Special Education Teacher - Self Directed Academy

Job Type Full Time Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Schedule Teacher's Contract Salary Range From $47,393 to $91,468 annually

This position is for the 2024-2025 School Year. There will be some Professional Development Training this summer.

Position Purpose

The Self-Directed Academy Special Education Teacher at Fargo Public Schools is an integral part of a dynamic educational team committed to fostering student-centered, adaptive, design-based, technology-rich learning environments. This role requires an innovative mindset, a collaborative approach to teaching and learning, and a dedication to creating engaging educational experiences that empower students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Responsibilities

1.Statement of Responsibility: Instruction

• Design and implement integrated content area lessons that promote inquiry, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication

• Foster a student-centered learning environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and problem-solving

• Collaborate with colleagues to develop and implement innovative teaching strategies and practices

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with other educators, parents, and community members to enhance student learning

• ?Develops and maintains relationships with community partners who support community-based learning experiences

• Utilize technology effectively to enhance teaching and learning experiences

• Actively engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in education

• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of teaching and learning

• Provide timely feedback to students to support their growth and development

• Participate in school-wide initiatives and events as needed

• Perform other duties as assigned

2.Due Process

• Administers a variety of evaluative tools (e.g., developmental testing programs, subject specific assessments, etc.) to assess student competency levels and develop individual learning plans

• Ability to lead and organize collaboration with parents, instructional staff, other school personnel (e.g., general education teacher, OT, PT, Speech Pathologist, School Psychologist, etc.) to improve the quality of student outcomes and achieve student educational plan objectives

• Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g., grades, attendance, anecdotal records, IEPs, progress reports, data sheets, lesson plans, evaluations, etc.) to document student progress and meet mandated requirements

• Analyze student progress towards objectives, expectations, and goals (e.g., behavioral, motor development and communication skills, academic needs, vocational abilities, etc.) to provide feedback to students, parents, and administration; reports this progress in a timely manner

• Informs parents and legal guardians of student progress to communicate expectations, student achievements, develop methods for improvement, and reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment

• Develop behavioral management systems, Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) or Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) as needed

• Maintains documents, files, and records (e.g., grades, IEPs, progress reporting, etc.) to provide up-to-date information and historical references in accordance with established guidelines and legal requirements

• Ability to lead and be an active participant in various meetings (e.g., Profile, Eligibility Determination, IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meetings, parent teacher conferences, etc.) to convey and gather information required to perform functions

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in the field of Education.

• North Dakota Teaching License or ability to obtain prior to start date with special education endorsement.

• Thrives in a collaborative teaming approach to teaching and learning.

• Desire to teach and learn in a student-centered, adaptive, design-based, technology-rich learning environment.

• Possesses an innovative mindset: forward-thinking, creative, open to inquiry, collaborative, agile, inclusive, with the ability to see new possibilities and opportunities for learning.

• Be a self-starter and resourceful.

• Demonstrates the ability to build and maintain strong partnerships with other educators, parents, and community members to enhance student learning.

• Proven ability to design and teach integrated content area lessons collaboratively.

• Well-developed speaking and listening skills that enhance student engagement in the exploration of real-world problems through inquiry, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication as a cornerstone of learning.

• Understanding of child development stages and developmentally appropriate expectations.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Knowledge of current programming trends in special education.

• Knowledge of IDEA processes and procedures, including functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans

Preferred Qualifications

• Dual licensure (elementary 1-8) and additional licensure or expertise in another area (i.e., music, art, CTE, ESL, special education).

• Demonstrate a dedicated work ethic, willing to help and take on additional duties as needed.

• Familiarity with STEM education.

• Openness to Project-Based Learning

• Educational risk-taker.

• Able to lead discussions and the selection of instructional and assistive technology for students with disabilities.

• Desire to partner with students to empower them to embrace their learning strengths and needs.

• Ability to work with students to develop project and time management skills necessary to be successful at the Self-Directed Academy.

• Experience providing integrated special education services in both special education and general education settings.

• Independently meets due process timelines and demonstrates the ability to provide special education services through various instructional methodologies.

• Experience in supervising and scheduling paraeducators/paraprofessionals.

• Special Education endorsement in one or more of the following: Specific Learning Disability, Autism Spectrum, Emotional disabilities, Intellectual disabilities, Multiple disabilities

Application Procedures

All applications for open Fargo Public Schools positions must be made via www.applitrack.com/fargo/onlineapp. Paper submissions will not be accepted. Application materials must clearly explain how experience and education are related to the minimum qualifications and job duties. Applicants for administrative, teaching, professional and other certified staff positions will need to attach: 1) Cover Letter 2) Resume/CV 3) Three (3) Professional References 4) Complete transcripts for each degree from the institutions conferring the degrees. In addition, Teacher Applicants will need to attach: Current teaching license.

Fargo Public Schools does not offer or provide sponsorships. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Applicants who are residents of ND and eligible to claim veteran's preference must upload a Form DD214. Claims for disabled veteran's preference must include a current statement of disabled status from the Veterans Affairs Office.

For more information or questions please call 701-446-1000 or email humanresources@fargo.k12.nd.us.

Fargo Public Schools (FPS) is dedicated to fostering an educational environment rooted in inclusivity and academic freedom. Our FPS Philosophies articulate our commitment to these principles, guiding our practices to ensure every student's success. We invite candidates to thoroughly review our FPS Philosophies as they reflect the foundational values and expectations for all FPS employees. By applying, candidates express their commitment to embracing and upholding these philosophies in their professional practice, contributing to a culture of excellence and inclusivity within our schools.

The Fargo Public School District is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment free from discrimination and harassment in all employment and educational programs, activities, and facilities. The District prohibits discrimination and harassment based on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, or other status protected by law.