OSSS Intensive Program Support Section: (12-Month) Special Education Teacher, 602618 (2026-00764)

Hawaii State Department of Education; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 58,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hawaii State Department of Education is seeking a Special Education classroom teacher for Po'okela at Po'okela Special Day Program Center, Kapolei High School Grounds. This role serves students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities and significant behavioral/social-communication challenges, collaborating with a licensed behavior analyst and school teams.

Qualified candidates hold a valid Hawaii Special Education license and a Bachelor's Degree, with preferred K-12 SPED classroom

Qualifications

• Valid Special Education license from the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board.
• Experience in K-12 special education settings preferred.
• Ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams and families.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement appropriate programming for students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities.
• Collaborate with behavior analysts, administrators, and support staff to support student goals.
• Facilitate IEP meetings and ensure compliance with HTSB requirements.

Skills

IEP meetings

Team collaboration

Independent judgment

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Special Education license (HTSB)

Job description

Position Location: Po'okela Special Day Program Center-Kapolei High School Grounds. All grade level Special Education licenses may apply. Special education classroom teacher position at Po'okela. Po'okela is a highly specialized program that serves students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities who also have severe behavioral and/or social-communication deficits. The Po'okela special education teacher designs and implements appropriate programming and instruction for students in collaboration with the Po'okela licensed behavior analyst, on-site administrator, support team (e.g., behavioral technicians), and the student's parent and home school team. The Po'okela program is operated by the state Office of Student Support Services.

Preferred Qualifications:

Valid Special Education license from the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board.

Desired Experience:

Special education classroom experience in a K-12 school setting.

Desired Knowledge:

• Plan and facilitate Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings;
• Exercise independent and professional judgment in carrying out daily functions;
• Maintain an effective work pace under pressure to meet deadlines;
• Grasp new concepts quickly and apply them effectively;
• Work effectively with others.

The Hawaii State Department of Education is committed to hiring highly qualified teachers in every classroom. With the exception of designated Career and Technology Education (CTE) positions, the minimum qualification to apply for a teacher, librarian or counselor position is a Bachelor's Degree.

If you are hired without completing a Teacher's Education Program, you have a maximum of 3 years to obtain a valid Hawaii teaching license. You must enroll in a Program to continue employment with the Department. Within each year of employment, you must satisfactorily demonstrate active pursuit towards meeting Hawaii licensing requirements, as set forth by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB). It is your responsibility to ensure the program you have enrolled is aligned with the teaching line you are hired in.

Upon hire you will need to have a valid Hawaii teaching license or Emergency Hire Permit. You may apply for your Hawaii teaching license on the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board Website. It is required to obtain a Hawaii Teaching License to receive any salary differentials.