WMS Special Education Teacher- Extended Resource (beginning 26/27)

Anova Education; Montana; On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Job summary

A public education institution in Montana is seeking a Special Education Teacher to support students with disabilities at Whitefish Middle School. The role involves providing individualized instruction and managing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) according to Montana laws. The teacher will work collaboratively with general education staff, maintain a conducive learning environment, and ensure the well-being of all students. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to a nurturing educational community and requires a valid Montana Certificate in special education.

Qualifications

• Valid Montana Certificate or eligibility for Montana endorsement in special education.
• Experience working with children with disabilities preferred.
• Ability to write reports and manage conflict effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized instruction to students with disabilities based on assessed needs.
• Draft, implement, and manage IEPs for each student.
• Coordinate remedial or tutorial instruction with general education teachers.

Skills

Confidentiality management

Conflict resolution

Communication skills

Instructional strategies

Education

Valid Montana Certificate in special education

Eligibility for Montana endorsement

Tools

Electronic and technology devices

Job description

Whitefish School District

Position Description

Area: Whitefish Middle School, Special Education Teacher - Extended Resource

Reports to: Director of Student Services and Principal

Whitefish School District seeks an educator with a track‑record of raising student achievement to join the team of educators dedicated to providing a deeper learning instructional program to all students. With the support of our community, the district creates an educational environment where each student can reach their academic potential, prepare for career opportunities, and become engaged citizens.

Summary of Assignment

The educator will provide individualized instruction to students with disabilities based on assessed needs and serve as the case manager for implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in accordance with Montana laws and rules for special education. This position utilizes instructional strategies that promote access to the common core curriculum while emphasizing communication and functional, adaptive, and daily living skills necessary for independence. All duties align with the District’s Strategic Plan, prioritizing the safety, health, and well‑being of students.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Valid Montana Certificate or eligibility for Montana endorsement in special education.
• Alternatively, a certified teacher who meets the criteria to enroll in the Montana Special Education Teacher Endorsement Project.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student and employment matters.
• Ability to respond to questions from the community, manage conflict, and handle stressful situations.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence.

Preferred:

• Previous experience working with children with disabilities.
• Demonstrated understanding of child and adolescent developmental issues.

Job Responsibilities

Essential Functions & Instructional Leadership

• IEP Development & Leadership: Assumes the lead role in drafting, implementing, and managing an appropriate IEP for each student; leads and participates in evaluation and IEP meetings as required by law.
• Instructional Planning: Prepares and maintains weekly lesson plans that clearly relate to the goals and objectives described in the IEP.
• Evaluations & Data: Completes educational evaluations and progress monitoring; interprets complex test results and data for parents, administrators, and school personnel.

Collaboration & Specialized Consultation

• General Education Integration: Coordinates remedial or tutorial instruction with general education teachers and assists them in developing classroom or curricular modifications.
• Professional Consultation: Consults regularly with specialized staff and other professionals regarding related educational matters to ensure a holistic approach to student development.

Environment & Supervision/Direction

• Classroom Management: Maintains an environment conducive to learning by setting high expectations and employing behavior management principles (e.g., behavioral contracting, token economy).
• Supervision: Exercises direct supervision over students to ensure safety and instructional fidelity.
• Direction: Provides direction to assigned paraeducators to ensure safety and instructional fidelity within the responsibilities and professional boundaries of the paraeducator role.
• Student Support: Provides prompt evaluative feedback and manages students' personal needs, which may include feeding, toileting, and physical assistance.

Professionalism & Growth

• Records & Confidentiality: Maintains accurate, confidential records in accordance with FERPA and IDEA regulations.
• Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting: Adheres to state law and district policy regarding the mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Continuous Improvement: Pursues ongoing professional growth through active participation in workshops, seminars, and advanced coursework to stay current with best practices in special education.

Equipment Used

A variety of electronic and technology devices, copier, telephone/voice mail, fax, wheelchairs and other special needs equipment.

Work Environment

The employee regularly works inside the school for most duties, with some responsibilities performed outside such as recess and field trips. The role may involve irregular or extended hours and requires meeting deadlines under severe time constraints. The noise level is usually moderate.

Physical Demands

The employee is frequently required to sit, walk, and stand; twist at neck and waist; kneel; and may lift or move up to 20 pounds. Visual requirements include close, distance, depth perception and focus adjustment; hearing required to hear conversations in quiet environments.

Mental/Motor Demands

The employee frequently works within time constraints, maintains attentiveness intensity, and is involved in social interactions requiring oral and written communication. Flexibility and guidance are typically available. Reasonable accommodations shall be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Terms of Employment

School year working days as set by the Board of Trustees. Salary, benefits and other working conditions as negotiated by the WEA and as assigned by the Administration.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's Policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.