Special Education Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) - 0.5 FTE - Special Education

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) provides support for implementation of the district's educational mission through articulation and application of foundational structures, content and curriculum development, and instructional strategies in partnership with the educational community; provides leadership in the planning, coordination and implementation of a subject area, special project, coaching, mentoring or grade level instructional program.

The Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) serves outside the classroom-setting for assignments as determined by the needs of the district. Specific areas of assignment typically include, but are not limited to, teacher support, student support and curriculum and program development. As professional educators, TOSA's are culturally responsive and demonstrate qualities and personal characteristics that include caring, respect, high expectations, motivation, perseverance, enthusiasm and dedication. They exhibit expertise in the subjects they are teaching and spend time continuing to gain new knowledge in their field. They present material in an enthusiastic manner and instill a hunger in their students to learn more on their own. Assignments are temporary and are staffed based on program needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide expertise and assistance in curriculum and staff development, program implementation and coordination of district-wide assigned activities; motivate project/program participants to develop skills and attitudes that foster student success.
• Review, interpret and report on a variety of assessment tools and measurements; apply data to assist professional educators to build capacity for instructional improvement related to content-specific goals for equity and excellence; provide leadership in data-driven decision making through the implementation of Professional Learning Communities.
• Participate in the evaluation and selection of academically appropriate and culturally relevant instructional materials, including educational technologies and software; order materials and supplies and maintain inventories.
• Understand how adult and K-12 learners grow and develop, recognizing variations within and across cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional and physical areas, diversity of cultures and communities; develop, implement and insure systems to effect appropriate, challenging learning environments.
• Establish standards, learning objectives and goals for assigned programs; monitor progress and effectiveness of programs; recommend and implement strategies to maximize effectiveness.
• Promote a culture of high expectations, providing program support directed at every student receiving high quality and culturally relevant instruction; support and implement the District’s Racial Equity Policy that reflects and supports the racial and ethnic diversity of the student population and community.
• Update and maintain accurate and complete records of assigned programs and activities progress and development as required by school, district, state and federal policies, regulations and laws.
• Participate in, plan and conduct trainings, in-services, workshops and meetings as related to the special assignment; serve on a variety of district and community committees and task forces as assigned.
• Develop a variety of specialized curriculums which advance instructional practices and strategies; support professional educators and students to meet rigorous learning goals and engage and encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas.
• Understand central concepts, tools of inquiry and structures of deploying curriculum to adult learners and K-12 students; apply concepts to create meaningful learning experiences designed to engage adult and K-12 learners in critical thinking, creativity and collaborative problem-solving.
• Develop and implement instructional, coaching and/or mentoring practices and strategies that include multiple methods of assessment; provide formal training and instruction to adult learners to support students in meeting rigorous learning goals which engage and encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

Incumbents must be properly licensed by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission for assignment as a Professional Educator - Teacher. For positions identified within core academic areas, incumbents must be endorsed in the subject matter area by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) to teach the designated subjects.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and/or experience in a similar classroom setting.Bilingual/Bi-Cultural Chinese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese applicants are highly desirable.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Some positions in this classification may require the use of a personal automobile and possession of a valid Class C Oregon driver’s license.Some positions in this classification may require bilingual/bi-literate skills in a language other than English.Work hours may include evening and weekend activities, meetings, trainings, workshops and in-services.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

• Academic achievement standards that aligns to district goals and create a comprehensive, rigorous and coherent curricular program.
• Research-based instructional strategies and models for improving instructional practices.
• Existing and emerging education and instructional technologies and software.

Ability to:

• Advocate, model and implement Portland Public School's Educational Racial Equity policy.
• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment.
• Manage student behavior and maintain discipline in accordance with school, district and state policies, procedures and laws.
• Assign and grade class work, homework, projects, tests and assignments.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
• Prepare classroom for class activities.
• Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities.
• Plan, prepare and deliver lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students and use information to adjust teaching strategies.
• Provide appropriate feedback on work.
• Encourage parent and community involvement.
• Provide student information to authorized individuals in a timely manner.
• Participate in appropriate professional growth and extracurricular activities.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.
• Utilize relevant technologies to support and differentiate instruction.
• Welcome and empower students and families, including underrepresented families of color and those whose first language may not be English, as essential partners in student education.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of students' progress and development.
• Update records accurately and completely as required by laws, district policies and school regulations.
• Prepare required reports on students and activities.
• Participate in department, school, district and parent meetings.
• Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues and caregivers regarding student progress and student needs.
• Observe and evaluate student's performance and development.

ENDORSEMENT REQUIREMENT: Special Education: Generalist

COMPENSATION: $57,206 - $111,314 (Annual salary based on 1.0 FTE)

WORK YEAR: 193 days

FTE: 0.5

Benefits Information

Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees. Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs. Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.

Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP/IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.