Special Education Teacher

Lopez Island School District -
Lopez Island, WA

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Job Details

Full-time
6 days ago

Qualifications

Student progress monitoring
Teaching Certification
Special education diagnostic testing
Collaboration with other professionals for student support
Behavioral assessments (needs assessment method)
Multidisciplinary team collaboration for treatment planning
Special Education Certification

Full Job Description

LOPEZ ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 144
86 School Rd., Lopez Island, WA 98261 360.468.2202/Fax 360.468.2212

CERTIFICATED POSITION

Special Education Teacher - Special Needs

POSTING: 26/27-8

Announcement Date: June 19th, 2026
Applications Due by: Open Until Filled
Responsible to: Director of Special Education & Superintendent

Description of Position: The district seeks a qualified applicant to fulfill the responsibilities of
1.0 FTE Special Education Teacher serving the Lopez Island School District. This position will
provide services to students in grades K-12. The teacher is also part of an Evaluation Team
(MDT) and is responsible for evaluation of new referrals, student assessments/evaluations,
reports, direct instruction, progress monitoring, and reporting, consulting with staff and parents,
attending IEP meetings, and training of paraprofessionals to provide support to students.
Complies with state and federal regulations regarding special education.

The Navigation Program supports students with disabilities who benefit from intensive
behavioral and academic supports to fully access learning opportunities. Each student has a
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and an individualized Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
designed to identify strengths, understand behavior patterns, and promote positive skill
development. The classroom is structured to provide proactive strategies, instruction, and tools
that support self-regulation, reduce behavioral barriers to learning, and increase engagement in
instruction. Students receive individualized educational plans that build on their strengths,
interests, and learning needs to support academic, behavioral, and social growth.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Determines and completes appropriate evaluation of referred students.
Provide direct service/instruction to students qualifying and/or on-going consultation to

classroom teachers and parents.

Evaluate each referred student and regularly re-evaluate students receiving services.
Provide consultation to educational staff and parents.
Maintain appropriate records and charts of progress of students in the program.
Function as part of a multi-disciplinary team in making placement decisions and program

recommendations.

Develop and implement Individual Education Programs and treatment plans including

establishing goals.

Maintain communications with appropriate outside agencies and physicians.
Develop continuous measurement for evaluating student’s progress.
Determines educational significance of students learning deficits on impact of functional

needs.

Provides intervention recommendations for implementation in the classroom and home.
Complies with all Medicaid rules and regulations.

Navigation Program Responsibilities: Implement student behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and positive behavior support

strategies for students with social/emotional and behavioral needs.

Utilize de-escalation techniques and preventative strategies to maintain a safe and

supportive learning environment.

Assist students in developing self-regulation, coping, communication, conflict-resolution,

and social-emotional skills.

Follow district policies and procedures related to crisis response, student supervision,

restraint, and isolation, when applicable.

Support the physical safety of students, staff, and others during behavioral crisis

incidents.

Communicate effectively with staff and families regarding student progress, behavioral

concerns, and intervention strategies.

Provide ongoing training with staff on de-escalation techniques, preventative strategies,

and students’ individual behavior intervention plans (BIPs)

Document and report to your supervisor all behavioral incidents.
Work closely with BCBA or behavioral specialists in developing behavior intervention

plans and collecting behavioral data.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have Washington State Special Education Certification (or ability to obtain before

start date).

Maintain confidentiality per district policy and state and federal laws.
Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in using standardized assessment tools.
Knowledge of student eligibility guidelines and exit criteria.
Must be able to develop and implement appropriate interventions to achieve established

goals and perform periodic re-evaluation to determine effectiveness of instruction.

Should have knowledge and/or experience in, or be willing to learn, developing

Individual Educational Programs, including IEP Online.

Must have knowledge of and/or experience in use of best instructional practices.
Familiarity with a variety of disabilities including: autism, developmental delay,

emotional behavioral disturbance, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, orthopedic
impairment, learning disabilities, multiple disabilities, and traumatic brain disorder.

Must be able to work as part of a team (of colleagues, educational staff, parents, etc.).
Must be able to communicate with a variety of individuals (i.e. parents, physicians, other

staff, administrators, etc.) clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

Ability to manage time, establish schedule, and work independently.
Must have a sense of teamwork, collaboration, and be willing to engage in continued

development of the Special Services Department.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to move quickly to respond to student behaviors and safety concerns.

Ability to assist with physical interventions as trained and authorized by district policy.
Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions during high-stress situations.

Salary Level: Per LEA Collective Bargaining Agreement

All employment is conditional upon receipt of the satisfactory background check.

Application Procedures:
Current employees should submit a letter indicating interest including the position’s title, why
you are applying for this position, and how you meet the requirements. Current employees do not
need to submit the information listed below.

Applicants must submit the following information to the Human Resources Office:
1. Letter of application indicating interest
2. Completed district application
3. Complete resume of personal history, education, and experience
4. Official Transcripts, and at least three letters of reference
5. Copy of Washington State teaching certificate or evidence of eligibility

Applicants will be screened and candidates selected for interviews based upon preparation,
experience and references.

Apply to: Human Resources
Lopez Island School District
86 School Rd
Lopez Island, WA 98261

Phone: 360.468.2202 ext. 2303
FAX: 360.468.2212

[email protected]
www.lopezislandschool.org

Immigration Reform and Control Act Requirement: The recommended applicant, if not a current employee will be required to
complete an INS 1-9 form and must provide proof of employment eligibility.
Disclosure Statement and Background Check: Pursuant to chapter 43.43, Washington Laws of 1990, the recommended applicant will
be required to complete a disclosure form indicating whether he or she has been convicted of crimes against persons listed in the law
In addition, a background check, based on fingerprints and at employee expense, will be requested from the FBI and Washington State
Patrol Employment status is contingent on verification or background check clearances.
Job Sharing: Pursuant to Chapter 206, laws of 1989, the District will accept applications from individuals wishing to share a position.
Nondiscrimination: The Lopez Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race,
creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, 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 employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:, Superintendent Brady
Smith, [email protected], Title IX Coordinator, Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Human Resources, Sarah Rucker
[email protected], Section 504 Academic Case Manager, Robb Ellis [email protected], Section 504 OR contact
by phone, 360-468-2202, OR mail to 86 School Rd, Lopez Island, WA 98261

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