Special Education Teacher: Mod/Severe

Rocketship Public Schools•Nashville, TN

11d

About The Position

Rocketship Special Education Teachers, known as Education Specialists (Moderate/Severe Support Needs), support students with significant needs, including intellectual disabilities, autism, multiple disabilities, and communication or behavioral challenges. They provide inclusive education whenever possible, combining learning alongside peers with individualized instruction in smaller groups or specialized settings. Specialists manage a caseload of 10 or fewer students at a single school site and provide instruction in functional academics, adaptive skills, communication supports, and behavior interventions while ensuring compliance with IDEA and state law. Education Specialists collaborate with general educators, paraprofessionals, families, and service providers to provide accommodations, modifications, and targeted supports. They receive 2–4 hours weekly for case management and weekly coaching from school leaders, as well as specialized coaching from a Special Education Program Specialist. The role does not include operational duties such as arrival, dismissal, lunch coverage, or substitute classroom coverage. Specialists report to the Principal or Assistant Principal. The position includes a salary range of $54,048–$74,240 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience, and eligibility for performance-based pay tied to student growth and impact. The role also offers health and wellness benefits, a 403(b) retirement plan, a flexible spending account, and paid time off.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution.
Valid Practitioner License with a 461 Special Education Comprehensive Endorsement upon hire.
Maintain active, good-standing credential status throughout employment.
At least 2 years of experience working with children in special education, behavioral support, or related settings (listed as preferred).
Knowledge of special education law, IDEA compliance, and effective inclusion practices (listed as preferred).

Nice To Haves

At least 2 years of experience working with children in special education, behavioral support, or related settings.
Experience leading or coaching paraprofessionals.
Background in 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 the academic and functional goals in their IEPs.
Deliver academic instruction, functional and adaptive skills instruction, and communication supports, including augmentative and alternative communication systems, using STAR curriculum aligned with Common Core Standards.
Provide individualized and small-group instruction, push-in and pull-out support, and opportunities for inclusion in general education classrooms.
Lead and coach paraprofessionals in implementing accommodations, modifications, and individualized supports.
Manage an IEP caseload in accordance with state regulations and ensure compliance with IDEA and state law.
Draft and write IEPs, facilitate IEP meetings, and maintain accurate, compliant online and school-based records.
Collaborate with psychologists and related service providers on evaluations; administer academic assessments when needed and interpret results for IEP meetings.
Communicate with families and team members about student progress, goals, and accommodations.
Develop responsive behavior supports in partnership with students, families, and school staff.
Implement and oversee Behavior Support Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans, ensuring staff apply strategies consistently.
Use Applied Behavior Analysis principles and crisis intervention techniques to maintain safe, supportive learning environments.
Partner with families through IEP meetings, regular communication, and home visits.
Participate in weekly coaching and ongoing professional development, including real-time classroom coaching.
Reflect on practice, take ownership of outcomes, and learn from feedback and experience.
Collaborate with educators, paraprofessionals, and service providers to support inclusion and consistent student support.
Engage families and school communities through IEP meetings, parent conferences, staff meetings, and trainings.
Contribute to a positive, collaborative staff culture and uphold legal and instructional standards for IEPs and services.