Special Education Teacher

Independence Preparatory Academy; Fairfield (AL); On-site; USD 49,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mastery-Based Grading

Professional development

Medical, dental, and vision plans

403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

Independence Preparatory Academy in Fairfield, AL seeks a Learning Diversity Specialist serving as both Special Education Teacher and 504 Coordinator. You will ensure legally compliant services and equitable access, guiding students with diverse needs toward rigorous, grade-level instruction.

The role emphasizes building strong systems for IEP/504, collaborating with families, and driving mastery-based learning across the school’s growing K-8 program.

Qualifications

• Adaptability to work within a developing school model.
• Ability to collaborate with teachers, families, and staff.
• Commitment to student-centered learning and supporting diverse needs.

Responsibilities

• Manage IEPs as primary case manager and ensure compliance with goals.
• Lead and coordinate Section 504 processes and meetings.
• Maintain 504 documentation and ensure accommodations are implemented.

Skills

Adaptability

Collaboration

Student agency

Feedback culture

Job description

Independence Preparatory Academy is a new, academically challenging, highly structured, and joyful K-8 school in Fairfield, AL. We are on a mission to equip all students with the academic tenacity and strength of character necessary to choose their destiny and create a fulfilling life. We develop empowered learners through agency , purpose , and tenacity .

In August 2025, Independence Preparatory Academy opened its doors to 60 students in kindergarten through second grade. We will continue to grow until we reach a total capacity of 485 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. We are actively building a team that shares our belief that with rigorous academics, high-quality instruction, and character development, all students can excel in high school, college, and life.

EMBRACE YOUR CALLING

Are you driven by the rewarding challenge of unlocking the full potential of every student in a diverse learning environment? Do you find fulfillment in creating personalized educational experiences that empower students with diverse needs to succeed? Are you passionate about being a catalyst for positive change, championing inclusive education for students of all abilities? If so, Independence Preparatory Academy could be your perfect fit.

We are seeking a Learning Diversity Specialist who will serve as both a Special Education Teacher and 504 Coordinator , ensuring that all students with diverse learning needs receive excellent instruction, legally compliant services, and equitable access to our program.

TEACH AT INDEPENDENCE PREPARATORY ACADEMY

iPrep teammates are perpetual learners, challenging the status quo and solving challenges together. We remain united by our commitment to envisioning the infinite potential of every child. Our ideal candidate believes in our scholars and our community. They have a passion for scholar-centered learning, evidence in the following orientations:

• Adaptability : Our educators have an orientation to building alongside each other. This means a commitment to:
• Learning and iterating
• An openness to giving and receiving feedback
• An entrepreneurial spirit: building from the ground up
• Collaboration with other adults and families
• Belief in our model and our graduate profile through a commitment to:
• Student agency and advocacy
• Supporting students in finding their purpose
• Mastery-based grading
• Profound learning experiences
• Student result orientation : through a commitment to:
• Holistic indicators for success
• Knowledge of self: confidence in describing your identity, purpose, and passions

The salary range for this position is between $49,200 and $75,141. New hires can expect to be brought into the organization at a salary at or near the start of the range, depending on relevant experience, teacher certification status, and internal equity. Compensation is based on our salary scales and is not negotiable.

ACHIEVE IMPACTFUL OUTCOMES

The Learning Diversity Specialist is responsible for:

• Serving as the case manager for students with IEPs
• Leading and managing the Section 504 process schoolwide
• Ensuring full compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) requirements
• Partnering with staff and families to ensure all students access rigorous, grade-level instruction

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Instruction & Student Support

• Provide push-in and pull-out instruction aligned to IEP goals and grade-level standards
• Design and deliver small group, targeted interventions grounded in the Science of Reading and foundational math practices
• Progress monitor student growth and adjust instruction based on data
• Ensure students with disabilities access rigorous Tier I instruction with appropriate accommodations and modifications

IEP Case Management & Compliance

• Serve as the primary case manager for assigned students with IEPs
• Develop, write, and maintain legally compliant IEPs, including present levels, measurable goals, accommodations, and service minutes
• Schedule and lead IEP meetings, ensuring timely annual reviews and reevaluations
• Maintain accurate and confidential special education records and documentation
• Ensure services are delivered as outlined and documented consistently
• Monitor compliance with all federal, state, and local SPED regulations

504 Coordination

• Serve as the school-based 504 Coordinator
• Lead the referral, evaluation, eligibility, and review process for Section 504 plans
• Facilitate 504 meetings with families and staff
• Develop and monitor 504 plans and accommodations
• Train staff on implementation of accommodations and legal expectations
• Maintain accurate 504 documentation and compliance timelines
• Partner with general education teachers to:
• Adapt instruction and materials
• Implement accommodations and modifications
• Analyze student data and plan interventions
• Collaborate with related service providers (speech, OT, etc.) to ensure aligned supports
• Communicate regularly with families regarding progress, services, and supports
• Support MTSS/RTI processes and contribute to intervention planning

Schoolwide Impact

• Help build strong systems for tracking:
• IEP goals and progress monitoring
• Compliance timelines and documentation
• Contribute to a positive, structured, and inclusive school culture aligned to iPrep's SOAR values
• Serve as a key thought partner to school leadership on student support systems

With the support of your school leaders and teammates, you will:

• Ensure 100% compliance with IEP and 504 requirements
• Drive measurable growth f or students with disabilities through targeted instruction
• Build strong, sustainable systems for student support, documentation, and communication
• Increase teacher capacity t o effectively support diverse learners

ENJOY OUR INVESTMENT IN YOU

What we offer:

• A chance to be part of community development and work alongside the community to SOAR
• Being a part of a new, innovative, unprecedented school model
• Mastery-Based Grading
• Coaching toward student agency, purpose, and tenacity
• World-class peers - we are looking for exemplary educators committed to pushing your practice, collaborating with peers, and being aligned with our mission and vision
• Discipline that makes sense - restorative practices rooted in our core values and celebrated through positive incentives and rewards
• Deep care about your personal and professional growth:
• A clear pathway to professional growth
• Consistent feedback and support from managers and teammates
• Community Circle to build and strengthen our sense of team
• Weekly professional development
• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision plans
• 403(b) retirement plan; iPrep offers contributions of up to 5% of your salary toward your savings