Job Details

Special Education Teacher

The Special Education Teacher for a self-contained (Secondary Moderate Intellectual Disabilities) classroom in an exclusively special education program serves students with intellectual disabilities who require moderate to significant levels of support, including students with complex medical needs. This position is responsible for creating a structured, compassionate, and responsive learning environment that supports students' academic, functional, and developmental growth. The teacher implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) designed to meet each student's unique cognitive, physical, communication, and social-emotional needs. Collaboration with families, related service providers, and support staff is essential to ensure students' educational, medical, and emotional needs are addressed in a coordinated and respectful manner.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement developmentally appropriate, differentiated instructional plans aligned with IEP goals and state standards, including functional academics, life skills, and sensory-based learning activities.
• Utilize assistive technology and alternative or augmentative communication systems to support student access, engagement, and independence.
• Establish and maintain a structured, safe, and nurturing classroom environment that promotes positive behavior and addresses students' sensory, physical, and social-emotional needs.
• Develop and implement individualized behavior supports using evidence-based practices, in collaboration with the IEP team and support staff.
• Support students' medical needs in accordance with care plans, including medication administration and health monitoring, under the direction of licensed medical professionals and district protocols.
• Respond to student escalation using de-escalation strategies and approved crisis intervention techniques, in accordance with district policies and student safety plans.
• Ensure compliance with district and state health, safety, and emergency procedures.
• Communicate regularly and proactively with families to share student progress, reinforce homeschool collaboration, and support family engagement.
• Collaborate with the IEP team to develop, implement, and monitor IEPs that establish meaningful goals, track progress, and coordinate appropriate supports and services.
• Maintain accurate documentation, data collection, and records in accordance with district, state, and federal requirements.
• Participate in school and district professional development focused on improving instructional practices and services for students with intellectual disabilities and complex support needs.