Special Education Learning Center Classroom Support Teacher - 1.0 FTE - Astor K-8

POSITION SUMMARY :

This teacher provides curriculum, assessment and instruction to students in the subject area or grade level by teaching skills, content, and critical thinking.

All instruction is tied to district and state performance standards. Assessment is continually used to adjust, inform, and differentiate instruction to meet the needs of a wide range of students including students who are English Language Learners, Talented and Gifted students, have diverse modes of learning, and are served by Individual Education Plans.

All teachers have a desire to involve parents as partners in education and have strong collaboration and communication skills with parents and colleagues.

All teachers are responsible for student supervision, guidance, development, and safety. All teachers follow Portland Public School policies, rules, and regulations.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Use of data to inform instruction and monitor student progress on IEP goals and objectives.
• Support general education core curriculum with accommodations and modifications.
• Provide academic instruction, social skills development, vocational, and study skills appropriate to student age and according to IEP goals.
• Use age-appropriate teaching materials, tier 2 and tier 3 curriculum and interventions.
• Direct instruction is provided from a teacher with a special education endorsement.
• Differentiated instruction for students that may include : modified expectations, course content, extended instruction, adapted levels of curriculum, behavior intervention strategies, technology use, etc.
• Consultation in a direct and meaningful manner with the special education and general education teachers specifically designing an individualized program with supporting intervention curriculum, to meet the special education goals and objectives as stated in a student’s IEP.
• Conduct assessment including Woodcock Johnson III.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING :

Incumbents must be properly licensed by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission for assignment as a Professional Educator - Teacher.

For positions identified within core academic areas, incumbents must be designated as highly qualified by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) to teach the designated core subjects.

Core academic areas include Language Arts (English), Reading, Mathematics, Sciences, Foreign Language (except Chinese-Mandarin), Social Studies and Art.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

• Oregon TSPC License with Handicapped Learner or Special Education : Generalist endorsement.
• Background / experience with students with severe developmental delays.
• Current pediatric CPR credential or willing to receive training as soon as possible.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Training and / or experience in a similar classroom setting.
• Bilingual / Bi-Cultural Chinese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese applicants are highly desirable.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS :

Knowledge of :

• Academic achievement standards that align to district goals and create a comprehensive, rigorous and coherent curricular program.
• Research-based instructional strategies and models for improving instructional practices.
• Existing and emerging education and instructional technologies and software.

Ability to :

• Advocate, model and implement Portland Public School's Educational Racial Equity policy.
• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment.
• Manage student behavior and maintain discipline in accordance with school, district and state policies, procedures and laws.
• Assign and grade class work, homework, projects, tests and assignments.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
• Prepare classroom for class activities.
• Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities.
• Plan, prepare and deliver lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students and use information to adjust teaching strategies.
• Provide appropriate feedback on work.
• Encourage parent and community involvement.
• Provide student information to authorized individuals in a timely manner.
• Participate in appropriate professional growth and extracurricular activities.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.
• Utilize relevant technologies to support and differentiate instruction.
• Welcome and empower students and families, including underrepresented families of color and those whose first language may not be English, as essential partners in student education.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of students' progress and development.
• Update records accurately and completely as required by laws, district policies and school regulations.
• Prepare required reports on students and activities.
• Participate in department, school, district and parent meetings.
• Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues and caregivers regarding student progress and student needs.
• Observe and evaluate student's performance and development.

In addition to a competitive salary schedule, retirement and healthcare benefits package, PPS offers a variety of additional benefits for educators*, some of which are based on eligibility requirements :

• In addition to sick leave, educators receive 3 personal / emergency and 5 family illness leave days per school year
• Professional Development Days + Funds
• Professional Growth - potential to move along the salary scale throughout the school year after completion of additional credits
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Multilingual stipend, if eligible
• University Voucher Program
• this applies to regular educators, half-time or greater.

ENDORESEMENT REQUIREMENT : Special Education - Generalist

COMPENSATION : $55,539 - $108,071(Annual salary based on 1.0 FTE)

WORK YEAR : 193 days

FTE : 1.0

Benefits Information

Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees. Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs.

Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.

Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS / OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP / IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.