3-5 Special Education Teacher Strat II JobID: 1497
Position Type:
Elementary School Teaching/ Special Education
Date Posted:
5/22/2026
Location:
Ballard East Elementary
Ballard Community School District, a district with approximately 1700 students located minutes from Ames and the Des Moines metro, is seeking a dedicatedWINGSSTeacher for the 2026-2027 school year. Teaching positions have 190-day contracts. Current year salary and benefit information is available on the Ballard website at http://www.ballard.k12.ia.us/ under the District Information menu on the Human Resources page.
TheWINGSSteacher provides support for students, across a range of educational settings, whose emotional, social, or behavioral needs interfere with their ability to be successful in the current educational environment. Planning and implementing effective individualized instruction for students needing academic and cognitive based support for self-regulation will be a programming priority. The overall programming goal is to enhance each student's ability to utilize cognitive based strategies in order to transition to a less restrictive environment through an effective integration of emotional, behavior and instructional interventions.
Basic Function: Under the general supervision of the Building Principal, to facilitate student success and growth in academic and interpersonal skills through implementing district-approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; addressing specific educational needs of individual students and by creating a flexible, safe and optimal learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents, and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc.
Essential Functions:
Develops and administers curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives.
Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small-group instruction, and student learning.
Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences to best utilize the available time for instruction
Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual small group instruction as needed.
Instructs students in the principles of responsible citizenship and other subject matters specified in applicable laws, as well as administrative regulations and procedures of the District.
Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement, and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
Ensures that student conduct conforms with the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
Coordinates with other school professional staff members, especially within grade level and specific subjects, to evaluate and assess curriculum, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
Supervises students in activities that take place out of the classroom during the school day, including activities involving school transportation.
Administers standardized tests in accordance with district testing programs.
Understanding of the elements of a PLC and an ability to apply that understanding to a team situation
Understanding of and experience in using multiple teaching methods: co-teaching, whole group/small group/individualized instruction
Commitment to differentiated instruction
Desire for growth is evident through personal and professional goals and willingness to collaborate with the instructional coach and building/district expectations
Knowledgeable in current research and evidence-based instructional practices
Understanding of how to utilize formative assessment data to adapt to the individual needs of students of all ability levels
Knowledge of various assessment @types and their purposes in decision-making
Flexible, highly motivated, and enthusiastic about working with children
Prepare for and participate in parent-teacher conferences.
Maintain a safe, neat, attractive, and interesting classroom.
Accept responsibility for the proper care of books, apparatus, furniture, supplies, and equipment in the classroom or assigned areas.
Abide by and enforce all applicable laws relating to diversity.
Evidence of effective routines and procedures that lead to a positive classroom environment that promotes student achievement.
Attend staff meetings, participate in professional development activities, and serve on committees as assigned by the administration or Board of Education.
Articulate in oral and written communications with colleagues, administrators, parents, families, and community
Knowledge of and experience with using current technology to enhance learning
Knowledge of and experience in implementing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
Maintain high integrity and confidentiality in the school operation.
Be knowledgeable of and abide by all school board policies, procedures, and other applicable laws.
Cooperate with and work in a courteous manner with co-workers and other personnel.
Dress appropriately for the position and work required.
Demonstrate a positive attitude toward school, students, and job and communicate the same to the community.
Accept constructive criticism and suggestions and seek to improve each performance responsibility.
Demonstrate organization and professionalism in fulfilling the responsibilities of the job.
Greet all students, faculty, staff, and visitors courteously
Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
Qualifications:
Required:
Bachelor's Degree in Special Education
Valid Iowa Department of Education teaching license
Strong organizational skills and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people
Effective communication skills in writing, speaking and listening
Effective team development and problem solving skills
Preferred:
2+ years of experience
Strategist II, BD endorsement or willingness to obtain
Knowledge and experience working with student behaviors and crisis prevention
Benefits Include:
Competitive salary packages
Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS)
Employer-paid individual health/major medical insurance plan including Prescription Drug (RX) Coverage
Employer-paid long-term disability insurance
Employer-paid group life insurance
Employer contribution to dental insurance
Flexible spending account (American Fidelity)
Dependent care account (American Fidelity)
Paid personal illness and personal business days
Voluntary Benefits, including
Delta Dental
Delta Vision
American Fidelity
AFLAC
403b/Tax Sheltered Annuities with the State of Iowa Retirement Investor's Club (RIC)
Salary direct deposits
Credit on salary schedules for previous experience
Smoke-free buildings and grounds
