Special Education Teacher, Life Skills

Vancouver Public Schools; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Vancouver Public Schools invites applications for a full-time Special Education Teacher for the 2025-26 school year. The role requires a valid teaching certificate and a Bachelor’s degree, with a focus on developing learning plans for diverse student needs. Candidates will utilize effective strategies and technology to engage students, manage classroom behaviors, and support individual learning goals in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid time off including sick and personal leave

Qualifications

• Valid Washington State teaching certificate required.
• Bachelor's degree, Master's preferred; experience with special education students.
• Ability to implement behavior intervention programs.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and implements lesson plans.
• Maintains discipline and student records.
• Communicates student progress to parents.

Skills

Communication

Behavior intervention

Classroom management

Intervention strategies

Technology utilization

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

Valid Washington State teaching certificate

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

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For the 2025-26 school year

Full time position

Posting Period: Open until filled

Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Exempt

We appreciate your interest in employment with Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). All applications are considered and reviewed. The most qualified and competitive applicant(s) that possess directly related experience and expertise, training, and education may be invited to participate in the interview/selection process. As part of the selection process, the District conducts confidential reference checks to include former and present employers and also requires a criminal background investigation. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications received, not all applicants will receive an interview.

Résumés should include education, relevant experience (including current position), and skills which highlight the qualifications of the position to which a person is applying.

All district employees are encouraged to review their personnel file periodically to ensure that their file includes current and relevant documentation that supports their education, experience, training, etc., as it relates to qualifications described on job postings.

Qualifications

• Valid Washington State teaching certificate appropriate for the assignment
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning; Master’s degree preferred
• Successful teaching experience with special education students, preferred
• Ability to develop and implement behavior intervention programs
• Knowledge of effective intervention strategies, such as Discrete Trial, Structured Teaching, and Picture Exchange Communication System
• Ability to coordinate a team consisting of staff assistants and/or community resources
• Demonstrates ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and oral form
• Possesses enthusiasm toward teaching and student learning
• Experience with employing a precise behavioral management system for students within a positive learning environment
• Uses appropriate disciplinary procedures, establishes clear parameters for student behavior, responds properly when problems occur, and helps students toward self-discipline
• Ability to assess needs of students, prescribe, and implement effective lessons to meet identified needs
• Experience with implementing Health Care Plans and providing continuous support for students with medical conditions (to include hygiene routines/tube feeding/Augmentative communication)
• Experience with employing the procedures of daily continuous measurement for maintaining adequate and current progress records
• Ability to utilize and evaluate interpretive feedback
• Experience in administering and interpreting a wide variety of diagnostic tools relevant to the students to be served
• Familiarization with state standards and testing
• Understanding of community services for 18-21 year olds
• Ability to coordinate community work experiences for students as appropriate
• Ability to work cooperatively with students and their parents who are culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse
• Advanced ability to use technology as an effective communication, planning and instructional tool
• Willingness to participate in professional development courses aligned with the school and district initiatives
  
  

Essential Functions

• Prepares and implements lesson plans
• Integrates technology into planning, learning, and required record-keeping activities including IEPs using IEP.Online
• Delivers instruction using the prescribed curriculum and provide for individual differences
• Implements effective teaching strategies related to the individualized learning needs and developmental stage of students
• Effectively teaches students of varying abilities
• Gains the respect and confidence of students, parents, and staff through modeling appropriate demeanor, behavior, and attire
• Develops favorable relationships with students; listens to, cares for, and works collaboratively with them
• Provides guidance using Crisis Prevention Intervention Techniques for students in an escalation cycle
• Relates positively to youth and adults of varying socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds; different learning styles, and various disabilities
• Uses appropriate disciplinary procedures, establishes clear parameters for student behavior, responds properly when problems occur, and helps students toward self-discipline
• Maintains classroom discipline through use of effective classroom management skills
• Maintains appropriate student records
• Communicates student progress to parents, as directed
• Works as an effective member of the grade/content area team, staff, and community to evaluate and improve student learning
• Cooperates as a professional team member and perform faculty duties including student supervision
• Actively engage students in using technology in individual and collaborative learning activities
• Works in a flexible and cooperative manner
• Treats co-workers, supervisors, students, parents and others with dignity and respect at all times
• Serves as a positive role model for students, and practices the behaviors that are expected of our students
• Maintains regular and punctual attendance and hours of operation as set by the assigned building/location and the Comprehensive Professional Agreement to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position to achieve program requirements
• Supervison of students
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Such alternatives to the above requirements and desirable qualifications may be made as the district finds appropriate and acceptable.

Benefits/Compensation

• Salary range: $62,925 - $118,608 (includes Base & TRI enrichment; commensurate upon FTE, degree, credits and experience). Salary schedules can be accessed here.
• Additional Compensation: Certificated positions may have additional pay provisions above what is represented on the salary range such as, but not limited to TRI professional learning, extended year days, extra appendix E supplemental days and professional development reimbursement. Detailed information, including eligibility criteria, can be found in the VEA CPA. Salary schedules can be accessed here.
• Benefits: Employees who are anticipated to work at least 630 hours may be eligible for health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life, and disability insurance benefits. Detailed information, including further eligibility criteria, can be found here.
• Retirement: Employees may be eligible for retirement benefits through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Eligibility is based on FTE. Detailed information can be found here.
• Time Off: Includes paid time off, sick, personal, religious, military and bereavement leave.
• Sick Leave: 8 hours per month (part-time employee accrual will be proportionate to their FTE).
• Personal Leave: 3 days per school year
• Detailed information, including accrual criteria can be found in the VEA CPA.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Education and Training

• Industries

  Primary and Secondary Education

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