Special Education Teacher: Mod/Severe
About The Position
Rocketship Special Education Teachers, known as Education Specialists (Moderate/Severe Support Needs), support students with significant needs, including intellectual disabilities, autism, multiple disabilities, and communication or behavioral challenges. They provide inclusive education by helping students learn alongside general education peers when possible, while also delivering individualized instruction in small groups or specialized settings. Education Specialists manage a caseload of 10 or fewer students at one school site. They provide instruction in functional academics, adaptive skills, communication, and behavior support; develop and implement individualized supports; and ensure compliance with IDEA and state law. The role includes 2–4 hours of dedicated case-management time each week for IEP preparation, progress monitoring, family communication, documentation, and collaboration with service providers. Specialists are not responsible for arrival, dismissal, lunch coverage, or substitute classroom coverage. Specialists partner with families and school staff to implement Behavior Support Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans, coach paraprofessionals, and use approaches including Applied Behavior Analysis and crisis intervention. They receive weekly coaching from school leaders and specialized coaching from a Special Education Program Specialist. Education Specialists report to their Principal or Assistant Principal.
Requirements
- Hold a B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited institution.
- Hold a valid Practitioner License with a 461 Special Education Comprehensive Endorsement upon hire.
- Maintain active, 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 in or understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis principles.
- Knowledge of special education law, IDEA compliance, and effective inclusion practices.
Responsibilities
- Ensure students work toward and achieve the academic and functional goals in their IEPs.
- Deliver academic instruction, functional and adaptive skills instruction, and communication supports, including augmentative and alternative communication systems, using STAR curriculum aligned with Common Core Standards.
- Provide individualized and small-group instruction, including push-in and pull-out support, while promoting meaningful inclusion in general education classrooms.
- Lead and coach paraprofessionals in consistently implementing accommodations, modifications, and individualized supports.
- Manage an IEP caseload in accordance with state regulations and ensure compliance with IDEA and state law.
- Draft and write IEPs, facilitate IEP meetings, and maintain compliant, accurate online and school-based records.
- Collaborate with psychologists and related service providers on evaluations; administer academic assessments when needed and interpret results for IEP meetings.
- Communicate regularly with families and team members about student progress, goals, and accommodations.
- Develop responsive behavior supports in partnership with students, families, and school staff.
- Implement and oversee Behavior Support Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans, ensuring staff apply strategies consistently.
- Use Applied Behavior Analysis principles and crisis intervention techniques to maintain safe, supportive learning environments.
- Partner with families through IEP meetings, regular communication, and home visits.
- Participate in weekly coaching, real-time classroom coaching, and ongoing professional development.
- Collaborate with educators, paraprofessionals, and service providers to support inclusion and student needs.
- Engage families and school communities through IEP meetings, parent conferences, staff meetings, and trainings.
- Reflect on practice, take ownership of outcomes, and contribute to a collaborative staff culture.
- Maintain compliance with IDEA and state law and ensure IEPs and services meet legal and instructional expectations.
Benefits
- Excellent health and wellness benefits.
- 403(b) retirement plan.
- Flexible spending account (FSA).
- Generous paid time off.
- Eligibility for performance-based pay tied to student growth and impact.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
