Special Education Teacher Elementary Candidate Pool

Howard County Public School System; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

Retirement plan membership

Job summary

The Howard County Public School System is seeking a Special Education Teacher to provide direct instruction and support to students with disabilities. The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and knowledge of differentiated instruction and IEPs.

Responsibilities include planning instructional programs, collaborating with staff, and assisting in student assessments. This 10-month position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required for professional practice in Special Education.
• Knowledge of IEP and differentiated instructional techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and families.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct instruction to students with disabilities.
• Collaborate with general education teachers.
• Develop and monitor Individualized Education Program (IEP) plans.

Skills

Differentiated instruction

Data collection

Best instructional practices

Research-based reading instruction

Classroom behavior management

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or greater

Maryland State Department of Education licensure

Tools

Assistive technology

Database applications

Audio-visual aids

Job description

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award‑winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the application requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects the experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.

DESCRIPTION

Under direction of the Principal and/or Assistant Principal, the Special Education teacher provides direct instruction and instructional support to students with disabilities and works in collaboration with the general education teacher and the student’s team members. Special Education Teachers must possess knowledge of differentiated instruction, data collection, best instructional practices, research‑based reading instruction, and other pertinent special education policies and laws. Special educators perform special education case management responsibilities that include the development, implementation and monitoring of Individualized Education Program (IEP) plans in collaboration with teachers, related service providers, families, and the student.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or greater.
• Meet the Maryland State Department of Education licensure requirements for Special Education Grades 1‑8.
• Out‑of‑state applicants are encouraged to begin the application process for educator licensure with the Maryland State Department of Education and to upload all required materials.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Three previous years of special education teaching experience.
• Current Maryland State Department of Education license in Special Education (grades 1‑8).

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and implement instructional programs and interventions that adhere to HCPSS goals and priorities.
• Provide direct instruction and instructional support to students with disabilities and general education teachers.
• Serve as liaison between school staff and administration including the special education supervisor.
• Prepare for IEP team meetings and provide case management for assigned students with disabilities.
• Serve as a member of the IEP team as appropriate.
• Interpret both informal and classroom‑based assessment for students to make instructional decisions.
• Collect data on student performance to improve student outcomes and direct instruction.
• Administer and interpret formal assessments as appropriate.
• Select and adapt materials to assist students with disabilities to access the general education curriculum.
• Communicate effectively with students and families to share updates and progress.
• Participate in professional development activities designed to advance teacher knowledge in instruction, best practices, differentiated instruction, educational policy, and other information necessary to improve instruction and programming for students with disabilities.
• Supervise and plan for the continuing professional development of paraeducators assigned to the classroom.
• Set up and operate equipment; use assistive technology to support student learning and communication and other equipment.
• Help maintain order and discipline and assist in managing the behavior of students, including crisis intervention.
• Assist with routine care, including personal hygiene, toileting, feeding and other custodial tasks as required or requested.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the HCPSS curriculum for the grade/content range of the position.
• Thorough knowledge of IEP, learning theory, differentiated instruction, data collection, best instructional practices, research‑based reading instruction, multicultural education, and assessments.
• Ability to provide differentiated instructional techniques that inspire, motivate, and meet the individual educational needs of all students.
• Ability to develop and nurture an atmosphere and educational environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of all students.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of special education, including Individualized Education Programs (IEP).
• Skill in classroom behavior management.
• Skill in preparing and implementing lesson plans and modifying curriculum for special‑needs students.
• Skill in communicating with students, parents and/or families, administrators, related service providers, paraprofessionals, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of database, internet, spreadsheet, word processing, and related applications.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of technology, audio‑visual aids and other equipment to supplement instruction.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Compensation: This is a 10‑month per year position in the HCEA employee bargaining unit. The current salary range for this position is on the 10‑Month Special Education Teacher salary scale. Actual placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the HCPSS and the HCEA Master Agreement, which considers education and relevant prior experience. The position is exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Retirement: Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is mandatory for eligible employees. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.

Benefits: HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Additional benefits such as paid time off are outlined in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

Pre‑Employment Requirements: Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, undergo a criminal background investigation, and complete the Maryland Employment History Review. Some positions may require a physical examination and/or drug testing.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [e-mail]. HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants, prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. All employment decisions are based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran status, family medical history, or any other protected characteristic.