Special Education Teacher (Self-Contained/Life Skills)
Licensed special education teacher providing comprehensive instruction in self-contained classroom setting
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About Our Organization
We are committed to providing exceptional educational services and creating a positive learning environment for our students, staff, and community. Our organization values integrity, collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in everything we do.
Position Overview
The Special Education Teacher (Self-Contained/Life Skills) provides comprehensive instruction to students with significant disabilities in a self-contained classroom setting. This licensed position requires expertise in functional academics, life skills instruction, and intensive behavior support. The teacher implements alternative curriculum aligned with state standards, focuses on functional skills development, and prepares students for post-secondary transition and independent living.
Responsibilities
Instructional Planning
- Develop and implement lesson plans aligned with state standards and district curriculum
- Design engaging, differentiated instruction to meet diverse student learning needs
- Plan and sequence instruction to build on prior knowledge and scaffold learning
- Integrate technology and instructional resources to enhance learning experiences
- Adapt curriculum and instructional materials to meet individual student needs
- Collaborate with grade-level or subject-area teams to align instruction and share best practices
Classroom Management
- Establish and maintain a positive, safe, and inclusive classroom environment
- Implement effective classroom management strategies and behavior support systems
- Set clear expectations and routines to promote student engagement and learning
- Address student behavior issues proactively and consistently
- Foster a culture of respect, responsibility, and academic achievement
- Collaborate with support staff and administrators to address student needs
Assessment & Evaluation
- Design and administer formative and summative assessments aligned with learning objectives
- Use assessment data to inform instruction and adjust teaching strategies
- Monitor student progress and provide timely, constructive feedback
- Maintain accurate records of student performance, attendance, and behavior
- Prepare and communicate student progress reports and grades
- Participate in data analysis and use results to improve instructional effectiveness
Instruction & Curriculum
- Provide comprehensive instruction in functional academics, life skills, and adaptive behaviors
- Implement alternative curriculum aligned with state standards and IEP goals
- Use specialized instructional strategies including applied behavior analysis, task analysis, and systematic instruction
- Focus on functional skills including communication, self-care, social skills, and vocational preparation
- Integrate community-based instruction and real-world application of skills
IEP Implementation & Case Management
- Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with significant needs
- Conduct comprehensive assessments and ongoing progress monitoring
- Facilitate IEP meetings and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including families
- Ensure compliance with special education laws and regulations (IDEA, Section 504)
- Coordinate transition planning and post-secondary preparation
Behavior Support & Management
- Implement intensive behavior intervention plans and positive behavior support systems
- Use data-driven approaches to address challenging behaviors
- Collaborate with behavior specialists and support staff to implement behavior strategies
- Maintain structured routines and environments to support student success
- Train and supervise paraeducators and support staff
Collaboration & Transition
- Collaborate with related service providers including speech, occupational, and physical therapists
- Coordinate with community agencies and transition services
- Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and needs
- Participate in transition planning and post-secondary preparation
- Provide training and support to staff and families on student needs and strategies
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Special Education or closely related field
- Valid state special education teaching certification/license
- Completion of state-approved special education teacher preparation program
- Knowledge of special education laws (IDEA, Section 504) and compliance requirements
- Training or experience in working with students with severe disabilities
- Ability to pass background check and fingerprint clearance
- Understanding of functional academics and life skills instruction
- Strong behavior management and intervention skills
- Ability to implement intensive supports and accommodations
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Special Education with focus on severe disabilities
- Previous experience teaching students with significant disabilities in self-contained settings
- Training in applied behavior analysis (ABA) and positive behavior supports
- Experience with assistive technology and communication devices
- Knowledge of transition planning and post-secondary services
- Experience with community-based instruction and vocational training
- Training in crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies
- Bilingual skills (as applicable to district needs)
- Experience supervising paraeducators and support staff
Skills & Competencies
- Expertise in special education pedagogy for students with severe disabilities
- Strong knowledge of functional academics and life skills curriculum
- Effective behavior management and intensive intervention skills
- Ability to develop and implement comprehensive IEPs and behavior plans
- Assessment and progress monitoring capabilities for alternative curriculum
- Knowledge of assistive technology, communication devices, and adaptive equipment
- Understanding of applied behavior analysis and positive behavior supports
- Strong collaboration and consultation skills
- Knowledge of transition planning and post-secondary services
- Data collection and analysis skills
- Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse populations
- Patience, flexibility, and commitment to student independence
Work Environment
For Teachers
This position works primarily in classroom settings, providing instruction to students throughout the school day. The teacher maintains a classroom environment conducive to learning and may work in various school locations including classrooms, labs, and specialized instructional spaces. The role involves frequent collaboration with colleagues, administrators, support staff, and families. The position requires attendance at staff meetings, professional development, parent-teacher conferences, and school events. The teacher works as part of a grade-level or subject-area team and reports to building administrators. The position follows the school calendar schedule and may involve after-school activities and events.
For Special Education Teachers
The teacher maintains a self-contained classroom designed for students with significant needs, including specialized equipment and materials. The position may involve community-based instruction and travel to community locations. The teacher works closely with paraeducators and support staff throughout the day.
Physical Requirements
Physical Demands
This position requires the ability to stand for extended periods, move throughout the classroom, and engage in physical activities as part of instruction. The role involves frequent bending, stooping, and reaching to interact with students and materials. Employees must be able to lift and carry instructional materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. The position requires manual dexterity for handling instructional materials, technology, and classroom supplies. Teachers must be able to move quickly to respond to student needs and maintain classroom safety. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
For Special Education Teachers
This position may require additional physical demands including assisting students with mobility needs, lifting and positioning students, and responding to physical behaviors. Training in proper lifting techniques and behavior management is provided.
Benefits & Perks
Standard Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, holidays, and professional development opportunities. Additional benefits may vary based on employment status and location.
In Addition to Our Standard Benefits Package
Certified staff receive:
- Competitive salary aligned with education and experience
- Professional development opportunities and continuing education support
- School calendar schedule with holidays and summers off
- State retirement system participation
- Professional liability coverage
- Opportunities for advancement and leadership roles
- Access to professional learning communities and networking opportunities
Legal & Compliance
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
At-Will Employment
This position is at-will, meaning either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, except as may be limited by applicable law or collective bargaining agreement.
Background Check Policy
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include criminal history, employment verification, and reference checks, as permitted by applicable law.