Special Education Teacher: Mod​/Severe

Overview

Position: Special Education Teacher, Education Specialists (Moderate/Severe Support Needs) at Rocketship Public Schools. Specialists work with students who have significant support needs, including intellectual disabilities, autism, multiple disabilities, and communication or behavioral challenges. Our model supports inclusive education, with individualized instruction in smaller groups or specialized settings, and collaboration with general educators and paraprofessionals to provide accommodations, modifications, and targeted supports.

Education Specialists manage a caseload at a single school, delivering instruction in functional academics, adaptive skills, and communication supports while ensuring compliance with IDEA and state law. They are supported through weekly coaching from school leaders and additional coaching from a Special Education Program Specialist.

Behavior support is central to the role. Specialists partner with families and staff to implement Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), model strategies for paraprofessionals, and use approaches such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and crisis intervention to maintain safe, supportive learning environments. Education Specialists report to their Principal or an Assistant Principal.

• The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Instruction & Inclusion
  • Ensure that all students work toward and achieve the rigorous academic and functional goals outlined in their IEPs; the goal is meaningful annual growth for each student.
  • Deliver a combination of academic instruction, functional/adaptive skills, 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 opportunities for inclusion in general education classrooms.
  • Lead and coach paraprofessionals to ensure consistent, high-quality implementation of accommodations, modifications, and individualized supports.

• Case Management & Compliance
  • Own and manage an IEP caseload aligned with state regulations, ensuring compliance with IDEA and state law.
  • Draft and write professional IEPs, facilitate IEP meetings, and ensure online systems and school-based files accurately reflect each Rocketeer’s IEP.
  • Collaborate with psychologists and related service providers (e.g., speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy) for evaluations and, when needed, administer academic assessments. Review and interpret results to determine strengths and areas of need for initial, annual, and triennial IEP meetings.
  • Communicate regularly with families and team members about student progress, goals, and accommodations.

• Behavior & Family Partnership
  • Approach behavior with the mindset that all behaviors communicate a need, and develop responsive supports in partnership with students, families, and school staff.
  • Implement and oversee BSPs and BIPs, ensuring paraprofessionals and teachers apply strategies consistently.
  • Apply intensive behavior support practices, including ABA principles and crisis intervention techniques, to maintain safe and supportive learning environments.
  • Partner with families through IEP meetings, regular communication, and home visits to ensure transparency and shared ownership of student growth.

• Rocketship Professional Culture
  • Engage in weekly coaching and ongoing professional development to strengthen instructional and case management practices.
  • Act with urgency and courage in the best interests of students, even when tackling new or unfamiliar challenges.
  • Engage in self-reflection and take ownership of outcomes and learning from experiences.
  • Collaborate with general educators, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to ensure meaningful inclusion and consistent support for students.
  • Collaborate with families and school communities through IEP meetings, parent conferences, staff meetings, and trainings; communicate openly and proactively with families to build trust.
  • Uphold compliance with IDEA and state law,…