SPED Teacher

PPS strongly encourages and recommends everyone who is able, to be vaccinated and remain current on the COVID-19 vaccine.

This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.

Current PPS probationary and contract professional educators are no longer eligible to fill vacancies which occur after July 31st.

This position is temporary for the 2024-2025 school year.

Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students. At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to attract talented educators who model the core PPS Educator Essentials. With the District’s focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice.

The District is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all its educational and employment activities. The District prohibits discrimination based on perceived or actual race; national or ethnic origin; color; sex; religion; age; sexual orientation; gender expression or identity; pregnancy; marital status; veteran’s status; familial status; economic status or source of income; mental or physical disability or perceived disability; or military service.

Accessibility Statement

Conflict/Complaint Resolution Process

SPECIAL EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT:

The Special Education Department is committed to providing instructional services in inclusive environments that will prepare students that receive special education services for life and careers.

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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

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 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

ENDORSEMENT REQUIREMENT: Special Education - Generalist

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

WORK YEAR: 193 days

FTE: 0.5