Special Education Instructor

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Eldora (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Paid Time Off – vacation and sick time

Retirement Plans – IPERS

Job summary

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of State Training School (STS) – seeks a Special Education Instructor for a full-time role in Eldora, IA. The position focuses on individualized instruction and collaboration with general education staff while providing support for diverse learners.

The role emphasizes maintaining a structured schedule (Mon–Fri, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.), and participation in curriculum development and re-licensure

Qualifications

• Must possess teaching certification per Iowa Department of Education.
• Background check required.
• Endorsements listed above.

Responsibilities

• Provide students with specially designed instruction individually and in small groups.
• Collaborate with general education instructors and campus staff to meet students’ needs.
• Rely on support from Central Rivers Area Education Agency and STS team.
• Contribute to program development and curriculum alignment.

Skills

Diverse caseload management

Individualized instruction

Classroom instruction

Education

Initial/Standard/Master Educator or Exchange License

Endorsements: 5-12 Instructional Strategist I Mild & Moderate

Endorsements: K‑12 Instructional Strategist II: BD/LD

Endorsements: 5‑12 Multicategorical Special Class with Integration

Endorsements: 5‑12 Multicategorical Resource (option 1)

Endorsements: 5‑12 Mildly Disabled

Endorsements: 5‑12 Behavior Disorders

Endorsements: 5‑12 Learning Disabilities

Job description

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of State Training School (STS) is seeking a Special Education Instructor to join our team. This is a full‑time position with opportunities for growth and development.

Work Environment

STS is a close‑knit environment with a strong professional learning community structure. There are no extra duties beyond the Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. schedule. Vacation time can be used as soon as it accrues. The organization offers several days during the year to work on curriculum development, and courses for re‑licensure are provided as part of the workday. Orientation lasts approximately one month to become familiar with the school and facility.

Responsibilities

Our special education instructors work individually and in small groups to provide students with specially designed instruction. Instructors collaborate with general education instructors and other campus staff to meet the challenging needs of our students. They rely on strong support from the Central Rivers Area Education Agency and the team of special education instructors at STS.

Special Education Instructors at STS are essential to the successful development of young men within the facility. STS provides an environment rich in educational challenges that allows you to practice your craft in a meaningful manner, fine‑tuning your skills by addressing the educational challenges of a diverse group of young men.

Programs Available for Residents

• General education studies
• Special education programs
• Title I
• High School Equivalency Diploma (formerly GED)
• Competency‑based Special Education programs
• Mental Health Counseling and Substance Abuse Counseling
• Group Therapy and Family Therapy
• Rehabilitation/Skills Groups

Preferred Skills

• Handling a diverse caseload of emotionally disordered students with mild to moderate needs
• Teaching in an individualized manner to reach students
• Providing both individual and classroom instruction

Education & Certifications

The successful candidate must possess an Initial, Standard, Master Educator, or Exchange License, or be eligible and able to obtain a Class B License through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, and hold at least one of the following endorsements:

• 5‑12 Instructional Strategist I Mild & Moderate
• K‑12 Instructional Strategist II: BD/LD
• 5‑12 Multicategorical Special Class with Integration
• 5‑12 Multicategorical Resource (option 1)
• 5‑12 Mildly Disabled
• 5‑12 Behavior Disorders
• 5‑12 Learning Disabilities

Applicants will be required to complete a background check.

Benefits of Joining STS

Working for the State of Iowa offers competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support professional growth and well‑being.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Paid Time Off – vacation (96 hrs/year to begin, increasing with service); sick leave (144 hrs/year); paid holidays (9 days/year)
• Retirement Plans – IPERS (employees contribute 6.29 % and the State contributes 9.44 %); Retirement Investors Club; Employer‑Sponsored Retirement Plan (State matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month)
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• Life insurance and free long‑term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discount Programs
• Free on‑campus workout facilities

Workplace Perks

This location offers staff access to an on‑campus gym during off‑student hours, featuring full‑size basketball courts, weight rooms, showers, lockers, and a cardio room exclusively for staff. Usage is free for all STS staff.

Eldora Highlights

STS is located in Eldora, a quaint community of approximately 2,800 residents in north central Iowa. Eldora is an Iowa River Greenbelt Community, with access to hiking, kayaking, canoeing, hunting, fishing, golf and other outdoor activities.

EEO/AA Employer

HHS values individuals with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the HHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify and complies with the federal Right to Work laws. For more information, visit www.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet teaching certification requirements established by the Iowa Department of Education, including completion of an elementary, secondary, or child development program of teacher preparation.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Within a period of time after hire, employees may be required to obtain a Chauffeur’s License and endorsements as determined by the appointing authority. For specific positions, certain endorsements and approvals may be required by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.