Covington is a whole-school Title I elementary school with about 500 students located in the city of Covington six miles east of downtown Kent. It serves a diverse community and offers varied instructional strategies for each student customized to his or her learning needs. As a tiered intervention school, Covington offers a strong academic program with emphasis on basic skills and rich opportunities in the arts and physical education. In support of the classroom teacher there are full-time music and physical education specialists as well academic interventionists and a full time library paraeducator. An extensive special education department with Integrated Programs, Support Center, and an ECE program for our 3 – 5 year old students with disabilities is an integral part of the school. The ECE program includes peer models. We currently offer an after-school intervention program entitled DAWG Pack for third through sixth grade students needing an additional dose of instruction to close the achievement gaps in reading and math and rotate participation at three intervals throughout the year. Title I and LAP programs also provide support to students that need additional time and help to learn. Covington enjoys a strong, cooperative relationship with the community, including a very active PTA and parent volunteer program.

 

ASSIGNMENT:  Our integrated program is specially designed instruction within general education classes. Candidate will plan, coordinate and provide services for students, parents and staff to assess and improve the effectiveness of education within the Kent School District; work with staff, families and/or agencies to develop needed service options; cooperate with the special education director, principals, staff members and community in implementation of a comprehensive instructional program for special needs students.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This position is part of the KEA bargaining unit.   

 

 

1.    Appropriate Washington State teaching certification with appropriate endorsements required (must include Special Education) and must be on file prior to beginning work.

2.    Ability and willingness to provide medical or health services such as catheterization, diapering, toileting, feeding, tube feeding and assisting students with other activities involving self-care, which may be required.

 

 

1.    Bachelor’s or master’s degree with major/minor in special education

2.    ELL endorsement

3.    Thorough knowledge of special education laws and the ability to plan, implement and evaluate individualized programs for students.

4.    Background/experience in team teaching (in-class and pull-out models) and be willing to work with high needs students.

5.    Ability to establish rapport with staff, students, community, and create strong interagency linkages.

6.    Possess strong management skills and the ability to develop and implement programs based on individual student needs (physical, personal hygiene, feeding, communications, transition, etc.), establish goals, and plan in-service and activities to meet those stated goals.

7.    Knowledge of differing student learning styles.

8.    Comfortable with team teaching, integration with regular classroom, inclusion, and some small groups.

9.    Demonstrated strength in a variety of behavior management approaches.

10.  Ability to exhibit multicultural and ethnic understanding and sensitivity with the ability to communicate effectively with all cultural groups in the school community. 

11.  Experience working with a diverse student population and the specific school demographics

12.  Desired teacher characteristics are:  flexibility; ability to organize ideas, time and materials to accomplish goals; enthusiasm; ability to express ideas clearly and understand concepts being discussed; ability to learn new ideas and skills; ability and willingness to develop favorable relationships with students; knowledge of current approaches to teaching; and willingness to model behavior deemed appropriate by the school district and the community.