Special Education Teacher

Rocketship Public Schools•Redwood City, CA

15d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocketship Special Education Teachers, known as Education Specialists (Mild/Moderate Support Needs), support students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs in alignment with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). They work with students, families, general education teachers, and paraprofessionals to provide an excellent, inclusive education. Students with disabilities learn alongside peers in general education settings whenever possible, with specialists co-teaching and helping ensure accommodations and modifications are upheld. Education Specialists manage a caseload at one school and provide small-group, push-in, and pull-out instruction. They ensure compliance with IDEA and state law, implement behavior supports such as Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and use strategies including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The role includes weekly coaching from school leaders and additional coaching from a Special Education Program Specialist. Education Specialists report to a Principal or Assistant Principal.

Requirements

B.A. or B.S. 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, good-standing credential status throughout employment with Rocketship.
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, have active CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross, or be willing to complete CPR certification before starting.

Nice To Haves

At least 2 years of experience working with children in special education, behavioral support, or related settings.
Background in or understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) 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 and interested in developing case management expertise, including coordinating services, writing compliant IEPs, and partnering with paraprofessionals, families, and general education teachers.
Equity-driven and resilient, with a commitment to meaningful inclusion and closing opportunity gaps for students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Help students work toward and achieve rigorous IEP academic goals aligned with Common Core standards and Rocketship’s core content.
Provide individualized, small-group, push-in, and pull-out instruction so students can access grade-level content.
Co-teach with general education teachers and support accommodations, modifications, and inclusion in the classroom.
Partner with paraprofessionals to provide consistent, high-quality student support across settings.
Manage an IEP caseload in accordance with state regulations and ensure compliance 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 behavior supports, including BSPs and BIPs.
Apply ABA principles and other strategies to promote positive behavior and supportive learning environments.
Partner with families through IEP meetings, regular communication, and home visits.
Participate in weekly coaching and ongoing professional development, including real-time classroom coaching.
Reflect on practice, take ownership of outcomes, and learn from both positive and challenging experiences.
Collaborate with educators, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to support inclusion and student needs.
Engage families and school communities through IEP meetings, parent conferences, staff meetings, and trainings.
Communicate openly and proactively with families and contribute to a positive, team-oriented staff culture.
Uphold legal and instructional standards for IEPs and services.