Job Details

Exceptional Children (EC) Teacher/Coordinator - 221816

Position Number: 6310627
Location: Cullowhee, NC
Position Type: Education - Special Education

Exceptional Children (EC) Teacher/Coordinator - 221816

Western Carolina University

Department: Lab School

About WCU:

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary:

The primary location of this position is on the campus of Western Carolina University. This is a 10 months per year position with an appointment period of August 1 - June 30 of each school year.

The Exceptional Children (EC) Teacher/MTSS Coordinator at Western Carolina Universitys Catamount School will serve as a key member of the instructional leadership team. The primary responsibilities include overseeing programs for students with diverse needs, coordinating Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS), and ensuring compliance with special education regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

Instructional Leadership and Data Analysis:

Analyze assessment data to inform instructional strategies and support student needs through MTSS, including PBIS and academic areas.
Oversee the implementation of state, county, and district assessments and support staff in conducting formative assessments.
Ensure ethical testing practices and appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities.

Collaborative Teaching:

Co-teach with content teachers, sharing responsibilities in planning, delivering, and assessing instruction.

Case Management and IEP Oversight:

Manage a caseload of students with disabilities, implementing IEPs and inclusive practices.
Ensure delivery of special education instruction and related services as stipulated in IEPs.
Maintain compliance with local and federal laws and regulations related to special education.

Communication and Coordination:

Communicate the special education process to parents and guardians, including referrals, evaluations, IEPs, and re-evaluations.
Facilitate IEP meetings using a strengths-based and family-centered approach.
Coordinate with the special education team to ensure timely completion of documents and preparedness for meetings.
Provide quarterly IEP progress reports to parents/guardians.

Record Keeping and Training:

Maintain student files according to school and state/federal standards.
Provide training and technical assistance to teachers and support professionals on case management and special education processes.

Curriculum and Assessment:

Develop appropriate curriculum and school-based assessments to support the academic growth of students with IEPs.
Gather data for all reporting requirements concerning students with IEPs.

Professional Development and Advocacy:

Stay updated on developing special education issues and policy changes.
Advocate for special education with school leadership and engage parents and families in their students learning.
Connect with related service professionals and community resources to support student needs.

Confidentiality:

Maintain the confidentiality of student records and information.

Additional Duties:

Other duties as assigned.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the WCU website (www.wcu.edu) and read the university vision and details about The Catamount School (www.catamountschool.wcu.edu).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:
Minimum Qualifications:

Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance.

Candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:

A masters degree in special education or a related field from an accredited institution.
Current or eligibility for North Carolina licensure in the field of special education.
A minimum of three years of successful public school instructional experience in a special education setting.
Demonstrated experience serving as a case manager for students with disabilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to candidates with more than three years of successful experience as a special education teacher, licensure and experience in the middle grades, National Board Certification, experience with Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), and experience with problem-based learning. The candidate will be expected to teach and supervise interns and will share program responsibilities including providing services to students; therefore, preference will be given to candidates who have both provided student services and mentored interns and taught preservice teachers. Consistent participation in all aspects of The Catamount School is expected. Applicants should provide evidence of experiences or the potential to work collaboratively and across disciplines, contribute to the universitys mission and goals, and successfully collaborate with in-service teachers in public school settings. Interest and experience in teaching in technology rich and flexible environments is a plus.

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To be considered, you must apply online. Please attach the following:

A cover letter describing how the applicants professional qualifications relate to the position and how the applicant can contribute to the mission, core values and goals of the Catamount School.
A current and complete resume.
Unofficial copies of transcripts of undergraduate and graduate degree programs completed.
Names, addresses (including titles and institutions), telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least five (5) references.
OPTIONAL - Other supporting materials relevant to the candidates scholarship and teaching.

Inquiries can be directed to: Sarah Tatham, Search Committee Chair and Catamount School Principal, email: statham@email.wcu.edu

AA/EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/31169