Special Education Teacher: Mod/Severe

Rocketship Public Schools•Washington, DC

12d•$68,000 - $88,800

About The Position

Rocketship Special Education Teachers, known as Education Specialists (Moderate/Severe Support Needs), serve students with significant support needs, including intellectual disabilities, autism, multiple disabilities, and communication or behavioral challenges. The role promotes inclusive education, with students learning alongside peers whenever possible while receiving individualized instruction in smaller groups or specialized settings. The Education Specialist manages a caseload at a single school and provides instruction in functional academics, adaptive skills, communication supports, and behavior interventions. The specialist collaborates with general educators, paraprofessionals, families, psychologists, and related service providers to provide individualized accommodations and supports, develop compliant IEPs, and monitor student progress. The role includes implementing Behavior Support Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans, using approaches such as Applied Behavior Analysis and crisis intervention, and partnering with families through communication, IEP meetings, and home visits. Education Specialists report to a Principal or Assistant Principal. They receive weekly coaching from school leaders and additional coaching from a Special Education Program Specialist, along with ongoing professional development. Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience, with a stated salary range of $68,000–$88,800 per year.

Requirements

B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited institution.
Maintain active, good-standing credential status throughout employment.
Regularly talk, hear, and communicate with adults and children; frequently use hands or fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; frequently stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms; occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds and climb ladders; and meet close-vision, distance-vision, and focus-adjustment requirements.

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 or understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis principles.
Knowledge of special education law, IDEA compliance, and effective inclusion practices.
Growth-oriented, receptive to feedback and coaching, and committed to ongoing professional development.
Collaborative and interested in developing case management expertise, coordinating services, writing compliant IEPs, and partnering with paraprofessionals, families, and general education teachers.
Equity-driven and resilient, with a commitment to inclusion and closing opportunity gaps for students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Help students work toward the academic and functional goals in their IEPs and make meaningful annual growth.
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 consistent implementation of accommodations, modifications, and individualized supports.
Manage an IEP caseload in compliance with state regulations, IDEA, and state law.
Draft and write IEPs, facilitate IEP meetings, and maintain accurate, compliant online and school-based student records.
Collaborate with psychologists and related service providers on evaluations; administer academic assessments when needed; and review 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 fully in weekly coaching and ongoing professional development, including real-time classroom coaching.
Reflect on practice, take ownership of outcomes, and collaborate with educators, paraprofessionals, and related service providers.
Engage families and school communities through IEP meetings, parent conferences, staff meetings, and trainings.
Uphold IDEA and state-law compliance and contribute to a positive, collaborative staff culture.