Teacher, Special Education; Self-Contained

Background/Mission

Sela PCS was created to help tackle educational inequity, racial segregation and cultural isolation - to create a place where students would be celebrated as they begin their global citizenship journey. Sela is a dual language Hebrew and English school that proudly serves and educates 300+ PreK-3 - 5th grade students in Washington, DC.

Sela PCS offers children of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds in the District of Columbia, from Pre-K to 5th grade, the opportunity to achieve academic excellence in a safe, nurturing environment that focuses on dual-language instruction in English and Hebrew, promotes the value of diversity and provides skills for engaging with the world.

We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated Special Education Teacher to lead a self-contained, multi-age classroom serving students in grades K-5. This is a unique opportunity to support a diverse group of learners in a structured, trauma-informed, and collaborative setting. The Special Education Teacher will create and maintain a safe, supportive, and engaging classroom environment that meets the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students with a range of disabilities.

The ideal candidate will have experience with differentiated instruction, behavior management, individualized education plans (IEPs), and co-regulation strategies for students with complex learning profiles.

• Provide instruction aligned with IEP goals in core academic areas (ELA, math, science, social studies).
• Differentiate lessons to support students across multiple age and ability levels.
• Create and implement structured daily routines and behavior plans tailored to student needs.
• Monitor student progress and maintain accurate documentation.
• Develop and lead IEP meetings in collaboration with families, specialists, and school staff.
• Collaborate with paraprofessionals, related service providers, and general education staff.
• Maintain a classroom environment that is positive, inclusive, and trauma-informed.
• Engage in ongoing professional development related to special education and inclusive practices.
• Mentor the SPED Apprentice Teacher, which includes but is not limited to: co-planning, observation and feedback, and any other requirements of the apprenticeship program.

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Experience working with students with emotional disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and/or intellectual disabilities preferred.
• Strong understanding of behavior management, sensory supports, and individualized learning strategies.
• Experience in a self-contained or multi-age special education setting (preferred).
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care practices (preferred).
• Knowledge of assistive technology and adaptive curriculum tools (preferred).
• Ability to build trusting relationships with students and families.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive teaching.
• Ability to accept feedback and make changes and commitment to constant improvement.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Professionalism in speaking with, and in reference to, Sela’s students and families.
• Commitment to being a team player.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Maturity, humility, strong work ethic, and sense of humor.
• Understanding of and commitment to Sela’s mission and core values.
• Ability to use Google Docs and Microsoft Office.

• This is a 40-hour non-exempt full-time position. The hours are from 7:45 am to 3:45 pm with one 30-minute break.
• This position reports to the Director of Special Education.
• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
• The position falls under the Sela PCS Salary Scale.