Special Education Teacher

Rocketship Public Schools•Concord, CA

15d

About The Position

Rocketship Special Education Teachers, known as Education Specialists (Mild/Moderate Support Needs), help ensure students have access to excellent, inclusive education. They work with students, families, general education teachers, and paraprofessionals to provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support aligned with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The inclusive model prioritizes learning alongside general education peers whenever possible, with Education Specialists co-teaching and collaborating to uphold accommodations and modifications. Education Specialists manage a caseload at a single school and provide small-group, push-in, and pull-out instruction. They write and facilitate IEPs, maintain records, and ensure compliance with IDEA and state law. They also work with families and school staff on Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), applying strategies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The role includes weekly coaching from school leaders and additional coaching from a Special Education Program Specialist. Education Specialists report to a Principal or Assistant Principal. The posted salary range is $74,200–$86,670 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position also offers health and wellness benefits, a 403(b) retirement plan, a flexible spending account, generous paid time off, and eligibility for performance-based pay tied to student growth and impact.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution.
Valid Special Education teaching credential (Mild/Moderate or equivalent) in the state of employment, or eligibility to obtain the appropriate licensure as required by state law.
Maintain active, good-standing credential status throughout employment with Rocketship.
Hold a valid Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate Support Needs) credential or be eligible for a Provisional Internship Permit (PIP) or Short-Term Staff Permit (STSP).
For PIP or STSP eligibility, have current CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross, or be willing to complete CPR certification before starting at Rocketship.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of experience working with children in special education, behavioral support, or related settings.
Background in or understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles.
Knowledge of special education law, IDEA compliance, and effective inclusion practices.
Growth-oriented approach, receptiveness to feedback and coaching, and commitment to ongoing professional development.
Collaborative approach and willingness to build case management expertise, coordinate services, write compliant IEPs, and partner with paraprofessionals, families, and general education teachers.
Equity-driven and resilient commitment to meaningful inclusion and closing opportunity gaps for students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Ensure students work toward and achieve rigorous IEP academic goals aligned with Common Core standards and Rocketship’s core content.
Provide individualized and small-group instruction, along with push-in and pull-out support, to help students access grade-level content specified in their IEPs.
Co-teach with general education teachers and support accommodations, modifications, and meaningful classroom inclusion.
Partner with paraprofessionals to provide consistent, high-quality student support across settings.
Manage an IEP caseload in accordance with state regulations and comply with IDEA and state law.
Draft and write compliant IEPs, facilitate IEP meetings, and maintain accurate, current records in the IEP system.
Collaborate with psychologists and related service providers, including speech and occupational therapy providers, to interpret assessments and ensure appropriate services.
Communicate with families and team members about IEP goals, accommodations, and student progress.
Partner with students, families, and school staff to develop responsive behavior supports, including BSPs and BIPs.
Apply strategies, including ABA principles, to promote positive behavior and supportive learning environments.
Build family partnership through IEP meetings, regular communication, and home visits.
Participate fully in weekly coaching, including real-time classroom coaching, and ongoing professional development.
Reflect on practice, take ownership of outcomes, learn from feedback and experience, and act in students’ best interests.
Collaborate with educators, paraprofessionals, related service providers, families, and school communities through meetings, conferences, and trainings.
Uphold legal and instructional standards for IEPs and services and contribute to a positive, collaborative staff culture.