Special Education Teacher

Rocketship Public Schools•Concord, CA

20d•$74,200 - $86,670

About The Position

Rocketship Special Education Teachers, known as Education Specialists (Mild/Moderate Support Needs), ensure students have access to an excellent, inclusive education. They work with students, families, general education teachers, and paraprofessionals to provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support aligned with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The role emphasizes inclusion in general education settings, collaboration and co-teaching, and ensuring accommodations and modifications are implemented. Education Specialists manage a caseload at a single school and provide small-group, push-in, and pull-out instruction while maintaining compliance with IDEA and state law. They receive weekly coaching from school leaders and additional coaching from a Special Education Program Specialist. They also partner with families and staff to implement Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), applying strategies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Education Specialists report to their Principal or an Assistant Principal.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution.
Valid Special Education teaching credential (Mild/Moderate or equivalent) in the state of employment, or eligibility to obtain the appropriate licensure as required by state law.
Maintain active and good-standing credential status throughout employment.
Hold a valid Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate Support Needs) credential or be eligible for a Provisional Internship Permit (PIP) or Short-Term Staff Permit (STSP).
For candidates using a PIP or STSP, hold current CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross, or be willing to complete CPR certification before starting.
Regularly communicate with and interact with adults and children; frequently use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; frequently stand, walk, sit, and reach; occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds and climb ladders.

Nice To Haves

At least 2 years of experience working with children in special education, behavioral support, or related settings.
Background or understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis principles.
Knowledge of special education law, IDEA compliance, and effective inclusion practices.
Growth-oriented, receptive to feedback and coaching, and committed to ongoing professional development.
Collaborative, equity-driven, resilient, committed to meaningful inclusion, and focused on closing opportunity gaps for students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Help students achieve the academic goals in their IEPs, aligned with Common Core standards and Rocketship core content.
Provide individualized and small-group instruction, as well as push-in and pull-out support, to help students access grade-level content.
Co-teach with general education teachers and support implementation of accommodations, modifications, and inclusive classroom practices.
Partner with paraprofessionals to provide consistent, high-quality support across settings.
Manage an IEP caseload in accordance with state regulations and comply with IDEA and state law.
Draft and write compliant IEPs, facilitate IEP meetings, and maintain accurate, current records in the IEP system.
Collaborate with psychologists and related service providers, such as speech and occupational therapy providers, to interpret assessments and ensure appropriate services.
Communicate with families and team members about IEP goals, accommodations, and student progress.
Partner with students, families, and school staff to develop responsive supports, including Behavior Support Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans.
Apply behavior-support strategies, including principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, to promote positive behavior and create supportive learning environments.
Partner with families through IEP meetings, regular communication, and home visits.
Participate in weekly coaching, including real-time classroom coaching, and ongoing professional development.
Reflect on performance, take ownership of outcomes, and learn from positive and challenging experiences.
Collaborate with educators, paraprofessionals, related service providers, families, and school communities through meetings, conferences, and trainings.
Uphold legal and instructional standards for IEPs and services and contribute to a positive, collaborative staff culture.