Special Education Teacher

Rocketship Public Schools•Washington, DC

12d•$68,000 - $88,800

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 provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support aligned with students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), working closely with students, families, general education teachers, and paraprofessionals. Education Specialists support inclusive learning by co-teaching and collaborating with general educators, and partnering with paraprofessionals to uphold accommodations and modifications. They manage a caseload at one school and provide small-group, push-in, and pull-out instruction while ensuring compliance with IDEA and state law. The role receives weekly coaching from school leaders and additional coaching from a Special Education Program Specialist. The position also involves developing and implementing behavior supports, including Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and applying strategies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Education Specialists report to a Principal or Assistant Principal.

Requirements

B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited institution.

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 and eager to learn from feedback, coaching, and 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 the academic goals in their IEPs, aligned with Common Core standards and Rocketship core content.
Provide individualized and small-group instruction, as well as push-in and pull-out support, to help students access grade-level content.
Co-teach with general education teachers to model and uphold accommodations, modifications, and meaningful inclusion.
Partner with paraprofessionals to provide consistent, high-quality support across settings.
Manage an IEP caseload in accordance with state regulations, IDEA, and state law.
Draft and write compliant IEPs, facilitate IEP meetings, and maintain accurate 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 supports, including BSPs and BIPs.
Apply behavior strategies, including ABA principles, to promote positive behavior and supportive learning environments.
Engage 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, related service providers, families, and school communities through meetings, conferences, and trainings.
Reflect on outcomes, take ownership of professional learning, and contribute to a positive, collaborative staff culture.
Uphold legal and instructional standards for IEPs and services.