Rainier School District is seeking a passionate and dedicated High/Middle School Special Education teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. The successful candidate will be responsible for individualized instruction and support to students with diverse learning needs. This role requires a commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that promotes the academic, social, and emotional growth of all students. This is a Resource Room position serving students who receive specially designed instruction while participating primarily in general education settings; it is not a self-contained or Developmental Learning Center (DLC) placement. While this role is primarily focused on high school students, the assigned caseload may include some middle school students depending on district needs.
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Work Schedule: 180 days per school year | 7.0 hours per day | 5 days/week | plus Enrichment Days (35 hours)
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Start Date: August 31, 2026
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Salary: Placed per the current Rainier Certificated Salary Schedule (Subject to the 2026–2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement)
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Affiliation: Rainier Education Association (REA)
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Healthcare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options provided through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB)
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Retirement: Eligible for state retirement plans through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)
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Paid Leave: Sick leave and personal leave awarded in accordance with the REA Bargaining Agreement
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Classroom Instruction: Meet and instruct assigned classes at designated times and locations.
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Collaboration: Work cooperatively with administrators, staff, students, and parents, and participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
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Program Development: Provide specialized instruction in a Resource Room setting, supporting general education access and managing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and transition plans and transition plans, including setting and writing IEP goals and objectives.
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Evaluations: Conduct evaluations and achievement testing.
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Assistive Technology: Utilize assistive technology in individual student education programs.
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Paraeducator Management: Manage paraeducators.
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Coordination of Services: Coordinate with specialists such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and school psychologists.
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Compliance: Meet state and federal requirements and deadlines in processing special education documentation.
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Classroom Management: Maintain an organized classroom conducive to learning, focus students' attention on lessons, and use effective classroom management techniques.
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Record Keeping: Maintain on-time, accurate, and complete records, including grades, progress reports, and IEP documentation.
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Attendance and Participation: Maintain regular attendance, attend staff and PLC meetings, and participate in school-wide PBIS activities.
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Confidentiality and Professionalism: Maintain a high degree of confidentiality and work effectively under pressure.
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Assessment: Conduct formal and informal assessments to evaluate student progress, and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
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Behavior Management: Implement positive behavior support strategies to manage classroom behavior and support students' social-emotional development.
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Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to- date records, including IEP documentation, progress reports, and communication logs.
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Professional Development: Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in special education.
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Education: Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related field
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Certification: Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate
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Endorsement: Special Education Endorsement
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Experience: Preferred experience teaching special education at both the middle and high school levels, with demonstrated skills or specific interest in secondary transition planning, high school curriculum adaptation, social-adaptive skills, and positive behavior management.
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Successful completion of WSP / FBI background check and fingerprint clearance
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Ability to plan instructional programs for students with a range of disabilities, including sensory impairments, speech and language difficulties, learning difficulties, autism, social-emotional and mental health needs, or a combination of these difficulties.
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Knowledge of current trends in curriculum, instruction, and technology.
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Understanding of federal and state special education regulations.
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Strong organizational and time management skills.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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Proficiency in using district technology and willingness to attend district training.
RESPONSIBLE TO AND EVALUATION BY: Building Principal
Required Attachments:
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Cover Letter
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Resume
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3 Certificated Reference Forms and/or Letters (one MUST be from a supervisor)
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Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate
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Transcripts
Interested internal candidates may submit a formal letter of interest and updated resume/qualifications directly to Human Resources:
Rainier School District – HR Department
PO Box 98, Rainier, WA 98576
Email: [email protected]
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Rainier School District provides equal opportunity for all applicants and staff in recruitment, hiring, retention, assignment, transfer, promotion, and training. Such equal employment opportunity shall be provided without discrimination with respect to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, pregnancy, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, the use of a trained guide dog or service animal, or any other basis prohibited bylaw. We also provide equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.
Inquiries concerning equal employment opportunity or the application of policies may be directed to:
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Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator:
Kristin Robinson
P.O. Box 98, Rainier, WA 98576
Phone: (360) 446-2205 | Email: [email protected] -
Bilingual Programs & ADA Coordinator:
Justin Gurnsey
P.O. Box 98, Rainier, WA 98576
Phone: (360) 446-7406 | Email: [email protected] -
Section 504 Coordinator:
John Beckman
P.O. Box 98, Rainier, WA 98576
Phone: (360) 446-2205 | Email: [email protected]
