standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities.
• Commitment to the District's mission, which is to ensure high-quality, innovative, challenging education where all learners are valued and respected.
• Performing assigned responsibilities in a manner consistent with the District's established Core Values.
• Advancing the District's mission and values through careful attention to the key issues of Learning, Environment, and Resources.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Work is performed in a school environment, utilizing standard equipment and requiring stamina to sit for extended periods of time, as well as the ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds. The job also requires vision to read printed materials and computer screens, as well as hearing and speech to communicate effectively in person or over the telephone.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a school setting. Occasional travel is required to locations throughout the District.

Start date: 1/4/2027

HEA Union Contract

Range: BA, Step 0: $51,000.00 MA, Step 0: $60,228.00

Working days and salary to be prorated for remainder of school year.