Middle School DES Teacher

Utopian Academy for the Arts; Ellenwood (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Utopian Academy for the Arts is seeking a compassionate Developmental and Exceptionalities Services (DES) Teacher to join our charter school team in Ellenwood, GA. You will develop IEPs and provide specialized instruction to students with developmental disabilities, while collaborating with teachers, families, and support staff to ensure access to a high-quality education.

The role requires strong knowledge of special education, adherence to IDEA and Section 504, and a commitment to inclusive

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Education or related field with a 2.5 GPA or higher.
• Certification in Special Education General Curriculum required (SRT4).
• GACE Special Education General Curriculum and Ethics Assessment must be completed.
• ELA Certification is a plus and preferred for candidacy.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs for students with disabilities.
• Provide direct instruction in core and life skills aligned to IEP goals.
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse needs and modify materials accordingly.
• Monitor and assess student progress using varied methods and data.
• Collaborate with general education teachers and related service providers.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding progress and plans.
• Participate in ongoing professional development on inclusive practices.

Skills

Communication

Instructional strategies

Behavior management

Collaboration with staff/parents

Flexibility

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's Degree

SRT4 Certification in Special Education General Curriculum P-12

GACE Special Education General Curriculum

GACE Ethics Assessment for Educators

ELA Certification (preferred)

Job description

At Utopian Academy for the Arts, you have the unique opportunity to change the educational outcomes of students, not withstanding their background or experiences.

Utopian Academy is seeking passionate and qualified professionals to become part of our community.

UAFA Careers
Where Opportunity and Inspiration Collide.

Faculty & Staff Annual Retention Rate

Position:Middle School DES Teacher

Location: Ellenwood, GA

Job Id:147

# of Openings:1

About Us

The Utopian Network is built around 4 schools. Elementary, Flagship Middle, Middle at Trilith, and High. Utopian Academy for the ArtsElementarySchoolis a premier performing artsschool in Clayton County, GA.Our school hasentertainment industry partnerships and a rich curriculum that supports the growth and development of the whole child as an artist, a leader, and a life-long learner. In fact, we refer to our students as scholars and have high expectations for their behavior and progress in the classroom.Industry partnerships include the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Music Project, KidNation, and Trilith Studios.Utopian Academy for the Arts Middle School offers a proven academic foundation and creative pipeline that equips scholars for success in high school, college, thriving arts careers, and lifelong achievement. We pride ourselves on thinking outside of the box to cultivate the full potential of our young creatives. At Utopian Academy for the Arts at Trilith, creativity isn’t a class—it’s a way of life.Utopian Academy at Trilith is an arts-based public charter middle school, serving scholars in grades 6th–8th with a statewide attendance zone. Rooted in academic excellence and powered by the Creative Digital Arts, Utopian Academy at Trilith blends rigorous core instruction with an arts-integrated curriculum that sparks imagination and innovation. AtUtopian Academy for the Arts High School, excellence isn’t an aspiration - it’s the standard we rehearse every day. As Georgia’sonly tuition-free public charter high schoolwith a fully integrated arts curriculum, we empower scholars to thrive academically, artistically, and professionally.

Position Overview

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Developmental and Exceptionalities Services (DES) Teacher to join our charter school team. The DES Teacher will be responsible for providing specialized instruction and support to students with developmental disabilities, learning differences, or other exceptionalities, ensuring access to a quality education and promoting academic and social-emotional growth. The ideal candidate will possess strong instructional skills, knowledge of special education, best practices, and a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of students. This position reports to the School Principal and will be assigned to be physically present in the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities, in collaboration with special education team members, parents, and other stakeholders.
• Provide direct instruction to students with disabilities in academic subjects, social skills, life skills, and functional academics, adapting curriculum and materials to meet individual student needs.
• Differentiate instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, abilities, and needs of students with disabilities, providing scaffolding, accommodations, and modifications as needed to support learning.
• Assess student learning and progress using a variety of formal and informal assessments, including observation, portfolio assessment, and progress monitoring tools, and use data to inform instructional decisions and interventions.
• Implement behavior management strategies and interventions to support students with disabilities in developing self-regulation skills, managing emotions, and making positive behavioral choices.
• Collaborate with general education teachers, support staff, and related service providers to ensure coordinated services and supports for students with disabilities, including accommodations, modifications, and assistive technology.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress, goals, and interventions, providing updates on IEP progress, behavior, and academic achievement.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training opportunities related to special education best practices, evidence-based interventions, and strategies for supporting students with disabilities.
• Support inclusive practices and opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in general education classrooms and activities, collaborating with general education teachers to provide appropriate supports and accommodations.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations related to special education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and state-specific special education laws and regulations
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in-person and be available to work on-site, in-person during regular business hours and as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by an appropriate administrator or their representative.
• CERTIFICATION:
  • Minimum of SRT4-Certification in Special Education General Curriculum P-12 or related
• Passed the GACE Special Education General Curriculum AND completion of the GACE Ethics Assessment for Educators (Teachers)
• EDUCATION:
  • Bachelor's Degree required with at least a 2.5 GPA
• WORK EXPERIENCE:
  • Work experience gained through education and certification/license requirements
• PREFERRED:
  • ELA Certification & experience teaching is a PLUS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Communication
• Instructional strategies that connect the curriculum to the learner.
• Student behavior management.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with students, staff, and parents in a professional manner
• Ability to be flexible and adapt as needed between in-person learning environments.
• Knowledge of school safety & security procedures
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines