Special Education Teacher (Adaptive)

Dougherty County School System; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Dougherty County School System seeks compassionate Special Education Teachers certified in Adaptive Curriculum to support students with significant cognitive disabilities.

The Adaptive Curriculum Teacher develops and implements IEPs and collaborates with staff to ensure services in the least restrictive environment and post-school independence.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's in Special Education or related field.
• Requires GaPSC Special Education – Adaptive Curriculum certification or eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Provide specially designed instruction per IEPs for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
• Develop and monitor IEP goals aligned with adaptive curriculum standards.
• Deliver functional academics, communication, social, and daily living skills.
• Collaborate with general education staff, therapists, and families.
• Maintain accurate student records and progress reports.

Skills

IEP development

Adaptive instruction

AAC/assistive tech

BIPs & behavior supports

Collaboration

Documentation

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in Special Education

GaPSC Adaptive Curriculum certification

Job description

POSITION:

Special Education Teacher(Adaptive)

LOCATION:

Various Locations

JOB SUMMARY

The Dougherty County School System seeks compassionate and skilled Special Education Teachers certified in Adaptive Curriculum to support students with significant cognitive disabilities. The Adaptive Curriculum Teacher provides specialized instruction designed to address students' academic, functional, communication, behavioral, and life-skills development.

This position focuses on delivering individualized instruction aligned with Georgia Standards of Excellence–Extended (GSE-E) and functional learning objectives. The teacher develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that support students in gaining independence, communication skills, social development, and essential daily living skills.

The Adaptive Curriculum Teacher collaborates with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, families, and administrators to ensure students receive appropriate services in the least restrictive environment and are prepared for post-school independence, employment, and community participation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education or a related field, required;
• Valid Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) certification in Special Education – Adaptive Curriculum (P–12) or eligibility for certification;
• Knowledge of instructional strategies for students with significant cognitive disabilities;
• Experience working with students with developmental, cognitive, behavioral, or multiple disabilities preferred;
• ;Experience implementing IEPs, functional behavior supports, and assistive technology preferred;
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent and Board may find appropriate.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of IDEA regulations, IEP development, and special education compliance requirements;
• Ability to design and deliver functional, individualized instruction aligned with adaptive curriculum standards;
• Knowledge of communication supports, assistive technology, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC);
• Ability to implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and positive behavioral supports;
• Ability to collaborate effectively with general education teachers, therapists, paraprofessionals, and families;
• Strong organizational and documentation skills to maintain accurate student records and compliance documentation;
• Ability to create a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment;
• Ability to differentiate instruction based on students' physical, cognitive, and developmental needs;
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered practices;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student information with professionalism.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides specially designed instruction to students with significant cognitive disabilities in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs);
• Develops, implements, and monitors IEPs, including measurable goals aligned with adaptive curriculum standards;
• Delivers instruction focused on functional academics, communication, social skills, daily living skills, and independence;
• Uses evidence-based instructional practices to support student learning and engagement;
• Collaborates with general education teachers to provide access to inclusive opportunities when appropriate;
• Works closely with related service providers including speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists;
• Implements behavior intervention strategies and positive behavioral supports to support student success;
• Supervises and collaborates with paraprofessionals assigned to the classroom;
• Collects and analyzes student data to monitor progress toward IEP goals and adjust instruction accordingly;
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation, progress reports, and compliance records;
• Communicates regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress and educational planning;
• Participates in IEP meetings, eligibility meetings, and multidisciplinary team meetings;
• Ensures classroom safety, including supporting students with mobility, medical, or personal care needs when required;
• Participates in professional learning opportunities related to adaptive instruction and special education best practices;
• Demonstrates prompt and regular attendance and fulfills professional responsibilities;
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift and carry teaching materials, books, or small classroom equipment (typically up to 25 lbs);
• Ability to prepare and manipulate learning materials;
• Ability to stand and actively move around the classroom for extended periods;
• Ability to move between classrooms, hallways, and other school areas as needed;
• Ability to respond quickly in case of emergencies, such as evacuating students or assisting during drills;
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REPORTS TO

Principal

SALARY RANGE:

10-Month Contract - Competitive salary and excellent benefits package in accordance with the DCSS Compensation Guide.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Applications will be reviewed upon submission. To ensure consideration, please submit all required application materials by April 7, 2026.

THE DOUGHERTY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR DISABILITY

The System reserves the right to waive any qualifications or other provisions of this advertisement by statute or regulations.

About Us

The Dougherty County School System is a leading catalyst and advocate for public education in Southwest Georgia. It's the largest school system in the second congressional district. The school district has 22 schools (14 elementary, 4 middle, 3 high schools, and 1 alternative middle/high school), four learning centers, and the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy. All schools are accredited by Cognia. The DCSS offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Dougherty County is recognized for its quail and duck hunting, fishing, the Flint River, and many cypress swamps. The County has a population of approximately 90,000. Our County has two institutions of higher education, Albany State University and Albany Technical College. Notable points of interest include the Albany Museum of Art, the Flint RiverQuarium, the Albany Civil Rights Institute, the Parks at Chehaw, Radium Springs Gardens, and Thronateeska Heritage Center, which includes the Museum of History, Wetherbee Planetarium, and the Science Discovery Center. Dougherty County is a short drive to Atlanta, the Georgia coast, as well as the Florida Gulf Coast beaches.

Important Note

This document provides descriptive information about the above Dougherty County School Systemposition. Work actually performed by incumbents in thispositionmay vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content of and qualifications for thisposition. The Dougherty County School System reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice.