Special Education Teacher - elementary (2026-2027 School Year)

Harrisonburg City Public Schools; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Harrisonburg City Public Schools seeks a dedicated Special Education Teacher to develop and implement instructional programs for identified SPED students, helping them reach their fullest potential.

The role requires Virginia licensure in Special Education, collaboration with families and staff, and ongoing professional growth within an interdisciplinary team. The position is a 200-day contract with an exempt environment.

Qualifications

• Possesses or qualify for a Virginia Collegiate Professional license with endorsement in area
• Possesses or eligible for Virginia Postgraduate Professional license with Special Education – General Curriculum K-12 endorsement
• Demonstrated knowledge of instructional strategies and skills related to scientifically-based research

Responsibilities

• Establishes and implements daily written lesson plans.
• Evaluates student learning and revises instruction accordingly.
• Differentiates instruction to meet diverse student needs.
• Effectively communicates with students, parents and the community.
• Maintains appropriate student classroom behavior.
• Maintains ongoing records of student performance to evaluate progress.
• Assists in screening, evaluating and placing students in the division's SPED program.
• Develops short- and long-range goals for IEPs.
• Works with regular teachers to support students with disabilities.

Skills

Instructional strategies

Differentiated instruction

Educational technology

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Data-driven instruction

Education

Virginia Collegiate Professional license

Postgraduate SPED license K-12 (Virginia)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Email applications

Job description

Position: Special Education Teacher

Reports to: Principal, Elementary School

Contract: 200 Days

Salary Scale: Teacher

FLSA Status: Exempt

Revised: 9/2010, 1/2021

PRIMARY FUNCTION: Develops and implements an instructional program that will effectively provide identified special education students with a program that will enable them to achieve their fullest potential.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Possesses or qualify for a Virginia Collegiate Professional license with specific endorsement in the area to which assigned; preferred – hold or eligible for a Virginia Postgraduate Professional license with a Special Education – General Curriculum K-12 endorsement.


2. Possesses outstanding knowledge and skill in the assigned instructional area and demonstrated enthusiasm for teaching and the learning process.


3. Demonstrated knowledge of instructional strategies and skills related to scientifically-based research and its implementation.


4. Proficiency in business English; spelling, grammar and spoken language.


5. Proficiency in the use of a variety of instructional technology including computers with experience in Microsoft Office, email and other applications.


6. Emotionally mature, objective and sensitive to people and their concerns. Able to handle responsibility, work independently, and maintain good working relationships with students, families, staff, co-workers and community agencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Establishes and implements daily written lesson plans.


2. Evaluates student learning and revises instruction accordingly.


3. Structures teaching to encourage independent thinking by students.


4. Effectively prepares/uses instructional materials and technology resources.


5. Maintains appropriate expectations for all students.


6. Differentiates instruction.


7. Maintains appropriate student classroom behavior.


8. Demonstrates knowledge of the subject/grade.


9. Demonstrates resourcefulness and flexibility.


10. Displays enthusiasm for teaching.


11. Utilizes strategies to meet class objectives, student needs and abilities.


12. Effectively motivates students.


13. Manages Instructional time wisely.


14. Safety and Learning Environment:


15. Provides an appropriate learning environment.


16. Models acceptable written and oral expressions


17. Effectively communicates with students, parents and the community.


18. Provides appropriate feedback to students


19. Professionalism and Community Relations:


20. Uses measures of student learning to improve instruction.


21. Models professional, moral and ethical standards and personal integrity.


22. Participates in meaningful and continuous process of professional development.


23. Works in a collegial and collaborative manner with peers, staff, parents and community resources to support the success of a diverse student population.


24. Provides services to the professional, the school division and/or the community.


25. Demonstrates good attendance and punctuality.


26. Submits required reports on time and meets other deadlines.


27. Maintains accurate records


28. Follows proper channels of communication


29. Appropriately maintains confidentiality


30. Is familiar with and abides by School Board policies, regulations and school procedures


31. Serves as a member of an interdisciplinary team whose purpose is to provide appropriate educational programs for special education students.


32. Assists in screening, evaluating, and recommending placements of applicants for the division's special education program.


33. Assists in developing short- and long-range goals for the student's individualized education program (IEP).


34. Provides a basic core program for identified special education students.


35. Works cooperatively with classroom teachers who have special education students in regular classes by interpreting the abilities and disabilities of these students and to assist students with regular class assignments.


36. Tutors, with specific educational planning, those students whose need for additional help cannot be met within the regular classroom.


37. Maintains ongoing records of student performance in order to evaluate progress.


38. Conducts an annual review and update short-term objectives.


39. Holds periodic parent conferences and/or home visits.


40. Keeps abreast of recent developments in education for their assigned students and to show evidence of continuing professional growth.


41. Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.


42. Maintains appropriate state licensure; assumes responsibility for and participates in staff development (professional growth) and training to keep materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date.


43. Follows appropriate safety procedures and properly maintains equipment.


44. Responds to telephone, email and in-person requests, inquiries and questions in a professional, polite and responsive manner.


45. Attends all required meetings.


46. Experience working directly with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.


47. Experience working with diverse learning needs and with children that may benefit from alternative learning models is preferred.


48. Familiarity with racial equity and inclusion frameworks.


49. Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal and/or Director of Exceptional Student Services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

Light work, lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds frequently.

Stand, walk, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel or crouch.

Regular contact with staff members and administrators is required.

Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and meet the physical demands.

EVALUATION

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with school policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of licensed personnel.

The above is intended to describe the essential functions of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities and requirements of this position.