Job Title: Special Education Teacher
Job Summary:
The Special Education Teacher will provide specialized instruction and behavioral support for students with emotional and behavioral needs in a self-contained classroom, while also serving students with IEPs in general education settings through inclusion and resource support. This teacher will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to ensure academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth aligned with individualized education programs (IEPs).
Primary Responsibilities:
Behavior Support Classroom (Self-Contained)
- Provide direct instruction aligned to grade-level academic standards, differentiated to meet individual student needs and IEP goals.
- Integrate social-emotional learning and executive functioning skills into academic instruction.
- Implement evidence-based behavioral interventions (e.g., PBIS, de-escalation strategies, proactive behavior supports) to maintain a structured and supportive classroom environment.
- Maintain a safe, predictable space that supports student regulation and learning.
- Collect and analyze academic and behavioral data to guide instruction, inform IEP progress, and develop behavior intervention plans (BIPs).
- Collaborate with related service providers, school psychologists, and behavior specialists to deliver comprehensive student support.
Inclusion & Resource Support
- Provide specially designed instruction in general education classrooms (push-in/co-teaching) and/or pull-out settings based on student needs.
- Collaborate with general education teachers to adapt curriculum, instructional strategies, and assessments to support student access to grade-level standards.
- Monitor and document student progress toward IEP goals and adjust instruction accordingly.
Additional Duties:
- Serve as the teacher of record for assigned students; lead IEP meetings, ensure compliance with timelines, and manage documentation in accordance with federal and state guidelines.
- Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress, behavior, and support.
- Supervise and provide guidance to paraprofessionals and support staff within the classroom.
- Participate in school-wide professional development and collaborate with colleagues to support school and district initiatives.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure confidentiality of student information.
Qualifications
- Valid Indiana mild intervention teaching licensure.
- Knowledge of and experience with behavior intervention strategies and supports for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities (preferred).
- Strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to remain calm, flexible, and student-focused in high-stress or crisis situations.
- Active CPI certification or willingness to be trained by Alexandria Community School Corporation’s CPI trainer.
- Familiarity with trauma-informed practices, MTSS/RTI frameworks, and inclusive teaching strategies.