Special Education Teacher: Mod/Severe

Rocketship Public Schools•Concord, CA

13d•$74,200 - $86,670

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 small-group or specialized settings while helping students learn alongside peers whenever possible. Specialists collaborate with general educators, paraprofessionals, families, and related service providers to deliver accommodations, modifications, and targeted supports. The role manages a caseload at a single school and provides instruction in functional academics, adaptive skills, communication supports, and behavior interventions. Specialists ensure compliance with IDEA and state law, implement Behavior Support Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans, and use approaches including Applied Behavior Analysis and crisis intervention. School leaders provide weekly coaching, with additional coaching from a Special Education Program Specialist. Education Specialists report 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 a PIP or STSP, 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 and good-standing credential status throughout employment.
Growth-oriented and willing to learn from feedback and coaching.
Collaborative, equity-driven, and committed to meaningful inclusion and closing opportunity gaps for students with disabilities.

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.
Experience supporting diverse learners and developing case management expertise, including coordinating services and writing compliant IEPs.

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, along with 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 and accurate 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 initial, annual, and triennial IEP meetings.
Communicate regularly with families and team members about student progress, goals, and accommodations.
Develop responsive behavioral 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, including real-time classroom coaching, and ongoing professional development.
Reflect on practice, take ownership of outcomes, and collaborate with educators, paraprofessionals, related service providers, families, and school communities.
Uphold IDEA and state-law compliance and contribute to a positive, collaborative staff culture.