TOSA - Special Education Elementary

TOSA – Special Education

Elementary

1.0 FTE

The Molalla River School District is seeking a dedicated Teacher on Special Assignment with a focus on Elementary Special Education to enhance support for students with diverse learning needs. In this role, the Teacher will assist in the development and implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs) tailored to meet the specific requirements of each student, ensuring that they receive the educational support necessary for their success. A key responsibility of this position is to provide mentorship to new teachers, offering guidance and sharing effective strategies for managing classroom environments and supporting special education students effectively.

Additionally, the Teacher on Special Assignment will play a crucial role in integrating assistive technology into the classroom, ensuring that all students have access to the tools and resources that can facilitate their learning and enhance their academic performance. This includes training staff on the use of assistive devices and software, as well as collaborating with other educators to develop best practices in using technology to support diverse learners. The ideal candidate will possess a solid understanding of special education practices, strong communication skills, and a passion for fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. This position offers a valuable opportunity to make a significant impact on both student outcomes and teacher development within the Molalla River School District.

POSITION PURPOSE:

A teacher on special assignment is a teacher whose assignment is outside of the classroom. The purpose and role of a teacher on special assignment is to provide his/her expertise, skills, talents, and knowledge in order to improve the quality of instruction thus increasing student achievement. TOSA positions support both the site-based instructional/educational program needs of students and the unique needs of students and staff District-wide. TOSAs whose major responsibility is instructional support, teacher training, and/or curriculum development must have significant experience in classroom instruction. Special Education TOSAs provide direct support to administrators and staff regarding the special education process and legal requirements, assist with IEP goals/accommodations/modifications and best practice.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Meets the standards of Competent and Ethical Performance as outlined in Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR 584-020-000 to 584-020-0045)

• The TOSA is expected to demonstrate leadership in the Supported Education Department for the purpose of school, program and instructional improvement.
• Possesses advanced knowledge of best practices teaching techniques. Works collaboratively with teachers and administrators in providing differentiated instruction.
• The TOSA participates in collaborative decision-making processes and communicates a clear understanding of those decisions. Keeps supervisors informed of program activities and concerns, communicating special activities in a timely manner to all affected stakeholder and acts as a liaison among District personnel.
• Facilitates continuous improvement in classroom instruction by providing instructional support to teachers. This may include areas of lesson design, classroom management, aligning instruction with curriculum, and developing effective classroom assessments and progress monitoring. Demonstrates knowledge of current District standards, benchmarks, and curriculum.
• The TOSA coordinates with outside agencies in compliance with legal requirements and District guidelines and policies. Develops partnerships within the community, develops relationships with key individuals from outside organizations. Communicates information about District programs and special activities in a timely manner to all affected community members. TOSA may coordinate transition from early childhood to school age. TOSA may be asked to act as district representative under the supervision of the Department Director.
• The TOSA shall coordinate and present professional development, technical assistance, and curriculum/school improvement projects, under the guidance of the Department Director.
• The TOSA may be responsible for overseeing referrals, testing and placement of students in a specific program and work closely with teachers, administrators, parents and students in helping provide instruction that meets the differing needs of all students.
• Consults with principals in the development and implementation of Special Education programs as it applies to their individual building.
• Assume case-management duties for outside placement students and early childhood transition students.
• May assist with writing of instructionally related grants and facilitation of grant projects.
• Assists teachers and administrators in developing plans to support positive student behavior as well as intervention strategies.
• Effectively work and communicate with students, parents, and staff from diverse cultures.
• May require experience and training in the integration of technology into instruction.
• May include other assignments as designated by supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS / SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Current Oregon teacher’s license or current Personnel Services License.
• Oregon Special Education Endorsement.
• Demonstrated skills to conduct functional behavior assessment, develop behavior support plans and progress monitoring systems.
• Demonstrated experience with a variety of supported program/ classroom environments.
• Demonstrated skills in effective IEP writing and development of aligned IEP’s.
• Prefer experience in writing standards based IEP’s.
• Prefer master’s degree or higher in Special Education.
• Prefer at least three years of experience as a successful learning specialist with experience from elementary to post-high school transition.
• Prefer a candidate currently enrolled in a school administrative preparation program.

Internal Candidates -

A complete application would include:

• On-Line application which includes a cover letter
• Resume
• Two Letters of Reference

External Candidates -

A complete application would include:

• On-Line application which includes a cover letter
• Resume
• Three letters of reference
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Copy of current license