Special Education Teacher: Mod/Severe

Rocketship Public Schools•Washington, DC

15h•Onsite

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. They support inclusive education by helping students learn alongside peers when possible while providing individualized instruction in small groups or specialized settings. Specialists manage a caseload at one school and deliver instruction in functional academics, adaptive skills, communication supports, and behavior interventions while ensuring compliance with IDEA and state law. They collaborate with general educators, paraprofessionals, families, and related service providers, and receive weekly coaching from school leaders and additional coaching from a Special Education Program Specialist. The role includes implementing and overseeing Behavior Support Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans, modeling strategies for paraprofessionals, and applying approaches such as Applied Behavior Analysis and crisis intervention to maintain safe, supportive learning environments. Education Specialists report to their Principal or an Assistant Principal. Compensation is $68,000–$88,800 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus health and wellness benefits, a 403(b) retirement plan, flexible spending account, and paid time off.

Requirements

B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited institution.
Maintain active, in-good-standing credential status throughout employment with Rocketship.

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, eager to learn from feedback and coaching, and committed to professional development.
Experienced in supporting diverse learners and eager to build case management expertise, including coordinating services, writing compliant IEPs, and partnering with paraprofessionals, families, and general education teachers.
Equity-driven and resilient, committed to meaningful inclusion and closing opportunity gaps for students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Ensure students work toward and achieve 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, as well as push-in and pull-out support, balancing specialized settings with meaningful inclusion in general education classrooms.
Lead and coach paraprofessionals to support consistent implementation of 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 online and school-based student 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 regularly with families and team members about student progress, goals, and accommodations.
Develop responsive behavior supports in partnership with students, families, and school staff, recognizing that behavior communicates a need.
Implement and oversee Behavior Support Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans and ensure staff apply strategies consistently.
Apply behavior support practices, including Applied Behavior Analysis principles and crisis intervention techniques, to maintain safe and supportive learning environments.
Partner with families 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, and learn from positive and challenging experiences.
Collaborate with educators, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to support inclusion and consistent services.
Work with general educators to engage families and school communities through IEP meetings, parent conferences, staff meetings, and trainings.
Communicate proactively with families and contribute to a culture of trust and partnership.
Uphold IDEA and state-law compliance and ensure IEPs and services meet legal and instructional expectations.
Contribute to a positive, collaborative staff culture.
Meet the physical requirements of the position, with reasonable accommodations available as described in the posting.