Liberal Public Schools is seeking a compassionate, collaborative, and student-centered Special Education Teacher to join our team. We are looking for an educator who is committed to helping students with diverse learning needs achieve academic, social, emotional, and functional success. The ideal candidate believes every student can grow and is dedicated to providing individualized instruction in a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
The Special Education Teacher develops and delivers high-quality, specially designed instruction based on each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). This position works closely with general education teachers, families, related-service providers, paraprofessionals, and administrators to ensure students receive the services, accommodations, modifications, and support necessary to reach their full potential.
At Liberal Public Schools, we know great teachers make all the difference. We are committed to supporting our educators through strong collaboration and access to building and distinct leadership. We provide opportunities to grow and lead earlier in your career, and a lower cost of living that allows your competitive salary to go further for your family. As a diverse, bilingual, Title I District, you will provide meaningful work with students who truly need their teachers and a culture focused on student success.
When you join Liberal Public Schools, you’ll enjoy:
Up to a $5,000 sign-on bonus for eligible candidates
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Competitive salary based on education and experience
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Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement benefits
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Participation in the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS)
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Paid personal and sick leave
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Instructional coaching, mentoring, and ongoing professional development
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Collaborative Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
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Opportunities for leadership and career advancement
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A welcoming, diverse school community dedicated to student achievement
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Plan and deliver individualized, specially designed instruction aligned with students’ IEP goals, district curriculum, and Kansas educational standards.
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Develop, implement, monitor, and revise Individualized Education Programs in collaboration with students’ IEP teams.
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Conduct and participate in evaluations, reevaluations, eligibility meetings, annual reviews, and other required special education meetings.
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Maintain accurate and timely special education records, progress reports, service documentation, evaluation information, and other required paperwork.
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Monitor student progress toward IEP goals and use assessment data to adjust instruction, interventions, accommodations, and supports.
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Provide appropriate accommodations, modifications, interventions, and assistive technology based on individual student needs.
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Collaborate with general education teachers to support students’ access to and progress in the general education curriculum.
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Create a positive, structured, safe, and inclusive classroom environment that supports academic achievement, independence, positive behavior, and personal growth.
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Use evidence-based instructional practices and differentiated strategies to address students’ academic, behavioral, social, emotional, communication, and functional needs.
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Develop and implement behavior-support strategies and Behavior Intervention Plans when appropriate.
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Coordinate services with school psychologists, counselors, social workers, speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, nurses, and other related-service providers.
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Direct, support, and collaborate with paraprofessionals assigned to assist students and implement instructional programs.
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Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress, IEP goals, services, and educational needs.
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Build positive relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community partners.
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Protect the confidentiality of student records and information in accordance with district policy and applicable state and federal requirements.
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Follow the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, Kansas special education requirements, Board policies, and district procedures.
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Participate in Professional Learning Communities, faculty meetings, professional development, IEP meetings, and school-improvement initiatives.
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Support students during transitions between classrooms, grade levels, school buildings, or postsecondary settings, as applicable.
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Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Principal, Director of Special Education, or Superintendent.
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Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field from an accredited college or university.
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Valid Kansas Teaching License with the appropriate English Language Arts endorsement or eligibility to obtain Kansas licensure.
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Knowledge of effective literacy instruction, classroom management, adolescent development, and evidence-based instructional practices.
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Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
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Commitment to providing equitable, inclusive, and student-centered educational opportunities.
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Previous special education teaching experience.
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Experience developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs.
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Experience collaborating in inclusive or co-teaching classroom environments.
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Training or experience in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, positive behavior interventions and supports, differentiated instruction, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional learning.
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Experience supervising or collaborating with paraprofessionals and related-service providers.
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Experience using student assessment and progress-monitoring data to guide instructional decisions.
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ESOL endorsement preferred. Kansas ESOL-licensed employees are eligible for a $500 annual stipend.
The employee must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, lift instructional materials, and actively supervise students throughout the school day. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is performed primarily in classrooms and school settings with frequent collaboration among teachers, administrators, students, and families. The work environment typically includes a moderate noise level and may involve travel between district buildings.
Salary, benefits, and work calendar are established in accordance with the negotiated Professional Agreement and approved by the USD 480 Board of Education.
Performance will be evaluated in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the USD 480 Board of Education.
Liberal Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal or Kansas law.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be assigned other duties as needed.
