Special Education Teacher (Dynamic Learning Pathway - STAR Program)

Colonial School District - Delaware; New Castle (DE); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial School District in Delaware seeks a Special Education Teacher for the Dynamic Learning Pathway: STAR Program, serving students ages 18–22. The lead educator will provide transition-focused instruction and collaborate with families, adult service agencies, and community partners to promote independence and employment readiness.

The role emphasizes SDI, DLM Elements, IEP development, and progressive job coaching in authentic settings, with a 10-month calendar and district-wide

Qualifications

• Must hold Delaware Teacher of Exceptional Children K-12 and Core Content Area certifications.
• Praxis II and student teaching completed.
• Bachelor's degree; Master's preferred.
• Experience with or knowledge of students with disabilities; evidence-based strategies.
• Familiarity with Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Essential Elements.
• Ability to work with families, staff, and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs with progress data and BIPs.
• Design SDI aligned with DLM EE and IEP goals using district resources.
• Integrate functional life skills into academic programming.
• Plan vocational exploration and community-based learning experiences.
• Administer assessments and drive instructional decisions.
• Maintain data records and report progress to families and district.
• Participate in IEP meetings, eligibility determinations, and transition conferences.
• Establish a structured classroom environment and supervise paraeducators.
• Communicate with families about progress and supports; ensure compliance.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the principal.

Skills

Collaboration with families

Plan and monitor IEPs

Behavior and classroom management

Communication with stakeholders

Data-driven instruction

Education

Delaware certification: Teacher of Exceptional Children K-12

Core Content Area certification

Bachelor's degree; Master's preferred

Praxis II tests and student teaching completed

Tools

Microsoft & Google Apps

ClassLink

Schoology

Infinite Campus

Job description

Special Education Teacher (Dynamic Learning Pathway - STAR Program) JobID: 3275

Position: Special Education Teacher (Dynamic Learning Pathway - STAR Program)

Start Date: August 2026

Reports to: Principal

Compensation: Refer to current teacher salary scale on District website

Work Year: 10 months

You belong in the Power of WE!

Excellent teachers make excellent schools. That's why we are relentless about hiring top educators who can providehigh-quality instruction andbuild authentic relationships with students and stakeholders, including parents/families.

POSITION GOAL

The Special Education Teacher in the Transition Program serves as the lead educator for students ages 18–22 who are preparing for adult life through individualized transition programming. The primary goal of this position is to maximize student independence by providing high-quality, specialized instruction in transition, life, vocational, employment, and community-based skills aligned to each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) and post-secondary transition goals. The teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring instruction that develops students' abilities in daily living, self-advocacy, communication, social interaction, independent decision-making, personal finance, health and safety, transportation, and community access. Instruction is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to live, work, and participate as independently as possible within their communities. In addition, the teacher facilitates vocational training, work-based learning experiences, career exploration, and employment readiness activities that promote workplace competencies, responsibility, and self-determination. The position requires collaboration with families, employers, adult service agencies, community partners, and related service providers to ensure students have meaningful opportunities to apply skills in authentic settings and successfully transition to employment, post‑secondary opportunities, and adult living. Through community-based instruction, job coaching, and real-world learning experiences, the teacher fosters student growth toward greater independence, self‑sufficiency, and active participation in community life while ensuring compliance with all special education regulations, transition requirements, and district expectations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required:

• Must be eligible or hold valid State of Delaware certification as a Teacher of Exceptional Children K-12 and a Core Content Area (Middle or Secondary Level).
• Acceptable Criminal Background Report and no entries on Child Protection Registry in the State of Delaware.
• Successful completion of required Praxis II tests and student teaching placement.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Master's degree preferred.
• Knowledge and skills in working with students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based instructional strategies for students with significant learning needs, including AAC, SDI, and structured literacy and math approaches.
• Experience with or knowledge of the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Essential Elements.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, administration and the general public.
• Experience supervising or directing paraeducators in an instructional setting preferred.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to issues impacting various cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
• Proficient in Technology, such as Microsoft and Google Applications, Classlink, Schoology, Infinite Campus, etc.
• Demonstrates understanding and ability to perform job related tasks.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of the position.
• Must be willing and able to operate state-issued vehicles for transportation to and from job sites upon successful completion of the State's approved driver vetting process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities related to the District. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) based on student assessments, present levels, student needs, and progress data, including Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) where applicable.
• Design and deliver specially designed instruction (SDI) aligned with the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Essential Elements (EE) and IEP goals using district-approved curriculum, evidence-based strategies, assistive technology, and scaffolded supports in Vocation - differentiated to each student's level of functioning and preferred learning modalities.
• Integrate functional life skills instruction - including communication, self-advocacy, daily living, and independent decision-making - into academic programming.
• Plan and facilitate vocational exploration, workplace readiness, and community-based learning experiences that allow students to practice skills in authentic settings.
• Administer and interpret formal and informal assessments - including IEP progress monitoring, benchmark assessments - to drive instructional decisions.
• Maintain accurate and timely data records, report student progress to families and the district in accordance with IEP requirements and state timelines.
• Participate in IEP meetings, eligibility determinations, transition planning conferences, and other required meetings and/or conferences as a collaborative team member and primary case manager
• Establish and maintain a structured, predictable classroom environment that supports the behavioral and social-emotional needs of students.
• Implement evidence-based behavioral and social-emotional interventions, apply district expectations for Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.
• Direct, model, and provide feedback to paraeducators to ensure consistent implementation of specially designed instruction (SDI), data collection, behavior supports, and IEP accommodations - fostering a cohesive instructional team that prioritizes student dignity, independence, and growth.
• Communicate proactively and regularly with families regarding student progress, IEP implementation, and behavioral support; build and sustain cooperative working relationships with families, community agency partners, school staff, and administration.
• Maintain valid Delaware certification and required clock hours through DEEDS; stay current on evidence-based practices for students with significant disabilities and actively engage in required and self-selected professional learning aligned to role responsibilities.
• Comply with all Federal, State and Local regulations and policies: accurately complete required paperwork within designated timelines, utilize district resources (i.e Employee Handbook, District website, Collaborative Agreement, Professional Code of Conduct, Administrative procedures, School District Board Policies, etc.) to maintain professionalism and avoid noncompliance, and cooperate with compliance monitoring and dispute resolution activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the building principal and/or supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and/or fingers to handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk or hear, and taste or smell. This job requires repetitive stopping, twisting and bending. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

PRE EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Criminal Background Check - must be less than 1 year old
• TB Test Results - must be less than 1 year old
• Copy of Social Security Card - required by the State of Delaware
• I-9 Form with appropriate forms of identification
• Child Protective Registry

* These items must be completed prior to your start date, they should be completed immediately.

WHY APPLY IN COLONIAL

When you apply you will have:

• The opportunity to teach with a very knowledgeable, high-achieving and fun school team.
• An innovative and diverse work atmosphere.
• The ability to grow and learn in a considerate, and open-minded culture with supportive school colleagues.
• Access to new and exciting technologies to use in your classroom daily.
• A competitive salary with generous benefit packages.
• The opportunity to make an impact on the lives of students and families daily in Delaware

Interviews will begin five days after posting.

The Colonial School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees, applicants, visitors, or others, and does not deny access to educational or other services, based on any characteristic prohibited by law."