Teacher – Special Education Learning Specialist Oakland Middle School (Specialized Classroom SS[...]

Columbia Public Schools; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a dedicated Special Education Learning Specialist to join their team. This role involves designing and implementing educational programs tailored for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. The ideal candidate will possess strong collaboration skills and a solid foundation in trauma-informed approaches to learning. You will work closely with teachers, mental health professionals, and families to create a supportive environment that fosters student growth. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of students and have the required qualifications, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a positive educational experience.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Professional Development Opportunities

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and Missouri teacher certification required.
• Experience with emotional and behavioral disorders is essential.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement educational programs for students with behavioral disorders.
• Collaborate with mental health agencies and provide classroom support.

Skills

Collaboration Skills

Behavioral Support

Trauma-Informed Approaches

Data-Driven Decision Making

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Missouri Teacher Certificate in Special Education

Tools

1-to-1 Technology (Laptops, iPads)

District Software for Grades

Job description

(Using a computer is suggested to complete application. Phones are not always compatible).

POSITION PROPERTIES

Position Title: Teacher – Special Education Learning Specialist Oakland Middle School (specialized classroom SSKIP) 2025-26

Schedule / Grade: Teacher Salary Schedule

Job Code: 13TEACH076

FLSA: Exempt

Calendar: TEACH

Benefits: Eligible

Contract Type: TEACH

Bargaining Unit: TCHR-NEA

Revised Date: 03/06/2025

PURPOSE

This position is for a learning specialist who will design and implement educational programming for students with emotional and behavioral disorders at the secondary level. Candidates must have previous experience working with children on behavioral and mental health supports and services. Potential candidates should have experience designing and supporting structured learning, implementing function-based thinking, trauma-based approaches, visual schedules, and behavior/reinforcement plans. Candidates should have good collaboration skills including responding to the unique characteristics of emotional and behavioral disorders by working with mental health agencies and social workers and providing a collaborative approach to services. Candidate should also be comfortable implementing strategies within the classroom as well as working with teachers and teams to provide supports within the general education environment.

Candidates must be willing to become trained in Safe Crisis Management.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

1. Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated both individually and collaboratively.
2. Plans and implements a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interests and abilities of all students using data-driven decision-making.
3. Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interest of all students.
4. Prepares for assigned classes and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor.
5. Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
6. Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and, in harmony with the goals, establishes and communicates clear objectives to students for all lessons and units.
7. Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of individuals or student groups involved.
8. Collaborates with administrators, colleagues and parents in a positive and productive manner.
9. Strives to implement by instruction and action, the District's philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives.
10. Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required.
11. Evaluates the learning problems of students on a regular basis, seeking assistance of District specialists as needed and/or required.
12. Takes necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
13. Maintains accurate and complete records as required by law, District policy, and Administrative regulation.
14. Assists the administration in implementing all policies and/or rules governing student life and conduct and develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure while maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and appropriate manner.
15. Makes provisions for being available to students and parents for education related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
16. Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for teacher aide(s) and/or volunteer(s) where applicable.
17. Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.
18. Attends staff meetings and serves on staff committees as needed.
19. Performs other duties as necessary to support the mission and vision of Columbia Public School District.

DISTRICT EXPECTATIONS

All employees of the District are expected to adhere to the policies and regulations of the Board of Education, maintain appropriate certification and competencies necessary for the position, and demonstrate the values of the district at all times. For information on policies, regulations and values, visit http://www.cpsk12.org.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To: Executive Director of Special Services, Building Principal and Assistant Principal

Supervises: None

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum: Bachelor’s degree; Missouri teacher certificate in special education. Ideal candidate will have a professional and friendly demeanor with a demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals in a fast-paced environment.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

Language: Read, analyze and interpret professional journals, Board policy, administrative procedures and forms and governmental regulations and guidance; Read, analyze, and implement curriculum and assessment data to plan instruction; Complete forms, write reports and engage in written correspondence with parents; Present information effectively and respond to questions; Write clear and complete lesson plans.

Computation: Work with mathematical concepts, such as probability and statistical inference, and analyze data for instruction; Apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning: Solve a variety of problems in many different situations; Interpret instructions presented in written, oral, diagram or schedule form; Apply knowledge of current educational theory and instructional techniques while presenting subject matter to students; Demonstrate executive functions such as planning, organizing, remembering, and regulating information and behavior as they pertain to student performance and achievement.

Other Skills and Abilities: Identify needs and abilities of individual students and to adapt instructional methods accordingly; Establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers and parents; Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

Technology: Integrate technology into daily instruction; present information to students using a variety of media; Access and present information from online sources in a manner that enhances instruction; lead and monitor students as they perform online research; Instruct in buildings/classes where students are actively using 1-to-1 technology such as laptop computers, iPads, and other devices; Lead students in creating and presenting multi-media projects when such assignments enhance student learning; Use district software for recording grades and finding student information; Readily utilize smart boards, projectors and other instructional technology provided by the district; Adhere to all District policies and procedures regarding technology use.

Physical Demands: An individual who holds this position must have the ability to: Speak and hear in an environment where numerous conversations and activities may be taking place simultaneously; Move around the classroom to interact with and manage students/groups of students; Read handwritten or printed material.

Attendance: Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

Conditions and Environment: The individual who holds this position will regularly work in a school environment that is noisy and active. Occasionally the individual will be required to work outdoors for short periods of time to perform such tasks as loading and unloading students from district transportation.

Prospective and current employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact human resources to discuss reasonable accommodations to perform the essential job functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer