Special Education Teacher: Mod/Severe

Rocketship Public Schools•San Jose, CA

13d•$71,000 - $83,130•Onsite

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 promote inclusive education, providing individualized instruction in specialized or small-group settings while helping students learn alongside their peers whenever possible. Specialists collaborate with general educators and lead paraprofessionals to provide accommodations, modifications, and targeted supports. The role manages a caseload at one school and delivers instruction in functional academics, adaptive skills, communication supports, and behavior interventions while ensuring compliance with IDEA and state law. Education Specialists receive weekly coaching from school leaders and additional coaching from a Special Education Program Specialist. They partner with families and staff to implement behavior plans, model strategies for paraprofessionals, and use approaches such as Applied Behavior Analysis and crisis intervention to support safe learning environments. The position reports to a Principal or Assistant Principal.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution.
Valid Moderate/Severe Support Needs credential, or eligibility for a Provisional Internship Permit (PIP) or Short-Term Staff Permit (STSP).
For candidates using PIP or STSP eligibility, current CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross is required; certification must be active or completed before the start date.
Maintain active, good-standing credential status throughout employment.
Commitment to inclusion, student growth, collaboration, ongoing professional development, and family partnership.

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.
Growth-oriented and receptive to feedback and coaching.
Experience supporting diverse learners and developing case-management expertise, including coordinating services and writing compliant IEPs.
Equity-driven and resilient commitment to closing opportunity gaps for students with disabilities.

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, as well as push-in and pull-out support, balancing specialized settings with 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 compliant, accurate electronic and school-based records.
Collaborate with psychologists and related service providers on evaluations; administer academic assessments when needed and interpret results for initial, annual, and triennial 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.
Apply 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, including in-the-moment classroom coaching, and ongoing professional development.
Reflect on practice, take ownership of outcomes, and learn from positive and challenging experiences.
Collaborate with educators, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to support inclusion and consistent student services.
Engage families and school communities through IEP meetings, parent conferences, staff meetings, and trainings.
Uphold compliance with IDEA and state law and contribute to a collaborative, positive staff culture.