SPED Opportunity Teacher - with/without Co-curriculars

Aberdeen School District 6-1; Aberdeen (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job summary

A public school district in South Dakota is seeking a SPED Opportunity Teacher to educate emotionally disturbed and behaviorally disordered students. The candidate must hold an approved Bachelor's degree and a South Dakota Teacher certificate with a Special Education endorsement. Responsibilities include teaching curriculum, maintaining a supportive learning environment, and developing individual education programs. This role demands patience, positive relations, and the ability to manage classroom dynamics effectively, ensuring each student's academic and personal growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and South Dakota certification required.
• Experience with special needs students preferred.
• Skills in maintaining confidentiality and human relations.
• Experience in working with emotionally disturbed/behaviorally disordered students is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach the approved district curriculum to assigned students.
• Support the philosophy and mission of the Aberdeen School District.
• Establish and maintain a positive learning environment.
• Employ instructional strategies that address a variety of learning styles and strengths.
• Use a variety of assessment procedures, samples, and instruments to evaluate student learning and provide specific and immediate feedback.
• Maximize available amount of time for instruction.
• Establish and maintain a positive learning environment and respond to the individual needs of students.

Skills

Experience with emotionally disturbed/behaviorally disordered students

Positive human relations skills

Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality

Patience and positive attitude

Education

Bachelor's degree in an approved teacher education program

South Dakota Teacher certificate with Special Education endorsement

Tools

Word processing

Office machines

Audio-visual equipment

Job description

SPED Opportunity Teacher - with/without Co-curriculars JobID: 2007

• Position Type: Middle School Teaching
• Date Posted: 2/4/2026
• Position Start Date: 2026-2027 School Year
• Closing Date: 02/18/2026

Salary Range: According to negotiated agreement

FTE: 1.00

REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in an approved teacher education program. South Dakota Teacher certificate with Special Education endorsement. Must be highly qualified for the position according to the State of South Dakota.

Experience Desired:

Experience in working with emotionally disturbed/behaviorally disordered students is preferred.

Other Requirements:

Demonstrated interest and commitment toward the welfare of young people. Positive human relations skills toward both adults and children. Patience and positive attitude is essential. Initiative and willingness to assist children with personal care needs. Demonstrated ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality in dealing with individuals and/or their records. Skills in word processing, operating office machines and audio-visual equipment.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires eye-hand, mind-eye coordination, physical dexterity, the ability to frequently walk, stand, bend, stoop, talk, and possibly lift up to 50 pounds. May need to physically restrain students on occasion.

Clearances:

Employment is contingent upon a Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance, paid for by the applicant.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

• Support the philosophy and mission of the Aberdeen School District.
• Teach the approved district curriculum to assigned students.
• Ensure that all activities conform to district guidelines.
• Employ instructional strategies that address a variety of learning styles and strengths.
• Use a variety of assessment procedures, samples, and instruments to evaluate student learning and provide specific and immediate feedback.
• Maximize available amount of time for instruction.
• Establish and maintain a positive learning environment and respond to the individual needs of students.
• Maintain an organized and attractive physical classroom environment.
• Set high expectations and standards for student achievement and behavior as appropriate to age and level of development.
• Recognize and address disabilities of students on a regular basis, seeking assistance of district specialists as required.
• Recognize signs of emotional/physical distress in students and take appropriate action when necessary.
• Maintain appropriate classroom management and supervision for all assigned students.
• Take all reasonable and necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
• Meet and instruct assigned classes in the location(s) and time(s) designated.
• Coordinate and supervise field trips as appropriate for assigned teaching area.
• Assist with the activities of student organizations as assigned.
• Obtain advance approval of the Principal for all activities and expenditures.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees.
• Strive to maintain and improve professional competence by participating in district-initiated staff development.
• Communicate effectively and clearly with others.
• Use appropriate and effective written and spoken language.
• Maintain accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, school district policy and school administrative requirements.
• Prepare appropriate lesson plans for substitute teachers.
• Use appropriate technology for both instructional and management functions.
• Respond to communications within the school district, (e-mail, voice mail, interoffice memos, postal mail) in a timely manner.
• Adhere to all district policies, handbooks, and regulations.
• Teach students who have been identified as emotionally disturbed/behaviorally disordered.
• Participate in identification, assessment and IEP development and delivery for eligible students.
• Maintain student records regarding the referral evaluation and placement process in compliance with district, state, and federal requirements.
• Participate in parent conferences and communicate with parents on a routine basis, keeping them well-informed about their child's school progress.
• Provide consultation to classroom teachers regarding inclusion needs of above described students.
• Utilize teaching techniques consistent with the research on characteristics of effective teaching.
• Prepare students for inclusion to regular education and provide follow-up assistance to classroom teachers.
• Develop and carry out the behavioral programs for students with assistance from consulting psychologist.
• Establish student success as a primary teaching goal and provide opportunity for all students to experience success.
• Promote developmental growth and achievement for all students.
• Monitor student classroom effort and parent-child activities, thus providing continuous feedback to parents and students of academic progress.
• Establish classroom management system that promotes the most efficient use of learning time.
• Provide for the well-being, health and safety of all students.
• Participate in school and District study committees and department meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Principal or Director of Special Education.

Postings current as of 2/21/2026 3:34:39 AM CST.