Special Education Teacher, Alt-Ed, Residential Setting

Walden Crossing Program provides a motivational educational experience through instruction and educational support to students up to age 18 with significant mental health needs during their residential and ongoing treatment.

The educational impact on residentially placed youth is mitigated by receiving ongoing educational services. Special Education, ELL, and Transition Services are also provided.

MESD and the MEA union are currently engaged in contract negotiations and the salary listed in this job posting reflects the rate for the 2023-24 school year. Upon ratification of the collective bargaining agreement, salary adjustments will be made for the 2024-25 school year as applicable.

Department: Student Services
Location: Walden Crossing Program
Reports to: Building Administrator
Classification/Range: Licensed Represented
Days/Hours: 193 days/8 hours per day
Projected Interview Date: May 2024
Start Date: 07/01/2024

POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides instructional services for students who are in need of general and/or special education services. Student supports may range from TAG, ELL, 504 accommodations, and Special Education (mild, moderate, or severe and categories of service may include Emotional Disturbance). Services will be provided within a self-contained mental health and/or developmental disabilities setting.

NATURE & SCOPE

This position is subject to board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations, and applicable State and Federal statutes. This position carries no administrative authority or responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Utilize relevant information to assess and identify students' educational, psychological, physical and social needs.
Develop and implement lesson plans and learning objectives to ensure educational, social/emotional and behavioral progress.
Sequence learning activities and modify instruction based on individual student needs.
Evaluate students' educational progress utilizing a variety of assessment tools and methodology (i.e. student portfolios, student demonstrations, criterion-referenced and standardized tests) and Report pupil progress according to program procedures.
Understand Special Education Processes - SpEd Eligibility, Write Individual Educational Programs (IEPs), etc.
Communicate cooperatively and appropriately with parents, students, colleagues, building personnel, supervisors, community members, and others to address individual student needs.
Cooperate with and establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with other staff members and facility staff to establish and maintain program goals and requirements.
Identify and utilize resources within the school and community to meet students' educational needs.
Implement program-adopted crisis prevention/intervention strategies to include the use of de-escalating procedures and physical interventions to avoid injuries.
Maintain records (Synergy), data collection, and meet timelines.
Direct Educational Assistant training and activities
Adhere to the school building, Nexus' Therapeutic facility, District, and Multnomah ESD policies and procedures.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Supervisor or which are indicated to assure the physical and emotional well-being of students.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Ability to establish and implement behavior management guidelines for students consistent with program needs.
Knowledge of large group, small group, and individual instruction; and cooperative learning and peer tutoring strategies.
Ability to integrate social-emotional skills into content area instruction.
Knowledge of Oregon Benchmarks and Common Curriculum Goals
Ability to develop curriculum aligned with skills/content standards.
Knowledge of child development
If assigned to a classroom requiring lifting must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. according to established procedures. Exact lifting requirements will vary based on classroom assignments.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Valid Oregon Teaching License with Special Education Endorsement, experience, or training in working with a diverse student population.
Preference is given to Spanish-English bilingual candidates. If you're bilingual in Spanish and English, we encourage you to apply!
BENEFITS:
District pays full medical, dental, and vision premiums for eligible employees and dependents
Three medical insurance plan options:
Group Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
Opt-Out option
MESD pays employee's 6% Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) contribution
Paid holidays, sick leave, and personal time off
Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development

This position is subject to Board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations, and applicable State and Federal Statutes. This position carries no administrative authority or responsibility.

Salary placement is based on education level and years of relevant teaching experience.

MESD shall provide equal employment opportunity and treatment to all present and prospective employees regardless of age, national origin, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition, family relationship, veterans' status, service in uniformed service, genetic information, an individual's juvenile record that has been expunged, or disability if the disability does not preclude performance of essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.