Special Education Teacher: Mod/Severe

Rocketship Public Schools•Milwaukee, WI

8d•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. The role promotes inclusive education by combining learning alongside peers with individualized instruction in smaller groups or specialized settings. Education Specialists collaborate with general educators and lead paraprofessionals to provide accommodations, modifications, and targeted supports. At a single school, the specialist manages a caseload and delivers instruction in functional academics, adaptive skills, communication supports, and behavior interventions while maintaining compliance with IDEA and state law. The role includes weekly coaching from school leaders and additional coaching from a Special Education Program Specialist. Specialists 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

B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited institution.
Hold a valid Lifetime License or Provisional License in the appropriate Cross-Categorical Endorsement; alternatively, be eligible to obtain a 1 Year License with Stipulations and enroll in an accredited credentialing program during the first year at Rocketship.
Maintain active, good-standing credential status throughout employment.

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.

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 meaningful 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 accurate, compliant online records and school-based files.
Collaborate with psychologists and related service providers on evaluations and, when needed, administer academic assessments; review and interpret results for IEP meetings.
Communicate regularly with families and team members about student progress, goals, and accommodations.
Develop responsive behavior supports with students, families, and school staff, recognizing that behavior communicates a need.
Implement and oversee Behavior Support Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans and ensure strategies are applied 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 fully in weekly coaching, real-time classroom coaching, and ongoing professional development.
Reflect on practice, take ownership of outcomes, and learn from both positive and challenging experiences.
Collaborate with educators, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to support inclusion and consistent student services.
Help engage families and school communities through IEP meetings, parent conferences, staff meetings, and trainings.
Uphold legal and instructional compliance standards and contribute to a positive, collaborative staff culture.