Job Posting ID: 383
Location(s): K-12 Districtwide
Employment Type: Full Time
Posted Date: 10/28/2025
Deadline: Until Filled
Anticipated Special Education Teachers
Location: Coopwide
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree from accredited university.
SPED Teacher experience preferred.
180 Working Days per Year, 7.5 hours per day.
Compensation: $49,685 - $71,335, depending on professional development and years of experience.
Position Contact:
Anita Kimball-Scheve,Special Education Director
Position Purpose
- Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to maximize the learning experience of students with special needs, in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
Essential Functions
- Conducts assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning issues, and recommending courses of action or corrective procedures to overcome issues and maximize learning.
- Participates in and assists in developing Individual Educational Plans ("IEP") for students.
- Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEP's and behavior management plans.
- Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed.
- Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with social work services.
- Serves as ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school.
- Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
- Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
- Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
- Assists in the orientation of new teachers, and provides in-service training in guidance.
- Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
Additional Duties
- Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment
- Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.
Travel Requirements
- Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
Skills, Knowledge, Abilities
- Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs.
- Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
- Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
- Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
- Ability to organize and coordinate work.
- Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
- Works in standard office and school building environments.
Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.
Qualifications Profile
Certification/License:
- State Certification as a Special Education Teacher.
- Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
Education:
- Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
Experience:
- Successful prior special education teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Full District Paid Single Medical and Dental Coverage
Free Annual Eye Exams with Medical Coverage
Ancillary and Voluntary offerings include Vision Materials Coverage
District Paid Basic Life Insurance, Voluntary Life
Short Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, Identify Theft Insurance
Flexible Spending options for Medical Expenses and Dependent Day Care
District contribution to Health Saving Account
District contribution to 403b retirement plan in addition to KPERS - State of Kansas Retirement
Paid Time Off
Seasonal Breaks, Weekends, Holidays Off
Tuition Assistance partnership with FHSU
Hays School District has about 3,000 students that are enrolled in a high school, middle school, four elementary schools, and an alternative school. The staff of Unified School District No. 489 are recognized throughout Kansas and across the nation as leaders in educational excellence.
Hays Public Schools enjoy tremendous support from the community. Through this support, USD 489 is able to offer programs like all-day, kindergarten, the smallest class sizes in the state for districts our size, and a longer school year. An extensive special education program serves children with special needs. Early childhood programs serve children and their families in a three-county area from before-birth to age six. Technology, throughout the district, is used to supplement and strengthen the instructional program. The most noticeable aspect of our technology is in our ratio of students to computers. At Hays High and Hays Middle School it is 1:1; and 2:1 in the elementary schools.
While doing an excellent job on the test score race, the staff continues to seek to develop the creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills of students as well. The challenges of the future are best dealt with by applying creativity and foresight to a solid foundation. We are equipped at USD 489.
To learn more about our schools, visit our website at www.usd489.com.
USD 489, Ellis County, Kansas, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or handicap in admission or access to or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. If you have questions regarding the above, please contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Section 504 Coordinator in the office of the Superintendent of Schools, 323 W. 12th Street, Hays, Kansas 67601, (785) 623-2400.
