Special Education Teacher - Extensive Support Needs (ESN)

Building Connections Behavioral Health•Martinez, CA

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher provides specialized instruction and support to K–8 students with disabilities, including students with mild to moderate and extensive support needs (ESN), depending on location and classroom assignment. The role includes developing and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), adapting curriculum, and providing targeted interventions to support students’ academic, behavioral, social, and emotional growth. The teacher collaborates with parents, BCBAs, paraprofessionals, teachers, administrators, and other school staff to ensure students can access appropriate educational opportunities and work toward individual goals. Instruction may take place in inclusive and specialized settings and includes project-based learning aligned with California state curriculum standards. Building Connections Academy is a nonpublic school serving students with mild to moderate and extensive support needs. Its stated approach is to create an inclusive, engaging learning environment that helps students discover strengths, build relationships, and develop confidence.

Requirements

Clear DOJ/FBI background check.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance.
Bachelor’s degree in Education, Special Education, or a related field.
Valid California Special Education Teaching Credential (Mild/Moderate or Extensive Support Needs (ESN), depending on classroom type), or an out-of-state equivalent approved by CDE.
A Provisional Internship Permit (PIP) or Short Term Staffing Permit (STSP) issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing may be considered case by case in lieu of a teaching credential.
Patience, flexibility, and a compassionate approach when working with students with disabilities.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
Required immunizations: MMR, Tdap, Varicella, and Hep B, plus TB clearance within four years.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Special Education or a related field.
Background or experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and/or collaboration with BCBAs and Behavior Interventionists.
Experience teaching and supporting students with disabilities, preferably in K–8 or elementary settings.
Strong knowledge of IDEA, special education law, and evidence-based instructional practices.
Familiarity with adaptive curriculum, instructional technology, and classroom differentiation.

Responsibilities

Teach and support small groups of students in inclusive and specialized settings.
Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs based on student needs, abilities, and goals.
Attend and actively participate in IEP meetings.
Provide specialized instruction across academic, social, emotional, and behavioral domains.
Implement evidence-based instructional strategies and adapt curriculum to meet diverse learning needs.
Collect, analyze, and report on student progress regularly.
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and support staff to ensure effective delivery of accommodations and modifications.
Design and implement behavior support plans and teach social and emotional regulation skills.
Coach and guide paraprofessionals and behavior support staff in the classroom.
Collaborate with parents and guardians to foster positive relationships, advocacy, and consistent communication about student progress.
Design and deliver project-based lessons aligned with California state curriculum standards, promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and real-world application.
Guide students through the project-based learning cycle, including problem identification, research, solution development, and presentation.
Maintain a positive, inclusive classroom environment that encourages collaboration, engagement, and a love of learning.
Participate in ongoing professional development to remain current with special education best practices and compliance.
Attend required school functions and events, such as back-to-school nights, family events, and other school-wide activities.