Special Education Teacher; Adaptive

Position: Special Education Teacher (Adaptive)
Position type:

Student support services

Date posted:

3/11/2026

Location:

Various locations

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Position announcement

March 11, 2026

Position: special education teacher (adaptive)

Location:

various locations

Job summary:

The dougherty county school system seeks compassionate and skilled special education teachers certified in adaptive curriculum to support students with significant cognitive disabilities. The adaptive curriculum teacher provides specialized instruction designed to address students' academic, functional, communication, behavioral, and life-skills development.

This position focuses on delivering individualized instruction aligned with georgia standards of excellenceextended (gse-e) and functional learning objectives. The teacher develops and implements individualized education programs (ieps) that support students in gaining independence, communication skills, social development, and essential daily living skills.

The adaptive curriculum teacher collaborates with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, families, and administrators to ensure students receive appropriate services in the least restrictive environment and are prepared for post-school independence, employment, and community participation.

Qualifications:

* bachelor's degree in special education or a related field, required;

* valid georgia professional standards commission (gapsc) certification in special education adaptive curriculum (p12) or eligibility for certification;

* knowledge of instructional strategies for students with significant cognitive disabilities;

* experience working with students with developmental, cognitive, behavioral, or multiple disabilities preferred;
* ;experience implementing ieps, functional behavior supports, and assistive technology preferred;

* such alternatives to the above qualifications as the superintendent and board may find appropriate.

Skills and abilities:

* strong understanding of idea regulations, iep development, and special education compliance requirements;

* ability to design and deliver functional, individualized instruction aligned with adaptive curriculum standards;

* knowledge of communication supports, assistive technology, and augmentative and alternative communication (aac);

* ability to implement behavior intervention plans (bips) and positive behavioral supports;

* ability to collaborate effectively with general education teachers, therapists, paraprofessionals, and families;

* strong organizational and documentation skills to maintain accurate student records and compliance documentation;

* ability to create a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment;

* ability to differentiate instruction based on students' physical, cognitive, and developmental needs;

* demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered practices;

* ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student information with professionalism.

Performance responsibilities:

* provides specially designed instruction to students with significant cognitive disabilities in accordance with their individualized education programs (ieps);

* develops, implements, and monitors ieps, including measurable goals aligned with adaptive curriculum standards;

* delivers instruction focused on functional academics, communication, social skills, daily living skills, and independence;

* uses evidence-based instructional practices to support student learning and engagement;

* collaborates with general education teachers to provide access to inclusive opportunities when appropriate;

* works closely with related service providers including speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists;

* implements behavior intervention strategies and positive behavioral supports to support student success;

* supervises and collaborates with paraprofessionals assigned to the classroom;

* collects and analyzes student data to monitor progress toward iep goals and adjust instruction accordingly;

* maintains accurate and timely documentation, progress reports, and compliance records;

* communicates regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress and educational planning;

* participates in iep meetings, eligibility meetings, and multidisciplinary team meetings;

* ensures classroom safety, including supporting students with mobility, medical, or personal care needs when required;

* participates in professional learning opportunities related to adaptive instruction and special education best practices;

* demonstrates prompt and regular attendance and fulfills professional responsibilities;

* performs other duties as assigned by the principal.

Work environment/physical requirements:

* ability to lift and carry teaching materials, books, or small classroom equipment (typically up to 25 lbs);

* ability to prepare and manipulate learning materials;

* ability to stand and actively move around the classroom for extended periods;

* ability to move between classrooms, hallways, and…