Special Education Teacher

Rocketship Public Schools•San Jose, CA

15d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocketship Special Education Teachers, known as Education Specialists (Mild/Moderate Support Needs), help 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 promotes learning alongside general education peers whenever possible through co-teaching, collaboration, and consistent implementation of accommodations and modifications. Education Specialists manage a caseload at a single school and provide small-group, push-in, and pull-out instruction. They support IEP compliance with IDEA and applicable state law, and partner with families and staff on Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), including strategies informed by Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Specialists receive weekly coaching from school leaders and additional coaching from a Special Education Program Specialist. They 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.
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 seeking a PIP or STSP, have current CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross, or be willing to complete CPR certification before the start date.
Collaborative approach to working with students, families, general education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers.
Commitment to inclusion, equity, student growth, and ongoing professional learning.

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 (ABA) principles.
Knowledge of special education law, IDEA compliance, and effective inclusion practices.
Growth-oriented approach and willingness to learn from feedback and coaching.
Experience or willingness to build expertise in case management, coordinating services, writing compliant IEPs, and partnering with families and school teams.

Responsibilities

Ensure students work toward and achieve rigorous IEP academic goals aligned with Common Core standards and Rocketship core content.
Provide individualized and small-group instruction, as well as push-in and pull-out support, so students can access grade-level content in accordance with their IEPs.
Co-teach with general education teachers and support accommodations, modifications, and meaningful classroom inclusion.
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, including 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 strategies, including ABA principles, to promote positive behavior and 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 successes and challenges.
Collaborate with educators, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to provide meaningful inclusion and consistent support.
Help engage families and school communities through IEP meetings, parent conferences, staff meetings, and trainings.
Communicate openly and proactively with families and contribute to a culture of trust and partnership.
Uphold legal and instructional standards for IEPs and services.
Contribute to a positive, collaborative staff culture.