Special Education Teacher, Mild/Mod, Grover Beach Elementary School 2026-2027

Lucia Mar Unified School District • Arroyo Grande, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher develops and provides specialized instruction to meet the individual 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 in accordance with district, state, and federal guidelines. The role supports students in developing the skills and knowledge needed for continued education and career opportunities, and works with families, staff, and administrators to support student learning and growth.

This position is at Grover Beach Elementary School for the 2026–2027 school year. It is a 1.0 FTE position with up to 184 workdays. The listed annual entry-level salary range is $63,607–$107,276 for full-time employment, with a $2,500 recruitment/retention incentive paid in equal monthly installments. The incentive is scheduled to increase to $5,000 annually effective July 1, 2027. Salary placement is based on start date, FTE, prior experience, and semester units beyond a bachelor’s degree.

The selected candidate must provide a Social Security card, proof of a tuberculin test before the first day of employment, pass state and federal fingerprint clearances, and complete required pre-employment training, including child abuse reporting and sexual harassment/abusive conduct training. The position is a mandated child-abuse reporter.

Requirements

• Valid California teaching credential with authorization to teach special education 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 coursework 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 meet the position’s physical requirements, including standing and sitting for extended periods; seeing and reading printed material; hearing and speaking at normal levels; moving throughout buildings and grounds; and lifting or carrying up to 25 pounds to waist height.
• Ability to concentrate on a task for up to two hours, learn and adapt to technology and work methods, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly in speech and writing.
• Ability to interact cooperatively with staff, students, parents, and community members; demonstrate patience and understanding; and maintain confidentiality.
• Successful completion of state and federal fingerprint clearances and required pre-employment training; provide a Social Security card and proof of a tuberculin test before the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide research-based specialized instruction aligned with each student’s IEP goals and objectives.
• Assess student progress and adjust instructional techniques or reinforcement as needed.
• Use varied teaching techniques and learning principles to help students meet IEP goals.
• Develop and implement annual IEP plans, including present levels, needs, goals, objectives, and required services.
• Schedule team meetings and collaborate with child study team members and others to develop instructional goals and strategies.
• Coordinate delivery of special education services specified in each student’s IEP.
• 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 assistants as directed.
• Provide individualized and small-group instruction as needed; adapt curriculum, determine instructional pace, explain material, 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 records, prepare progress reports, and provide constructive feedback to students and parents as needed.
• Use data to improve learning and instruction, and foster creativity, critical thinking, academic achievement, and lifelong skills.
• Build positive mentoring and working relationships with students and colleagues and model lifelong learning and professional behavior.
• Establish and implement a classroom discipline policy and provide additional instruction when students need academic support.
• Work with the site principal and professional 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, timely attendance; meet deadlines; keep records and prepare progress reports; follow district and school policies and promotion policy.
• Support community and business partnerships and contribute to a positive image of public education.
• Report suspected or known child or elder/dependent abuse or neglect to the appropriate agencies in accordance with California regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality of student and other sensitive information.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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