Special Education Teacher

• Position Type:
  Special Education Teacher / Special Education Teacher
• Date Posted: 1/11/2026
• Location:
  
  Phoenix Academy
• Date Available:
  
  SY

Under the direction of the Director, the Licensed Special Education Teacher develops and provides specialized instruction to meet the needs of students whose primary need is in the area of Emotional Disability. The teacher evaluates student progress and functions as an IEP case manager for assigned students. This position utilizes Life Space Crisis Intervention and the Circle of Courage for social‑emotional behavior support within the learning environment.

Academics are based on competency‑based learning practices to design individualized learning pathways for students.

This program is housed outside of the home districts in an alternative site under the direction of the Leyden Area Special Education Cooperative. All students are in high school (9th‑12th grade) or middle school (6th‑8th grade) and need more support than is available at their home districts due to severe emotional needs. The teacher embraces a unique learning environment that is highly specialized and uses creative solutions beyond traditional curricula.

• Use competency‑based instructional design to develop and deliver specialized instruction aligned with IEP goals and graduation requirements.
• Incorporate the Circle of Courage and Life Space Crisis model into social‑emotional learning for all students.
• Collaborate with the team to develop individualized learning pathways.
• Monitor academic progress to ensure a trajectory toward graduation.
• Create positive learning experiences emphasizing individualized instruction through technology, volunteer experiences, work‑study, internships, and community partnerships.
• Serve as a contact for families to access program support.
• Complete required IEP and reevaluation paperwork.
• Design units of study aligned with competency‑based practices.
• Maintain a positive culture in learning spaces using positive behavioral practices rooted in the Circle of Courage and Life Space Crisis model.
• Implement a teaching structure that encourages responsibility, cooperation, and mutual respect.
• Apply classroom‑management theories, data collection procedures, crisis prevention, intervention, and de‑escalation techniques; integrate social‑emotional learning with academic design.
• Create unique, individualized learning spaces that promote cognitive engagement and high expectations for achievement.
• Select and implement instructional techniques that support successful transitions for students with disabilities.
• Use formal and informal assessment to determine competencies and align instructional activities.

• Minimum B.A. in special education from an accredited institution.
• Current PEL with Special Education Teaching endorsement.
• Knowledge of special‑education principles, practices, and procedures for Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities.
• Strong understanding of effective teaching methods for students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of Common Core Standards and ability to design instructional strategies in academic, social, and vocational domains.
• Strong oral presentation and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish effective relationships with students, parents, staff, administration, and the public.
• Perform related work and delegated tasks to meet program objectives.
• Proficiency with technology for individualized instruction.
• Meet professional teacher education requirements of school district and state.
• Experience working with children with behavioral and emotional disabilities.
• Punctual, reliable, and adaptable.
• Proficiency with computerized web‑based systems for documentation, goal development, monitoring, accommodations, and IEP information.
• Flexible thinker willing to create an optimal learning environment for social‑emotional needs.

Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and occasionally lift, move, and/or support up to 50 pounds. Interactions with students who have difficulty controlling emotions may occur.

Starting salary range $52,000 to $60,000 (based on education and years of teaching).

Available benefits:

• Partial board‑paid medical insurance (any available plan)
• 100% board‑paid single dental insurance
• 100% board‑paid life insurance (annual salary)
• Flex savings accounts
• Sick and personal days