2026-2027: Special Education Teacher

Washington Heights & Inwood (WHIN) Music Community Charter School; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

WHIN Music Community Charter School is seeking Special Education teachers toJoin a diverse, equity-focused school culture where academics and character development are prioritized through music and project-based learning.

Responsibilities include developing individualized instruction, implementing IEP/504 plans, and collaborating with families and staff in a startup environment that emphasizes restorative practices and inclusive classrooms.

Qualifications

• Certification in Special Education is required for teaching students with disabilities.
• Experience in urban elementary settings is preferred.
• Demonstrated success raising achievement in diverse student populations.
• Ability to collaborate with families and staff in a startup school.
• Commitment to equity, kindness, and a growth mindset.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain an engaging, inclusive classroom culture.
• Differentiate instruction to support sensory, language, cognition, and memory development.
• Develop and modify curricula and assessments per IEP/504 plans.
• Implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) as needed.
• Drive student outcomes through data analysis and instructional differentiation.
• Contribute to Child Study Team assessments of student needs.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support an integrated co-teaching model.
• Inspire students and staff to reach their highest potential.
• Build strong, professional relationships with WHIN families.

Skills

Urban elementary teaching

Integrated co-teaching

Startup environment

Fast-paced setting

Collaborative teamwork

Education

NYS or equivalent Special Education Teaching Certification

Job description

Why WHIN?

WHIN Music Community Charter School is the first school of its kind! Built on the principles of El Sistema, WHIN is a place where children learn, grow, and make music together. At WHIN, we are building a nucleo, a community where staff, families, and students work together to make a powerful shift in public education that puts learners’ needs first.

Our Mission:

To provide our diverse student population with rigorous academic instruction, intensive music education and a positive learning environment so that every student can thrive academically and personally.

We believe…

• that all children deserve a high-quality education, with access to academic rigor, music creation, and a holistic approach to developing character
• that a collaboration with families ensures the greatest success for our learners
• that restorative justice, inquiry-based hands on learning, and authentic learning experiences provide the most effective environments for growth, success, and joy

We are looking for staff who are…

• looking to grow and prosper in a collaborative work environment
• excited about working in a school and neighborhood where diversity is central
• interested in learning about being an educator

In action, our mission looks like caring deeply about all aspects of our young learners’ potential. We make academics a priority while also ensuring students’ character and personal growth. With music at its core, students experience working together to create something bigger than their individual skills every single day, and this approach extends to our classrooms where project-based, hands-on learning cultivates curious, creative, and hardworking learners.

Specifically, Special Education teachers at WHIN are responsible for:

• Creating and maintaining a fun, engaging, and inclusive classroom culture where all students love to learn
• Differentiating instruction to meet learners needs to improve development of sensory and perceptual motor skills, language, cognition, and memory
• Developing, modifying, and implementing curriculum and assessments for students with disabilities as determined in a student’s IEP and/or 504 plan
• Implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) as needed
• Driving academic outcomes for all students by analyzing data, differentiating instruction, and supporting each learner’s unique needs
• Contributing to the Child Study Team’s assessments of student needs
• Collaborating with colleagues to implement an effective integrated co-teaching model to serve all students in an inclusive classroom
• Inspiring students and fellow staff to perform at his or her highest potential
• Developing and maintaining strong and professional relationships with WHIN families

Qualifications for special education positions are:

• NYS or equivalent Special Education Teaching Certification
• Urban elementary teaching experience
• Experience teaching in an integrated co-teaching setting
• Demonstrated success raising achievement levels of all students
• An unwavering belief that all students can achieve at a high level
• Proven commitment and success working with students and families
• The ability to thrive in a startup environment
• The ability to excel in a fast-paced, dynamic, and exciting school
• A sense of humor and kindness towards your colleagues

Advanced proficiency in one or more of the following areas is strongly preferred

• Bilingual (Spanish)
• Music performance
• Teaching experience and/or certifications
• Project Based Learning and Inquiry Based Learning
• Responsive Classroom, Love & Logic Student Management, and Restorative Justice models

Compensation and Benefits:

WHIN offers a competitive salary, determined through an equity-focused approach that considers an individual’s skills, education, and relevant experience. Our teacher pay scale is available for viewing here.

EEO Policy:

WHIN Music Community Charter School is an equal rights and opportunity agency and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, ancestry, marital status, or any other legally protected classification in its activities, educational programs, or employment practices as required by Title VI, IX, and Section 504.