The posting
Special Education Teacher Grades 6-8 Behavior Focused
Supervisor: Building Administrator Contract Length: 190 days Job Classification: Certified Teacher FLSA Status: Exempt
In the Fort Dodge Community School District, we are professional, high-performing team players focused on delivering the best possible learning experience for each one of our 3700 students. We respect diversity, value integrity, reward competitively, celebrate success and support employee growth and development. We aim to attract, develop and retain the best people as part of our Dodger family.
Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Principal, facilitate student success and growth in academic and interpersonal skills by implementing district approved curriculum, documenting student progress and outcomes, addressing specific educational needs of individual students and creating a flexible, safe and optimal learning environment. Provide feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations and goals.
All positions assigned 30 or more hours weekly (typically 6 hours daily) are eligible for a full benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance and paid leave. ?
Essential Functions
- Leads the development of Individual Educational Plans for students.
- Ensures compliance with all applicable laws and district policy for the identification, progress-monitoring and IEP development and implementation.
- Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEP's and behavior management plans.
- Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions
- Coordinates with administrators and teaching staff to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs.
- Works collaboratively with colleagues to make accommodations to instruction, curriculum and the learning environment to meet the learning needs of students.
- Coordinates, schedules and provides feedback to paraeducators.
- Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective and timely communication with parents.
- Promotes a classroom environment that is safe, engaging and conducive to individualized and small group instruction and student learning.
- Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences.
- Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
- Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by actively taking part in professional learning communities and other opportunities.
- Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and laws.
- Coordinates with other professional staff members to evaluate and assess curriculum and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
- Selects and requisitions appropriate instructional materials and supplies and maintains inventory.
- Supervises students in activities that take place out of the classroom during the school day, including activities involving school transportation, lunch and recess.
- Administers standardized tests in accordance with district testing programs.
- Performs other duties, as assigned.
- Reliable work attendance is required.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field applicable to special education teaching.
- License issued by Iowa BoEE for special education teaching.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy enabling differentiation
- Knowledge of special education law, Department of Education requirements, and best practice.
- Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
- Ability to use computer network system, technology devices, and software applications.
- Ability to organize and coordinate work.
- Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, coworkers and the greater community.
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.
Travel Requirements
- Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Amount of Time
Physical Activity
Occasionally (1%-32%)
Frequently (33%-65%)
Constantly (66%-100%)
Mobility
-
-
X
Bend
-
X
-
Talk
-
-
X
Hear
-
-
X
Operate Computer
-
X
-
Stationary Position
-
X
-
Balance
-
-
X
Lift Up to 20 pounds
-
X
-
Manual Dexterity Tasks
-
X
-
Reaching/Pushing/Pulling
-
X
-
Sitting
-
X
-
Carrying (25 feet)
X
-
-
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Amount of Time
Working Conditions
Occasionally (1%-32%)
Frequently (33%-65%)
Constantly (66%-100%)
District Office Hours
-
-
X
Indoors
-
-
X
Weekends/Off Schedule
X
-
-
Temperature Extremes
X
-
-
*Teachers will not be eligible for future sign-on bonuses if rehired within 3 years of separation. A teacher will not be eligible for a sign-on bonus if a prior bonus has been offered and accepted. If a teacher is terminated before a full year of employment or abandons their contract they will be required to repay the sign-on bonus at time of separation.
The Fort Dodge Community School District is an EEO/AA employer. The District does not discriminate in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or related condition, or disability. In keeping with the law, the Board considers the veteran status of applicants.
Questions or complaints about equal employment opportunity or affirmative action may be directed to the Affirmative Action and EEO Compliance Officer, Roger Porter, Director of School Safety and Security, Fort Dodge Community School District, 800 N 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, 515-574-5731, [email protected]. The full Nondiscrimination Notice is available at https://www.fdschools.org/page/annual-non-discrimination-statement/.
Rev. 10/2026
Fort Dodge Community School District is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.
