Special Education Teacher, Medium Term Substitute - 1.0 FTE Five Hawks Elementary School Begins: 11/18/26 | End Date: 1/4/2027 Pay Rate: $272.09 per Day  

TITLE: SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

POSITION SUMMARY: The Special Education Teacher is committed to equitable access, inclusive practices, and shared accountability for the academic, behavioral, and social success of students with disabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:    

1. Valid Minnesota special education license issued by PELSB
2. Knowledge of IDEA, Minnesota Rule, FAPE, and LRE requirements.
3. Commitment to teaching as a profession.
4. Positive, collaborative, innovative attitude, with passion for education.

REPORTS  TO: Building Principal and Assistant Director of Student Support Services

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

  Planning and Preparation

• Understands learning theory, disability-specific instructional practices, student development, and curriculum standards, and uses this knowledge to design standards-based instruction aligned with IEPs and grade-level expectations.

• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of students' academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and cultural needs, and uses this information to plan differentiated instruction and appropriate supports.

• Develops measurable, standards-aligned IEP goals; establishes high expectations for growth; and uses formative and summative assessment data to guide instructional decisions and monitor progress.

• Designs and implements individualized lesson plans using evidence-based interventions; adapts curriculum, instruction, and assessments to ensure access to the general education curriculum consistent with FAPE and LRE.

• Utilizes data systems, instructional strategies, and available district and community resources to support student achievement and connect families to appropriate services.

   

  Classroom Environment

   

• Creates a safe, structured, and inclusive environment that promotes dignity, belonging, high expectations, and student independence.

• Establishes clear routines, procedures, and classroom systems that maximize instructional time and support consistent implementation of accommodations and behavior plans.

• Implements proactive and individualized behavior supports; responds to student behavior respectfully and effectively using de-escalation strategies.

• Fosters positive peer interactions and supports meaningful participation in both special education and general education settings.

   

  Instruction 

   

• Provides high-quality direct and indirect special education instruction to cross-categorical students in a variety of service delivery models, including resource, center-based, co-taught, and other multidisciplinary settings.

• Uses evidence-based instructional practices and differentiated strategies to address academic, behavioral, social, and executive functioning needs.

• Collaborates with general education staff to plan, deliver, and monitor accommodations and modifications that ensure access to grade-level curriculum.

• Monitors progress through ongoing assessment, provides timely and specific feedback, and adjusts instruction based on student response to intervention.

• Utilizes assistive and educational technology to increase access, engagement, and independence, and promotes self-advocacy and transition-related skills when applicable.

• Provides direction and oversight to paraprofessionals assigned to support students with disabilities, including training, task delegation, and monitoring implementation of accommodations and behavior supports.

       Professional Responsibilities

• Serves as IEP case manager for assigned students and implements special education services in accordance with federal and state law and district procedures.
• Develops and maintains IEPs, evaluation reports, and documentation in compliance with federal and state special education law and district procedures.
• Facilitates IEP meetings to ensure meaningful parent participation and collaborative decision-making; maintains accurate and confidential student records in accordance with federal, state and district policy.
• Collaborates with administrators, general education staff, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and outside agencies to coordinate services and supports, and communicates regularly with families regarding student progress.
• Participates in Child Study Teams, professional learning communities, and district initiatives; engages in ongoing professional development; demonstrates professionalism in conduct and communication; and performs other duties as assigned consistent with the teachers' collective bargaining agreement.

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools is a regular school district located in Scott County with 13 schools, 553 teachers and 9,972 students. Total Revenue is $142,977,000 and is trending up. Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools spends $10,789 per student per year on instruction.