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Start Your Online Application Now At Hopkins Public Schools, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our students, staff, and community. We are a proudly inclusive E-12 district serving approximately 7,200 students across the City of Hopkins and surrounding communities. Our district represents a rich mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; we value and celebrate that diversity in everything we do. As an academically rigorous and human-centered district, we are committed to fostering a welcoming environment where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. There is no "typical" Hopkins student, and we embrace this truth as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and equity in learning. We seek educators and staff who are equity-minded, culturally responsive, and deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where all learners can thrive. We welcome candidates who are passionate about dismantling systemic barriers, advancing justice, and preparing students to become bold, collaborative, and compassionate global citizens. When you join Hopkins Public Schools, you are not just joining a district, you are becoming part of a community that honors difference, nurtures potential, and inspires remarkable achievement in every learner, from birth through graduation. You are welcome at Hopkins. You belong at Hopkins. SUMMARY The Floating Special Education Teacher provides high-quality special education services by filling both short-term and long-term vacancies that arise throughout the school year across Hopkins Public Schools. Assignments may occur at any elementary, middle, or high school and may include a variety of federal settings, disability areas, instructional models, and grade levels. The Floating Special Education Teacher ensures continuity of instruction and compliance with students'' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) during staff absences, leaves of absence, vacancies, or other staffing needs. Depending on the assignment, responsibilities may include providing specially designed instruction, serving as an IEP case manager, collaborating with general education staff, participating in co-teaching models, and implementing individualized academic, behavioral, social-emotional, communication, functional, and transition programming. The successful candidate demonstrates a strong understanding of special education law, instructional best practices, progress monitoring, and inclusive educational practices across multiple instructional settings. The individual possesses exceptional flexibility, organization, adaptability, and collaboration skills, allowing for seamless transitions between schools, student populations, and instructional teams while maintaining consistent, high-quality educational services. Qualified applicants will have experience working with students across a range of disability categories and instructional environments and demonstrate the ability to quickly establish positive relationships with students, families, and staff while maintaining continuity of services and compliance with state and federal special education requirements. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS This class specification lists the major duties and responsibilities of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may be assigned additional duties as needed. Provide specially designed instruction to students receiving special education services in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Serve as a short-term or long-term replacement for special education teachers across the district as assigned. Deliver instruction in a variety of instructional settings, including resource rooms, center-based classrooms, co-taught general education classrooms, self-contained classrooms, community-based settings, and virtual learning environments as needed. Implement district-approved curriculum while differentiating instruction to meet individual student needs across academic, behavioral, functional, communication, social-emotional, and transition domains. Develop lesson plans and instructional materials that align with students'' IEP goals and district curriculum. Utilize evidence-based instructional practices and progress-monitoring tools to support student achievement and adjust instruction accordingly. Serve as the case manager for assigned students during long-term placements by coordinating IEP implementation, maintaining compliance timelines, facilitating communication among team members, and preparing required documentation. Implement existing Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs), behavior intervention strategies, accommodations, modifications, and related service recommendations. Collaborate with general education teachers, related service providers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and families to support student success across educational settings. Participate in IEP meetings, evaluation planning meetings, reevaluation meetings, manifestation determination meetings, and other multidisciplinary team meetings as assigned. Supervise, direct, and collaborate with paraprofessionals to ensure effective implementation of instructional and behavioral supports. Maintain accurate educational records, progress reports, service logs, and documentation in accordance with district, state, and federal requirements. Establish and maintain positive learning environments that promote student engagement, independence, inclusion, and academic success. Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress and educational programming. Adapt quickly to new schools, instructional teams, student populations, schedules, and educational programs while maintaining continuity of services. Participate in district, building, department, and professional learning opportunities to maintain current knowledge of instructional practices, special education regulations, and district initiatives. Promote and support the mission of Hopkins Public Schools by demonstrating professionalism, collaboration, flexibility, and effective communication with students, families, colleagues, and community partners. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of federal and state special education laws, procedures, and due process requirements. Understanding of disability characteristics and instructional strategies across multiple disability categories. Ability to implement IEPs with fidelity while maintaining compliance with district and legal requirements. Knowledge of assessment practices, progress monitoring, and data-based instructional decision-making. Ability to deliver instruction using a variety of instructional models, including inclusive co-teaching, resource support, and center-based programming. Strong classroom management and behavior support skills. Excellent organizational, communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills. Ability to quickly learn building procedures, establish rapport with students and staff, and adapt to changing assignments. Proficiency with instructional technology and electronic special education documentation systems. Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations Continued employment is contingent upon maintaining all required licenses and certifications in active status without suspension or revocation. Valid Minnesota Teaching License in Special Education appropriate for assigned programs and grade levels. Valid Minnesota Driver''s License and ability to travel between district sites as required by assignments. PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in a school environment, using standard equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a school classroom and outdoor environments. Hours & Compensation: 1.0 - FTE - 185 Days HEA Union Contract Range: BA, Step 0: $51,000 MA, Step 0: $60,228 Position specific Benefits information is available HERE Union Contracts, Position Handbook/Agreements are located HERE Hopkins Public Schools uses the applicant tracking system from Frontline Education to manage employment applications online