Special Education Teacher, Mild/Mod, Mesa Middle School 2026-2027

Lucia Mar Unified School District • Arroyo Grande, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher develops and provides specialized instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities, evaluates student progress against instructional objectives, follows mandated due-process procedures, and serves as IEP Manager for assigned students. The teacher plans and administers the special education instructional program and classroom operation in accordance with district, state, and federal requirements. The role promotes student learning, skills development, and preparation for postsecondary education or career opportunities, while working cooperatively with parents, staff, and administrators. The position also contributes to the school's operation and positive learning environment.

This is a full-time, 1.0 FTE certificated position at Mesa Middle School for the 2026–2027 school year, with up to 184 work days. The posting lists an annual entry-level salary range of $63,607 to $107,276, plus a recruitment/retention incentive of $2,500 paid in equal monthly installments. The incentive is scheduled to increase to $5,000 annually effective July 1, 2027. Salary is prorated based on start date and FTE, and adjusted for prior experience and semester units beyond a bachelor's degree.

The teacher provides individualized and small-group instruction, develops and implements IEPs, coordinates special education services, evaluates and reevaluates students, communicates with parents, maintains records and progress reports, and collaborates with school personnel. The role requires regular attendance, compliance with district policies, participation in meetings and professional development, and mandated reporting of suspected child or elder/dependent abuse or neglect. Selected candidates must provide a Social Security card, proof of a tuberculin test, pass state and federal fingerprint clearances, and complete required pre-employment training.

Requirements

• Valid California teaching credential authorizing special education teaching in a mild/moderate setting, as stated in the vacancy notice.
• Valid CLAD/BCLAD/EL Authorization; emergency permits are not accepted.
• Valid Added Autism Authorization, as stated in the vacancy notice.
• Bachelor's degree, including courses and/or examinations needed to meet credentialing and subject-matter competency requirements.
• Experience as mandated by the state and accepted by the school district.
• Resourcefulness, innovation, helpfulness, diligence, persistence, and willingness to work with colleagues and students.
• Ability to stand and sit for extended periods; see and read printed matter with or without vision aids; hear and understand normal-level speech; and speak English understandably at normal levels.
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, twist, bend, grasp, reach overhead, push, pull, and move, lift, or carry 0–25 pounds to waist height, and move throughout the building and school grounds as necessary.
• Ability to concentrate on a single task for up to two hours, adapt to technology and changing instructions or task methods, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly in speech and writing.
• Ability to interact cooperatively with staff, students, parents, and community members; maintain consistent attendance; and safeguard confidential information.
• Successful state and federal fingerprint clearances and completion of required pre-employment training.

Nice To Haves

• Valid California driver's license.
• Prior teaching experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide research-based specialized instruction addressing instructional goals and objectives in each student's IEP.
• Assess student progress and determine when additional reinforcement or adjustments to instructional techniques are needed.
• Use varied teaching techniques and methods to help students meet their IEP goals.
• Develop and implement annual IEPs, including present levels, special education needs, goals, objectives, and required services.
• Schedule team meetings and collaborate with child study team members and others on instructional goals and strategies.
• Coordinate delivery of special education services specified in students' IEPs.
• Create positive learning experiences using individualized instruction, appropriate resources, and technology.
• Serve as the primary contact for parents.
• Conduct special education evaluations and reevaluations.
• Provide direction, supervision, and evaluation input for special education assistance as directed.
• Provide individualized and small-group instruction, adapt curriculum, differentiate instruction, and collaborate in inclusive settings.
• Establish and maintain classroom and school behavior standards that support a positive learning environment.
• Evaluate students' academic and social growth, maintain appropriate records, prepare progress reports, and provide constructive feedback to students and parents as needed.
• Use data to improve learning and instruction.
• Foster student creativity, critical thinking, academic achievement, and lifelong skills.
• Build positive mentoring and working relationships with students and colleagues.
• Establish and implement classroom discipline policies and provide additional instruction when students need academic skill support.
• Work with the site principal and other staff to identify student needs and address health, attitude, and learning problems.
• Participate in faculty committees, meetings, school programs, and required in-service activities.
• Maintain regular and timely attendance, meet deadlines, keep records, prepare reports, and follow district and school policies.
• Engage with community and business partners as potential resources for curriculum and student projects.
• Report suspected child or elder/dependent abuse or neglect in accordance with California regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality of student and other sensitive information.

Benefits

• $2,500 recruitment/retention incentive paid in equalized monthly installments; the incentive is scheduled to increase to $5,000 annually effective July 1, 2027.
• Health benefits plans and rates are referenced for the 2026–2027 school year, but specific coverage details are not provided.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level