Special Education Teacher

Rocketship Public Schools•Smyrna, TN

11d

About The Position

Rocketship Special Education Teachers, known as Education Specialists, ensure that students with significant support needs—including students with intellectual disabilities, autism, multiple disabilities, and communication or behavioral challenges—have access to an excellent education and an inclusive school experience. Students learn alongside peers whenever possible and also receive individualized instruction in smaller groups or specialized settings. Education Specialists collaborate with general educators, paraprofessionals, families, and service providers to provide accommodations, modifications, and targeted support that promote independence, confidence, and academic growth. Each specialist manages a caseload of no more than 18 students at a single school site. The role includes instruction in functional academics, adaptive skills, communication supports, and behavior interventions, along with responsibility for compliance with IDEA and state law. Specialists have 2–4 hours each week for case management, including IEP preparation, progress monitoring, family communication, documentation, and collaboration with service providers. They are not responsible for operational duties such as arrival, dismissal, lunch coverage, or substitute classroom coverage. Education Specialists partner with families and staff to implement Behavior Support Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans, model strategies for paraprofessionals, and use approaches such as Applied Behavior Analysis and crisis intervention to support safe, structured learning environments. They receive weekly coaching from school leaders and specialized coaching from a Special Education Program Specialist. Education Specialists report to their Principal or Assistant Principal.

Requirements

B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited institution.
Valid Practitioner License with a 144–145 Special Education Interventionist Endorsement upon hire.
Maintain active, good-standing credential status throughout employment.
Commitment to ongoing learning, feedback, and coaching.
Collaborative approach to case management, service coordination, IEP writing, and partnership with paraprofessionals, families, and general education teachers.
Understanding that student behavior communicates underlying needs and commitment to thoughtful support.

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 principles.
Knowledge of special education law, IDEA compliance, and effective inclusion practices.

Responsibilities

Ensure students work toward and achieve rigorous IEP academic goals aligned with Common Core standards and Rocketship core content; the stated goal is for each student to grow at least 1.5 years.
Provide individualized and small-group instruction, including push-in and pull-out support, so students can access grade-level content outlined in their IEPs.
Co-teach with general education teachers and support accommodations, modifications, and meaningful classroom inclusion.
Partner with paraprofessionals to provide consistent, high-quality student support across settings.
Own and 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 records in the IEP system.
Collaborate with psychologists and related service providers, such as 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 staff to develop responsive behavior supports, including Behavior Support Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans.
Apply behavior-support strategies, including Applied Behavior Analysis 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 real-time classroom coaching, and ongoing professional development.
Reflect on practice, take ownership of outcomes, and learn from successes and challenges.
Collaborate with educators, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to support inclusion and consistent services.
Collaborate with general educators to engage families and school communities through IEP meetings, parent conferences, staff meetings, and trainings.
Communicate proactively with families and contribute to trusting partnerships.
Uphold legal and instructional standards for IEPs and services under IDEA and state law.
Contribute to a positive, collaborative staff culture.