Special Education Teacher → $5,000 Sign-on Bonus!

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education•Birmingham, AL

20h

About The Position

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is seeking a Special Education Teacher for its Grades 6–8 special education program. The teacher leads instruction for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), designing personalized learning experiences in a learning center and/or classroom. The role includes delivering targeted instruction, using curriculum resources and educational software, and preparing lesson plans and schedules responsive to students’ physical, emotional, and educational needs while aligning with state and school standards. The teacher collaborates with students, families, colleagues, and administrators to support student learning and development. The position also involves managing student caseloads and IEPs, supporting positive behavior, documenting progress, maintaining a safe and organized classroom, and pursuing ongoing professional growth. ChanceLight describes itself as a provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults, partnering with more than 235 school districts nationwide. The position offers a starting salary of $53,000–$77,000 per year based on experience, plus a $5,000 sign-on bonus.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in education, special education, or a closely related field.
Currently hold or be in the process of obtaining a valid Alabama state professional educator certificate.
Currently hold or be in the process of obtaining a valid Alabama state collaborative special education instruction credential.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company-approved crisis management training.
Prior experience and/or strong skills in teaching strategies, classroom management, curriculum development, differentiated instruction, and personalized learning; experience in an alternative, special education, or behavioral health setting is preferred.
Experience or knowledge in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with severe learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders, or related disabilities.
Experience or strong knowledge working with students with IEPs.
Demonstrated success developing and implementing education plans for students with diverse needs and abilities.
Ability to motivate students and have critical conversations that help them move toward realistic goals.
Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in emergencies and make independent decisions.
Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Knowledge of relevant technology, including instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry, and basic office equipment.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in an alternative, special education, or behavioral health program setting.

Responsibilities

Create an inclusive, collaborative environment involving students, parents, colleagues, and administrators in the educational process.
Establish a classroom climate based on mutual respect, fairness, clear expectations, social development, personal accountability, and positive group interactions, modeling Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
Implement and reinforce school-wide and classroom-specific PBIS strategies, behavior expectations, reward systems, and appropriate consequences.
Track and document student progress, maintain accurate student files, and prepare reports on student achievements and activities.
Deliver differentiated instruction individually or in a co-teaching environment to meet IEP educational goals.
Adapt and modify curriculum and instructional approaches for students’ varied learning styles and capabilities, and guide instructional staff on differentiation.
Use varied instructional methods, resources, and educational software to support students’ needs and interests.
Manage student caseloads, including developing, updating, and implementing IEPs, goals, and interventions.
Prepare daily lesson plans and organize instructional materials aligned with curriculum standards and student objectives.
Maintain an organized, safe, and welcoming classroom and manage supplies, furniture, and resources according to procedures.
Stay informed about research-based instructional practices and developments in special education and subject areas.
Respond constructively to evaluations and observations and pursue ongoing professional growth.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support the educational program.