Junior High Special Education Teacher
Position Type: Student Support Services: Junior High School Teaching/Special Ed/Learning Disabilities Teacher
Location: Meridian Junior High School
Date Available: August 19, 2026
JOB POSTING
Meridian Junior High School
FULL-TIME JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER
The following position is being posted for the 2026-2027 school year.
QUALIFICATIONS: Must have appropriate Special Education Certification. Applicants must meet highly qualified requirements of No Child Left Behind Endorsement.
RATE OF PAY: Per Master Agreement between the Meridian Public Schools Board of Education and the Meridian Education Association
NOTE: Any applicant recommended for hire for any position is required to consent to a criminal history investigation and back assessment, if required by job description.
Position Purpose
Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to maximize the learning experience of students with special needs, in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
Essential Functions
- Conducts assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning issues, and recommending courses of action or corrective procedures to overcome issues and maximize learning.
- Participates in PPT's and assists in developing Individual Educational Plans ("IEP") for students.
- Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEP's and behavior management plans.
- Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed.
- Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with social work services.
- Serves as ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school.
- Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
- Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
- Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
- Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
SUMMARY: Teachers are responsible for planning, organizing and implementing an appropriate instructional program in a learning environment that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential. Meridian Public Schools teachers are committed and focused to student centered learning.
DISTRICT-WIDE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS: Meridian Public Schools, in partnership with parents, students, businesses and the community, are committed to and responsible for ensuring the highest level of academic achievement and career planning for all students, the highest performing organizational structure at all levels, and a safe and effective learning environment for all students.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Content and pedagogical knowledge in assigned subject/area
- Knowledge of relevant technology
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Decision making skills
- Organization and planning skills
- Ability to tolerate high levels of stress
- Ability to be flexible and adaptive
- Ability to take initiative
- Ability to record and report daily written records
- Ability to pay attention to detail
- Ability to utilize classroom instruction techniques designed to stimulate the spirit of inquiry, the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, and the thoughtful formulation of worthy goals
- Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with other teachers, administrators, and staff
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to learn new tasks quickly
- Ability to develop a positive rapport with students, staff, parents and the school community
- The capacity to align curriculum, instruction and assessments while responding to the individual needs of students
- The willingness to seek out knowledgeable peers, coaches or administrators for instructional support
- Prioritize student-learning needs over the customs, routines, and established relationships that can stand in the way of necessary change
- Commitment to the relentless pursuit of increasing student learning and innovation
- The competence to collect and analyze data from formative and summative assessments to inform instructional decisions
- The skill to implement a tiered system of instruction within the classroom and to leverage the intense student support network
- The strong desire and ability to build meaningful, caring relationships with students in order to exert academic influence
- The ability to help create and thrive in a professional environment that is one of mutual respect, teamwork, and accountability that includes all stakeholders
- The willingness to actively engage in the PLC process while:
- *participating in ongoing instructional specific conversations
- *collaboratively creating and executing clear, logical instructional plans
- *coordinating instruction within and across grade levels
- *trying out new ideas for improving student learning
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plan, prepare and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences
- Develop schemes of work and lesson plans
- Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities
- Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities
- Identify and select different instructional resources and methods to meet students' varying needs
- Instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment
- Use relevant technology to support instruction
- Observe and evaluate student's performance and development
- Assign and grade class work, homework, tests and assignments
- Provide appropriate feedback on work
- Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students
- Maintain accurate and complete records of students' progress and development
- Update all necessary records accurately and completely as required by laws, district policies and school regulations
- Prepare required reports on students and activities
- Manage student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures
- Maintain discipline in accordance with the rules and disciplinary systems of the school
- Apply appropriate disciplinary measures when necessary
- Perform certain pastoral duties including but not limited to student support, counseling students with academic problems and providing student encouragement
- Participate in department and school meetings, parent meetings
- Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues and parents regarding student progress and student needs
- Keep up to date with developments in subject area, teaching resources and methods and make relevant changes to instructional plans and activities
- Regular and reliable attendance
- Perform other duties as assigned
