Department: Teaching
Job Status: Full-Time
Reports To: Principal and Special Education Supervisor
Grade Level: Kindergarten-Grade 6/K-12 Special Education
Positions Supervised: N/A; provides instructional direction to assigned paraprofessionals
FLSA: Exempt
Work Schedule: Per contracted days

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Principal and Special Education Supervisor, the dually certified K-6 teacher/special education K-12 teacher will work collaboratively with the 7-12 ALE teacher to provide standards-aligned instruction, individualized academic interventions, and behavioral and social-emotional support to students in the district's Alternative Learning Environment (ALE). The teacher serves students with and without disabilities and provides specially designed instruction and case management for assigned students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

The teacher establishes a structured, supportive learning environment that promotes academic growth,
self-regulation, positive relationships, and student engagement. The teacher collaborates with families, school staff, and service providers to implement individualized supports and facilitate successful transitions to the traditional classroom or another appropriate educational setting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instruction and Assessment

 

• Teach district-approved K-6 curriculum aligned with Arkansas academic standards and provide access to grade-level learning with appropriate individual supports.
• Provide Special Education Services to ALE students in grades K-12.
• Prepare lesson plans, instructional materials, and daily schedules that address students' strengths, needs, interests, readiness levels, and goals in applicable IEPs and ALE Student Action Plans (SAPs).
• Use explicit instruction, differentiated lessons, small-group and individual instruction, intervention strategies, and appropriate instructional technology to support learning across assigned grade levels.
• Assess student learning regularly, use academic and behavioral data to adjust instruction, and maintain accurate grades, work samples, intervention records, and progress reports.
• Be prepared to instruct assigned students at designated times and locations and organize materials and classroom spaces to support safe, productive learning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Continued

 

Alternative learning Environment and Behavior Support

 

• Establish predictable routines, clear expectations, positive reinforcement, and developmentally appropriate classroom management practices.
• Provide direct instruction and practice in self-regulation, social skills, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and responsible decision-making.
• Use trauma-informed practices, relationship-building, and de-escalation strategies to support students experiencing academic, behavioral, social, or emotional difficulties.
• Participate in ALE referral, placement, review, and exit processes with the designated team; contribute to the development, implementation, and review of each student's SAP.
• Collect and analyze attendance, engagement, academic, and behavior data to monitor progress toward individualized goals and inform team decisions.
• Collaborate with families, counselors, administrators, receiving teachers, and other team members to develop and implement written transition plans and follow-up supports.
• Respond to safety concerns according to district procedures and required training; document and report incidents promptly and accurately.

Special Education Instruction and Case Management

 

• Provide specially designed instruction and implement IEP goals, services, accommodations, modifications, assistive technology, and behavior intervention plans for assigned students.
• Serve as special education case manager for assigned students; coordinate IEP meetings, prepare required documentation, monitor timelines, and report progress toward IEP goals.
• Collaborate with the IEP team, families, school psychologists or examiners, related service providers, and general education teachers to support evaluation, reevaluation, service delivery, and instructional planning.
• Contribute to functional behavioral assessments and develop, implement, and monitor behavior intervention plans with the appropriate team.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential special education records and service documentation in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Coordinate SAPs, IEPs, and Section 504 plans, as applicable, so supports are consistent. An ALE placement or SAP does not replace the IEP process or the services and protections required for a student with a disability.
• Participate in team decisions concerning services, placement, and transitions; implement decisions through the appropriate ALE, IEP, or Section 504 process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Continued

Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

 

• Communicate regularly and professionally with families about student progress, attendance, behavior, and strategies that support learning at school and home.
• Collaborate with colleagues, administrators, counselors, and service providers; provide instructional direction to assigned paraprofessionals and coordinate approved classroom volunteers and activities.
• Identify student needs, make appropriate referrals, and participate in problem-solving and intervention teams.
• Take necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, and facilities; maintain a safe and welcoming classroom.
• Follow district personnel policies, attendance expectations, professional ethical standards, confidentiality requirements, and applicable federal and state requirements.
• Participate in required professional learning related to elementary instruction, special education, ALE practices, behavior support, de-escalation, and student safety.
• Represent the district and profession professionally and perform additional duties assigned by the Principal, Special Education Supervisor, or Superintendent.

Position Qualifications

Education and Licensure

 

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in education or a related field appropriate to the assignment.
• Valid Arkansas educator licensure in both Elementary Education K-6 and Special Education K-12, or equivalent valid Arkansas licensure covering both the assigned elementary grades and the special education services and setting. A resource-only endorsement must be appropriate to the actual assignment.
• Meet applicable Arkansas educator qualification requirements for assigned subjects and complete required background checks and employment requirements.

Experience

At least one year of successful teaching experience is preferred. Experience with elementary students, special education, alternative education, academic intervention, and students with significant behavioral or
social-emotional needs is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

 

• Knowledge of elementary curriculum, evidence-based instruction, assessment, differentiation, IEP implementation, and positive behavior supports.
• Ability to manage instruction across multiple grade levels, maintain accurate records, meet deadlines, and use data to guide decisions.
• Strong oral and written communication, sound judgment, patience, flexibility, and the ability to build effective relationships with students, families, and staff.
• Ability to use district learning, student information, assessment, and special education systems, along with common word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation tools.
• Ability to read and interpret professional documents, explain information clearly, perform basic mathematical operations, and solve practical problems.

Physical Demands

The physical demands below reflect the district's existing job description. Essential functions may be performed with reasonable accommodation.

Physical Ability                                          Frequency                Lift or Carry                    Frequency

 

• Stand                                                     C                       10 lbs or less                       C
• Walk                                                       F                         11-20 lbs                          C
• Sit                                                          O                         21-50 lbs                          F
• Handling or fingering                           F                         51-100 lbs                        O
• Reach outward                                      F                         Over 100 lbs                     N
• Reach above shoulder                          F
• Climb                                                      O                         Push or Pull                 Frequency
• Crawl                                                      O                         12 lbs or less                    C
• Squat or kneel                                        O                         13 - 25 lbs                       C
• Bend                                                       O                         26 - 40 lbs                       F                                                                                                          

N - Not applicable. 0 - Occasionally, up to 33% of the work time. F - Frequently, 33%-66% of the work time. C - Constantly, more than 66% of the work time.

Other physical requirements include near, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to communicate with others, including by telephone, with reasonable accommodation as needed.

 

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in a K-6 school and Alternative Learning Environment classroom. The teacher works with students with varied academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and disability-related needs. Duties may include supervision in classrooms, hallways, outdoor areas, and on approved school activities, as well as participation in team meetings and family conferences.
The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

General Employment Statement

This job description provides guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment. Cutter Morning Star School District reserves the right to change this job description and assign duties as appropriate.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Cutter Morning Star School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Cutter Morning Star School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, or disability in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices.