Special Education Teacher | T-Plus | 2026-2027

Saint Louis Park Independent School District 283•Saint Louis, MN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position provides specially designed instruction, case management, and transition services across two related programs. In the Transition Plus program, the teacher serves young adults with disabilities, generally ages 18 through 21, who continue to require special education services after their senior year. In the secondary autism program, the teacher serves autistic students in grades 9 through 12.

Requirements

Working knowledge of IDEA transition requirements, Minnesota special education statute and rule, age-of-majority requirements, and due process, with the ability to translate transition assessment data into measurable postsecondary goals and coordinated services.
Knowledge of evidence-based methods for teaching employment, functional academics, independent living, and postsecondary readiness, and the ability to deliver and supervise instruction in businesses, colleges, public transit systems, and community agencies.
Understanding of competitive integrated employment, job development, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, county services, and postsecondary disability supports.
Knowledge of evidence-based practices for autistic students, including structured teaching, visual supports, communication and social skill instruction, sensory regulation, executive functioning supports, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches in secondary settings.
Skill in Universal Design for Learning, task analysis, systematic instruction, assistive technology, AAC, positive behavior supports, Functional Behavior Assessments, trauma-informed practice, and de-escalation, with reliable data collection across settings.
Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary and interagency teams, direct and coach support staff, and advance person-centered planning, dignity of risk, and racially equitable, culturally responsive, disability-inclusive practice.
Bachelor's degree in Special Education or a related field required.
Experience developing and implementing legally compliant IEPs, conducting evaluations, and using transition assessments required.
A valid Minnesota teaching license or proof of pending approved licensure in the content area.
Valid Minnesota special education teaching license issued by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB), appropriate to the assignment required.
Ability to meet district requirements for travel to community and work sites during the duty day.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Experience teaching students with disabilities in secondary, 18 through 21, community-based, or adult-service programming preferred.
Experience teaching autistic students in a secondary setting strongly preferred, including structured teaching, communication supports, and sensory and behavioral supports.
Experience designing community-based instruction, work-based learning, and employment-readiness programming preferred.
Experience collaborating with employers, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, county systems, colleges, and adult-service providers preferred.
Demonstrated experience working effectively with racially, culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse students, families, and communities.
Multiple licensures preferred: DCD, EBD, Social Work.
Candidates eligible to obtain the required Minnesota special education license may be considered in accordance with district and PELSB requirements.
Work-Based Learning Coordinator license preferred.
Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) or equivalent de-escalation and crisis-response certification preferred.
First Aid and CPR certification preferred and may be required based on student or program needs.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, monitor, and revise legally compliant IEPs, including present levels, measurable postsecondary goals, annual goals, transition services, and accommodations grounded in age-appropriate transition assessment data.
Provide specially designed instruction in the classroom, community, workplace, and postsecondary settings, teaching employment readiness, independent living, community participation, self-determination, financial literacy, safety, and transportation skills.
Provide specially designed instruction and case management for autistic students in grades 9 through 12, including structured teaching, communication and social skill instruction, sensory supports, executive functioning supports, and coordination with general education staff to support access to grade-level curriculum, graduation requirements, and the least restrictive environment.
Plan and facilitate community-based instruction, career exploration, internships, work-based learning, competitive integrated employment experiences, and functional vocational assessment, coordinating with work coordinators, job coaches, and employers.
Partner with Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Hennepin County Human Services, postsecondary disability service offices, and adult service providers to support transition to adult life.
Conduct or contribute to evaluations, reevaluations, transition and functional assessments, exit planning, and the Summary of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance.
Collect and analyze student performance data, report progress toward IEP goals, and adjust instruction and supports accordingly.
Promote student voice and family partnership through person-centered planning, student-led IEPs, supported decision-making, and instruction related to transfer of rights at the age of majority, honoring adult student rights, confidentiality, home languages, and cultural backgrounds.
Supervise, train, schedule, and direct paraprofessionals and job coaches regarding student plans, instructional strategies, data collection, confidentiality, and safety.
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential due process records and ensure compliance with IDEA, Minnesota special education law and rule, Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act, FERPA, district procedures, and workplace safety requirements.
Other duties as assigned.