Special Education Teacher

Rochester Prep Charter School • Rochester, NY

20d

About The Position

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools serving economically disadvantaged communities. Special Education teachers develop and monitor accommodations for students with special needs, advocate for students, and use specialized instruction and related services to support academic achievement. They provide academic, emotional, and physical support while maintaining high expectations.

Teachers modify, differentiate, and teach an inclusive curriculum; collaborate with families and Special Education teams to develop 504 plans and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs); and create a safe, inclusive environment that helps students become self-guided learners. They work with general education teachers, school leaders, and families to review student work and assessment trends and ensure IEP compliance. They collect academic growth data, write goals for annual IEP meetings, and provide pull-out, push-in, small-group, and one-on-one instruction.

Teachers also build supportive relationships with students and families, participate in professional development, mentorship, coaching, and weekly school-wide meetings, and collaborate with grade-level teams on academic goals and instructional strategies. Uncommon Schools offers training and development and compensation of $52,000 to $68,000. Starting pay depends on factors including relevant full-time teaching experience, certifications, and tenure; candidates without full-time teaching experience will likely start at $52,000.

Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to supporting students’ social-emotional and academic development.
• Enthusiasm for collaborating with internal and external partners in students’ best interests.
• Self-directed learning approach, including soliciting and implementing feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectives.
• Demonstrated interest in impacting K–12 students in urban schools and communities.
• Academic expertise in Special Education, the Humanities, Social Sciences, STEM, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before employment begins.
• Meet New York State certification eligibility requirements.
• If not holding a degree in education, enroll in a teacher preparation program and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher during employment.
• Become certified in New York State within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Modify, differentiate, and teach an inclusive curriculum that emphasizes diversity.
• Collaborate with families and Special Education teams to develop 504 plans and IEPs with appropriate accommodations and modifications.
• Create an inclusive and safe environment where students can become self-guided learners.
• Collaborate with general education teachers, school leaders, and families to analyze student work and assessment trends and ensure IEP compliance.
• Gather academic growth data and write goals in preparation for annual IEP meetings.
• Provide pull-out, push-in, small-group, and one-on-one instruction, and differentiate instruction for learners in the classroom.
• Build positive relationships with students so they feel seen, loved, and heard.
• Partner with students’ families to ensure appropriate learning resources are available.
• Participate in practice-based professional development, mentorship, and coaching.
• Participate in weekly school-wide meetings to cultivate community, model core values, and encourage student achievement.
• Partner with grade-level teams to develop academic goals and practice instructional strategies.

Benefits

• Paid time off, including sick time, paid holidays, and approximately 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
• Extensive training and development.
• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts (FSA), dependent care flexible spending accounts (DCFSA), and health savings accounts (HSA).
• 403(b) retirement savings program with employer match.
• Paid leave options, including parental, medical, and disability leave.
• Mental health and counseling support and wellness benefits.

What This Job Offers

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