Special Education Teacher
About The Position
Rocketship Public Schools Special Education Teachers, known as Education Specialists (Mild/Moderate Support Needs), help ensure students receive an excellent, inclusive education. They support students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs in alignment with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), working closely with students, families, general education teachers, and paraprofessionals. Students with disabilities learn alongside peers in general education settings whenever possible, with specialists co-teaching and coordinating accommodations and modifications. Education Specialists manage a caseload at one school and provide small-group, push-in, and pull-out instruction. They maintain compliance with IDEA and state law, develop and facilitate IEPs, coordinate with related service providers, and partner with families and school staff on student progress and behavior supports. The role includes implementing 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
- Hold a 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.
- A 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.
- Experience supporting diverse learners and interest in developing case management expertise.
- Collaborative approach to working with paraprofessionals, families, general education teachers, and related service providers.
- Commitment to meaningful inclusion, equity, 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 and small-group instruction, including push-in and pull-out support, to help students access grade-level content.
- Co-teach with general education teachers and support classroom accommodations, modifications, and meaningful 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 coordinate 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 in-the-moment classroom coaching, and ongoing professional development.
- Reflect on practice, take ownership of outcomes, and learn from feedback and experience.
- Collaborate with educators, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to support inclusion and consistent student services.
- Work with general educators to engage families and school communities through meetings, conferences, staff meetings, and trainings.
- Communicate 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.
Benefits
- Signing bonus up to $2,500.
- Health and wellness benefits.
- 403(b) retirement plan.
- Flexible spending account (FSA).
- Generous paid time off.
- Eligibility for performance-based pay tied to student growth and impact.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
