Summary

Tchr - Therapist | Special Ed - K-5 Elementary | R | 271 Belvidere Bldg | Post Date: 11/21/2024 | Available: Open Until Filled | Closing: 9999-12-12

Description

GENERAL INFORMATION

Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) is looking to hire a full-time Tchr – Art Therapy for our 271 Belvidere Building in St. Paul, MN. We are aiming to fill this role in 2 – 4 weeks. Employees could be eligible for Medical/Dental/Vision/Pension and accrue sick and vacation time. 

Art therapy is facilitated by a credentialed board registered art therapist. The art therapy directives, various art elements (color, shape, line, value, space, movement, texture and form) and art media are used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, promote insight into various aspects of life, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress and promote growth and change.

Art therapy enriches the lives of students through art-making, the creative process, and by setting specific goals. Examples of these goals can be, but are not limited to attending skills, spatial concepts, sharing, turn taking, following directions, peer interaction, communication, emotions, eye hand coordination, fine motor skills, relaxation and reinforcement of academic concepts. Art therapists work with people who are challenged with medical and mental health problems as well as students seeking emotional and creative growth.

Art therapy engages the mind, body, and self that are distinct from verbal articulation alone. Kinesthetic, sensory, perceptual and symbolic opportunities invite alternatives modes of receptive and express communication, which can help with language limitations. Visual and symbolic expression gives voice to experience, and empowers the individuals¿ transformation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Certified by the Board for Art Therapy
  • Strong Behavior Management Skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

  • Basic knowledge of EBD, Autism, DCD, LD and other special education populations
  • Ability to interact with children of diverse learning styles and backgrounds
  • Ability to work with a variety of educators and administrator

RESPONSIBILITIES

A special education teacher will work in one of several special education licensure areas.  The duties or each of these positions may vary.  The essential functions of these positions include, but are not limited to the following fundamental duties.

  • Provide instruction in the core curriculum and special education area(s) for which employed; make appropriate use of instructional resources and technologies.
  • Develop and implement innovative methods for providing instruction to special education students.
  • Maintain a suitable instructional environment for special education students according to their needs; ensure that equipment is modified and materials adapted as necessary.
  • Participate with other special education staff as appropriate to evaluate the special education needs of a student and to develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) to meet the student’s needs; implement these plans in accordance with special education state and federal legal requirements and district practice.
  • Maintain student records and ensure that they are in compliance with due process requirements.
  • Support the Minnesota Graduation Standards; implement the goals and objectives of the District and the school and/or program to which assigned.
  • Evaluate special education student performance in accordance with the system used by the school and/or District; promote student achievement; ensure that progress is being made toward IEP goals and objectives; make related reports to parents, the principal and/or Special Education administration as prescribed or authorized.
  • Maintain contact and communications with parents of special education students and work with them in the academic development of the student and to meet the objectives of the IEP or IFSP; participate in parent teacher conferences.
  • Perform classroom management duties; enforce rules governing the conduct of students; take appropriate disciplinary action with students when necessary.
  • Provide indirect services to special education students in the special education category for which employed.
  • Develop and present in-service training relating to disabilities and the educational needs of students in the special education category for which employed.
  • Continue to seek professional growth and development in the curriculum area(s) for which employed; attend professional development required by the District.
  • Contribute to the District’s Strong Schools, Strong Communities efforts by partnering with other staff to contribute to student achievement and the alignment and sustainability of resources.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

PAY, BENEFITS & WORK SCHEDULE
This is a 10 month position working 40 hours per week.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the SPFE – Teacher’s negotiated labor agreement. The salary schedule can be found on the Labor Agreements page. 
 
Benefits are available to new employees after 30 days of active employment.  Benefits include medical insurance, life insurance, sick leave, pension plan, tax-free retirement account, and flexible spending account.  Some employee groups also receive vacation, dental insurance and disability insurance.  A summary of benefits can be found on the Benefits Summaries page.
 
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered further, please apply for this position and attach a resume and cover letter to your online application.
 
The Human Resource Department will review your application materials and contact you regarding the next steps.
 
To attach additional documents to your online application, click on the “Additional Attachments” link from the applicant homepage and upload your documents as attachments.  Valid file extensions for attaching a document include .doc, .txt, .rtf, and .pdf.
 
OTHER INFORMATION
Transcript – Unofficial transcripts are accepted at the time of hire.  You must submit official transcripts within 30 days of your start date.  Formal credential evaluation is required for post-secondary education completed outside of the United States.
 
Veteran’s Preference – If you are an eligible veteran applying for a job where veteran’s preference applies and wish to claim Veterans Preference you must submit a legible copy of your DD214 to the Human Resource Department with your employment application. If your claim is approved, five or ten additional points will be added to your final passing score.
 
Criminal Background Investigation and Reference Checks – Reference checks and a criminal background investigation will be completed as a condition of hire for all new employees and for former employees who have not been employed by the District for more than six months.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Essential functions are job duties that the individual holding the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation through the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disability Amendments Act (ADAAA). The essential functions are typical duties as outlined under Responsibilities.
 
Regular and reliable attendance.
 
May be exposed to various cleaning products.
 
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Saint Paul Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and supports an inclusive workplace environment.
 
EQUITY STATMENT
SPPS is committed to an equitable workforce where all employees represent this commitment through equitable practices in their job position.