Centers-Based Special Education Teacher (Fed Setting III) (Grades 5-8) (2026-27 School Year)

Prodeo Academy • St. Paul, MN

29d • Onsite

About The Position

The Centers-Based Special Education Teacher is a committed member of a collaborative school team dedicated to closing the opportunity gap for students with disabilities. This educator provides highly individualized, evidence-based instruction for students with the most intensive academic, behavioral, social-emotional, communication, and adaptive learning needs. Students may qualify for services under a variety of disability categories, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD), Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (EBD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and multiple disabilities. The Centers-Based Special Education Teacher creates a highly structured, predictable, and supportive learning environment where students develop the academic, communication, behavioral, self-regulation, and independence skills necessary to make meaningful progress toward their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and access increasingly inclusive educational opportunities whenever appropriate. Working in close partnership with paraprofessionals, related service providers, families, school leaders, and general education teachers, this teacher designs individualized instructional programs, implements proactive behavioral supports, and ensures compliance with all local, state, and federal special education requirements. This role is ideal for an educator who thrives in complex instructional environments, believes every student can make meaningful growth, approaches teaching with cultural responsiveness and a strong equity lens, and is committed to continuous learning and collaboration.

ABOUT PRODEO
Prodeo Academy is a network of public charter schools serving the Twin Cities. Prodeo Academy is a meaningful education solution that is closing the opportunity gap through data-driven instruction in a culture grounded in five core values: Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Development, and Engagement . Shared expectations around these values enhance the opportunity for scholars to reach their full potential. We seek team members who are committed to helping students access greater opportunities, achieve future success, and contribute positively to their communities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required
• Active Minnesota Special Education teaching license (or ability to obtain)
• Demonstrated success working with students with disabilities
• Knowledge of IDEA and Minnesota special education regulations
• Experience implementing progress monitoring and data-based instructional decision-making

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred
• Experience teaching in a Centers-Based (Federal Setting III) special education program
• Experience working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Cognitive Disabilities, Emotional or Behavioral Disorders, or students with intensive support needs
• Experience implementing Behavior Support Plans, Functional Behavior Assessments, and individualized behavior interventions
• Training in crisis prevention and de-escalation (CPI or comparable program)

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized, IEP-aligned instruction through whole-group, small-group, and one-to-one instruction within a highly structured centers-based classroom.
• Deliver explicit, systematic instruction using evidence-based practices appropriate for students with significant cognitive, behavioral, communication, and social-emotional needs.
• Teach academic, communication, executive functioning, adaptive behavior, self-regulation, and functional life skills as identified in students' IEPs.
• Differentiate instruction through visual supports, task analysis, prompting hierarchies, assistive technology, sensory supports, and other individualized accommodations.
• Develop structured classroom routines that maximize predictability, student engagement, and independence.
• Collect, analyze, and use progress-monitoring data to adjust instruction and intervention.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to increase meaningful access to grade-level curriculum and inclusive educational opportunities whenever appropriate.
• Implement approved curricula, instructional strategies, and evidence-based interventions with fidelity.
• Create a classroom culture built on high expectations, positive relationships, and student dignity.
• Create and maintain a safe, predictable, and highly structured classroom environment that promotes student success.
• Implement individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), sensory supports, and other individualized behavioral interventions.
• Teach replacement behaviors, emotional regulation, communication, problem-solving, and self-management skills through explicit instruction and daily practice.
• Collect and analyze behavioral data to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and inform instructional decisions.
• Utilize approved de-escalation, crisis prevention, and safety procedures while maintaining student dignity and preserving instructional time whenever possible.
• Maintain continuous supervision and ensure student safety throughout the instructional day.
• Foster trusting relationships with students through consistency, empathy, and high expectations.
• Set ambitious, individualized goals based on student assessment data, present levels of performance, and IEP objectives.
• Collect and analyze academic, behavioral, communication, and functional performance data to guide instructional decisions.
• Participate actively in data meetings, problem-solving teams, and multidisciplinary planning meetings.
• Collaborate closely with general education staff, paraprofessionals, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, social workers, behavior specialists, nurses, and administrators to coordinate student supports.
• Partner with general education teachers to identify opportunities for inclusion and ensure successful implementation of accommodations and modifications.
• Share data, instructional recommendations, and student progress with team members to support collaborative decision-making.
• Case manage students with disabilities in accordance with IDEA, Section 504, and Minnesota special education regulations.
• Coordinate the development, implementation, and monitoring of evaluations, IEPs, progress reports, and required documentation.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of all due process requirements.
• Facilitate and participate in IEP meetings, evaluations, and eligibility determinations.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with families regarding student progress, services, behavioral supports, and educational programming.
• Collaborate with families and multidisciplinary teams to ensure consistency of supports across school, home, and related service providers whenever appropriate.
• Attend all required professional development, including the annual three-week August training.
• Participate actively in Prodeo Academy's instructional coaching and feedback model.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning in evidence-based instructional practices, autism supports, behavior intervention, and inclusive programming.
• Implement feedback to improve instructional effectiveness and student outcomes.
• Contribute positively to professional learning communities by sharing effective strategies and resources.
• Maintain positive, collaborative relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community partners.
• Communicate professionally and respond to family and staff communication within 24–48 business hours.
• Maintain accurate instructional, behavioral, and due process documentation.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support students and the mission of Prodeo Academy.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare options (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Retirement planning through Teacher's Retirement Association (TRA)/Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) and optional 403B plans
• Generous Paid time off, federal holidays, and academic breaks throughout the school year
• Leadership Development Opportunities including Grade Team Leadership, Instructional Coach, Data Team Leadership, and Extracurricular Coaching

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level