SPED Teacher

BLACKWATER COMMUNITY SCHOOL; Reno (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

BLACKWATER COMMUNITY SCHOOL is hiring a SPED Teacher to create a flexible learning environment for elementary students in Reno, California. The role mandates a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education and a valid Arizona Teacher Certification. Essential responsibilities include developing lesson plans, assessing student progress, and maintaining a supportive classroom environment. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication, organizational skills, and empathy, essential for collaborating effectively with diverse students, parents, and professionals.

Qualifications

• Valid Arizona DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Must meet ESSA/NCLB / Highly Qualified Requirements.
• Proven experience working with diverse student populations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare lesson plans for core curriculum areas.
• Assess students to evaluate abilities, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Maintain order and discipline among students.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Patience

Empathy

Conflict resolution

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Special Education

Valid Arizona Teacher Certification

Job description

Job Summary

Creates a flexible elementary grade program and a classroom environment that fosters learning and personal growth. Establishes effective rapport with students, motivates them to develop the skills, attitudes and knowledge necessary for upper elementary grade education, and builds positive relationships with parents, community members and colleagues.

Position Details

• Job Title: SPED Teacher
• Department: Administration
• Reports To: SPED Coordinator
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Date: 07/11/2023

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid Arizona Teacher Certification
• Early Childhood Endorsement for grades Preschool to Kindergarten
• Valid Arizona DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Ability to Pass National Criminal Background Screen
• Must meet ESSA/NCLB / Highly Qualified Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Special Education or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
• Valid state teaching certification in Special Education
• Proven experience working as a Special Education Teacher, preferably with diverse student populations
• Knowledge of special education laws, regulations and best practices
• Strong understanding of different disabilities, learning styles and instructional strategies to support diverse learners
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with students, parents and colleagues
• Patience, empathy and the ability to create a positive inclusive classroom environment
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize tasks effectively

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares lesson plans in advance for all core curriculum areas in accordance with Arizona college and career readiness standards
• Identifies clear teaching objectives and learning outcomes with appropriate challenge and high expectations
• Maintains order and discipline among students while safeguarding their health and safety
• Assesses students to evaluate abilities, strengths and weaknesses
• Supports the diverse educational and cultural backgrounds of the students served
• Teaches planned lessons to all students or to smaller groups as needed
• Uses a variety of instructional strategies including inquiry, group discussion, lecture and discovery techniques
• Utilizes computers, audiovisual aids and other equipment to supplement presentations and instructional materials
• Translates lesson plans into engaging learning experiences that maximize instructional time
• Grades student assignments to monitor progress and provide feedback
• Maintains a regular system of monitoring, assessment, record‑keeping and reporting of student progress
• Identifies student needs and collaborates with other professionals to help students solve health, attitude and learning problems
• Communicates with parents about their child’s academic, social and emotional progress and consults on educational strategies
• Works individually with students to overcome specific learning challenges
• Prepares students for standardized tests required by the state and the BIE
• Develops and enforces classroom rules to teach proper behavior
• Creates and manages a caring, supportive, purposeful and stimulating learning environment
• Organizes and manages groups or individual instruction to differentiate learning needs for all abilities
• Plans opportunities to develop social, emotional and cultural aspects of learning
• Ensures effective use of support staff, including parent helpers, within the classroom
• Ensures school policies are reflected in daily practice
• Supervises children outside of classroom settings such as lunchtime or recess
• Participates in staff meetings, grade‑level meetings and on‑site professional development as required
• Maintains a portfolio of professional development and training undertaken
• Works as part of a whole‑school team and implements guidelines set by instructional coaches and administrators
• Promotes the welfare of children and supports safeguarding policies and procedures
• Promotes the school’s aims, objectives and philosophy of education
• Respects confidentiality of student, parent and teacher records in accordance with ethics and applicable laws
• Attends all school‑sponsored events
• Handles minor behavior modifications at the classroom level
• Sets criteria for student participation in school events, field trips and extracurricular activities at the beginning of the year, ensuring fairness

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position supervises the classroom paraprofessional.

Skills and Abilities

• Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences and promotes a harassment‑free environment
• Upholds organizational values with integrity and ethical conduct
• Active listening and effective conflict resolution skills
• Ability to gather, analyze and use information to solve problems in a timely manner, remaining calm in emotional situations
• Clear and persuasive communication, including presentation skills for groups and managers
• Capacity to write clearly, present numerical data effectively, and interpret written information
• Understanding of business implications of decisions and alignment with strategic goals
• Ability to work within approved budgets and conserve resources
• Observes safety and security procedures, reporting unsafe conditions and using equipment properly
• Adaptability to changing work environments and management of competing demands
• Reliability and punctuality in attendance and work performance
• Confidence in self and others, inspiring and motivating peers and students
• Proficiency in basic mathematics including calculations of figures, percentages and areas
• Knowledge of internet software, email, spreadsheet and word‑processing applications

Physical Demands

Supervising and interacting with children ages 3‑10 involves lowering to the child’s level 45% of the day, with bending, stooping and kneeling, and guiding them safely to and from the classroom up to 250 yards 20% of the day. The role requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, speaking and occasional use of hands for handling materials. The employee must regularly lift or move up to 10 pounds, frequently up to 25 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and focus adjustment.

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions; noise level is usually moderate.