Elementary/Intermediate School Life Skills Teacher

Norris is accepting applications for a K-5 life skills teacher for the 2026-27 school year. This position will provide instruction that is focused on the Nebraska extended indicators, functional academics, and social skills. The Norris Special Education Department strives to support students with disabilities in learning and thinking to be successful in and outside of school.  The candidate chosen to fill this position will work closely with experienced special education teachers in both the elementary and intermediate schools in planning program curriculum.  Program specifics include:

Required Qualifications

• Valid Nebraska teaching certificate
• Appropriate Special Education endorsement (or ability to obtain)
• Knowledge of Nebraska Rule 51 and Rule 10 requirements
• Experience with IEP development, progress monitoring, and collaborative service delivery preferred

TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES

• Developing students’ cognitive, emotional, and social capacities for learning.
• Maintaining a classroom atmosphere conducive to enhancing interpersonal relationships, social skills, problem resolution, and decision-making while achieving academic success.
• Assesses students’ skills and determines their educational needs
• Adapts general lessons to meet students’ needs
• Develops Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student
• Plan activities that are specific to each student’s abilities
• Provides services to students utilizing a variety of service delivery models including, co-teaching, small groups, and one-on-one instruction.
• Updates IEPs throughout the school year to reflect students’ progress and goals
• Discusses students’ progress with parents, other teachers, counselors, and administrators
• Plans for and uses paraprofessionals effectively to support the students
• Prepares and helps students transition from grade to grade and from school to life outside of school
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to provide an orderly, productive environment in the classroom.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and lesson planning and student progress toward IEP goals as required by district procedures and applicable laws.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains professional competence through in-service education activities provided by the district, and/or in self-selected professional growth activities.
• Works cooperatively with other special education teachers at the elementary and intermediate school levels to plan a balanced special education program.
• Participates cooperatively with the appropriate administrator to develop the method by which he/she will be evaluated in conformance with district guidelines.
• Maintains open lines of communication with parents, guardians, and staff.
• Identifies student needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in helping students solve problems.
• Participates in curriculum and other developmental programs.
• Participates in faculty committees and the sponsorship of student activities.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Selects and requisitions consumable supplies, equipment, and instructional aids; maintains required inventory records.
• Maintains control of storage and use of school-owned property.
• Participates in the curriculum review process and other professional development programs.
• Participates in faculty committees and the sponsorship of student activities.
• Performs other duties as needed, as assigned by the supervisor.

BENEFITS

• Base pay 2026-27: $41,700
• All years of service accepted. 4% vertical, 5% horizontal salary schedule (9 graduate credit hour horizontal increments)
• Full single or family insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska
• 88 hours (11 days) non-specified leave per year
• Additional benefits include paid parental leave, dental, vision, and life insurance, etc.