The La Center School District is seeking an innovative, dynamic Special Education teacher to fulfill our mission by serving students at La Center Middle School during an upcoming long-term leave of absence. The successful candidate will manage their own caseload and support colleagues by co-teaching in the middle school.  The successful candidate must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of 6th-8th grade ELA standards and possess the ability to successfully teach in a resource room setting and co-teach in a general education setting.  Student supervision and other related duties may be assigned.

Our Mission: The mission of the La Center School District is to create a supportive learning environment that empowers students to reach their fullest potential. We will do this in partnership with families, the community, staff and students to develop confident and self-reliant lifelong learners who can thrive in a rapidly changing, more technologically advanced and diverse society.

Position Summary:  Under the supervision of the Principal, the Special Education Teacher provides services to special education students with a range of moderate to severe disabilities.  The Special Education teacher leads the IEP team to develop data-driven student learning and behavioral goals.  The Special Education teacher is responsible for developing curriculum and program strategies consistent with the student's learning level and to continually assess student progress towards IEP goals.   

Terms of Employment:

• This is a long-term substitute position tentatively scheduled for May 19-June 18, 2026
• The successful candidate will teach two ELA Resource Room classes, co-teach 7th and 8th grade ELA inclusion classes, and a social-emotional learning class.
• The successful candidate must be fingerprinted.  Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check and clearance by the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Essential Functions:

• Select teaching strategies to implement IEP goals for special education students
• Monitor and adjust teaching strategies to meet students' needs
• Provide classroom, small group, and one-on-one instruction to special education students
• Conduct student assessments to determine program eligibility and services
• Use computer technology and computer programs to document data collection
• Develop and write daily lesson plans;  update assessment data via IEP online
• Organize, schedule, and facilitate IEP meetings with parents, general education staff, and specialist(s)
• Supervise the collection of performance data on student IEP goals and document progress
• Communicate with parents and students regarding transition goals
• Develop and adapt curriculum from general education curriculum; coordinate with general education teachers to monitor student grades and progress
• Provide one-on-one assistance to students
• Supervise and train classified staff to support student learning
• Assist the Special Education Director or Building Principal with writing and conducting performance evaluations for classified staff
• Consult and collaborate with professionals and parents regarding needs of special education students for assuring appropriate learning experiences; participate in Building Assistance Team
• Inform principal/staff on progress of assigned students
• Maintain a safe classroom environment conducive to learning; establish classroom management programs for students; monitor and adjust individual behavior management plans for individual students' needs
• Contribute to the collaborative effort of all staff to meet individual student needs through participation in staff meetings, in-service programs, workshops, and seminars
• Participate in activities beyond the regularly scheduled work day, as needed
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, staff, and community partners
• Maintain a neat, clean personal appearance and traits of a good role model for students; work apparel should be appropriate for a safe and professional work environment
• Regular attendance to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Possess or immediately qualify for a Washington State teaching certificate with a Special Education endorsement
• Must meet ESSA/IDEA teaching standards
• Demonstrated skill in working with individuals having a wide range of disabilities, including physical, social/emotional, or cognitive disabilities
• Demonstrated academic preparation and/or experience in special education instructional strategies and progress monitoring techniques
• Experience in developing, executing, and adjusting behavior management programs
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with students, parents and staff
• Demonstrated ability to successfully employ effective teaching methods
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for, and enjoyment in, working with students

Preferred Qualifications:

• Special Education teaching experience
• Experience working with students on IEPs
• Middle School teaching experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current trends in education including curriculum and instructional practices, subject matter content, and the effective use of data to modify instruction and improve student learning
• Demonstrated ability to successfully employ effective teaching methods
• Willingness and ability to attend ongoing professional development activities
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with a diverse population of staff, students, families, and community members while maintaining a calm, professional demeanor and supporting an atmosphere of warmth, cooperation and service to others
• Demonstrated ability to treat all staff, students, parents, and community members with dignity
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with students and staff
• Strong self-initiative with an ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a flexible and cooperative manner in order to build and maintain effective teams and partnerships
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member and analyze situations to define issues, draw conclusions, and determine resolutions and/or action plans
• Punctual, with the ability to meet deadlines, adapt quickly to change and maintain flexibility in a dynamic work environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all district matters
• Understand and implement district safety procedures
• Ability to incorporate working knowledge of Board Policies E-1 through E-4 into daily practice
• Ability to learn and follow school district policies and procedures

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to provide assistance and attend to the physical needs of students including moving and positioning students and assisting with personal hygiene needs, including but not limited to, tube feeding, catheterization, changing diapers, and toileting
• Ability to sit, stand, and stoop to attend to student's needs and to provide instruction
• May experience prolonged exposure to visual display terminals as required
• Possess the strength and agility to assist physically impaired students

Salary: $170/full day; $105/half-day for the first 20 consecutive days in the assignment; pay thereafter is based on documented education and experience per the LCEA Negotiated Agreement.

Benefits:  Eligible employees may accrue sick leave at the rate of one (1) hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked under Washington State Law. Upon working 630 hours in a school year, eligible employees and their qualified dependents may be eligible for insurance benefits through School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) which includes, medical, dental, and vision. Employer-paid long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance are available for the employee only. Optional benefits under SEBB include supplemental life, employee paid long-term disability, FSA and DCAP. 

La Center School District No. 101

725 Highland Road * PO Box 1840

La Center, WA  98629

La Center School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: 

Civil Rights Compliance and Gender Inclusive Schools Coordinator 
 Matt Johnson
 Address: 725 NE Highland Road, La Center, WA 98629
 Telephone Number: 360-263-1700
 Email: [email protected]

Section 504/ADA Coordinator 
 Jami Phelps
 Address: PO Box 1840 La Center, WA 98629
 Telephone Number: 360-263-2131
 Email: [email protected]

Title IX Coordinator 
 Matt Cooke
 Address: 725 NE Highland Road, La Center, WA 98629
 Telephone Number: 360-263-1700
 Email: [email protected]