Special Education Teacher: Mod/Severe

Rocketship Public Schools • Milwaukee, WI

83d • $54,827 - $71,354

About The Position

Rocketship Special Education Teachers, known as Education Specialists (Moderate/Severe Support Needs), play a critical role in ensuring every student has access to an excellent education. Specialists serve students with significant support needs, including those with intellectual disabilities, autism, multiple disabilities, and communication or behavioral challenges. At Rocketship, we believe in the power of inclusive education. Our model ensures that students with disabilities learn alongside their peers whenever possible, while also receiving individualized instruction in smaller group or specialized settings. Education Specialists collaborate with general educators and lead paraprofessionals to provide accommodations, modifications, and targeted supports, creating classrooms where all students thrive together. Specialists manage a caseload at a single school, delivering instruction in functional academics, adaptive skills, communication supports, and behavior interventions while ensuring compliance with IDEA and state law. They are supported through weekly coaching from school leaders and additional coaching from a Special Education Program Specialist to strengthen practice and sustain growth. Behavior support is also central to the role. Specialists partner with families and staff to implement Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), model strategies for paraprofessionals, and use approaches such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and crisis intervention to maintain safe, supportive learning environments. Education Specialists report to their Principal or an Assistant Principal.

Requirements

• Hold a B.A./B.S. degree from an accredited institution.
• Valid Special Education Teaching Credential.
• Must maintain active and in-good-standing credential status throughout employment with Rocketship.

Nice To Haves

• At least 2 years of experience working with children in special education, behavioral support, or related settings.
• Experience leading or coaching paraprofessionals.
• Background or understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles.
• Knowledge of special education law, IDEA compliance, and effective inclusion practices.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that all students work toward and achieve the rigorous academic and functional goals outlined in their IEPs.
• Deliver a combination of academic instruction, functional/adaptive skills, and communication supports using STAR curriculum aligned with Common Core Standards.
• Provide individualized and small-group instruction, as well as push-in and pull-out support.
• Lead and coach paraprofessionals to ensure consistent, high-quality implementation of accommodations, modifications, and individualized supports.
• Own and manage an IEP caseload aligned with state regulations, ensuring compliance with IDEA and state law.
• Draft and write professional IEPs, facilitate IEP meetings, and ensure compliance with online and school-based files.
• Collaborate with psychologists and related service providers for evaluations and administer academic assessments.
• Communicate regularly with families and team members about student progress, goals, and accommodations.
• Implement and oversee Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Apply intensive behavior support practices, including principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and crisis intervention techniques.
• Partner with families through IEP meetings, regular communication, and home visits.
• Engage fully in weekly coaching and ongoing professional development.
• Collaborate effectively with general educators, paraprofessionals, and related service providers.

Benefits

• Commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Excellent health and wellness benefits.
• 403b retirement plan.
• Flexible spending account (FSA).
• Generous paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees