Special Education Teacher- Self-Contained

Center City Public Charter Schools; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Center City Public Charter Schools in Washington, D.C. seeks a dedicated Self-Contained Special Education Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year.

You will lead a small classroom, deliver targeted instruction, implement IEPs, and monitor progress while supporting students' academic, social, and emotional growth. You will collaborate with related service providers, engage families in IEP decisions, and participate in ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Special Education (or related field) preferred.
• Valid Special Education teaching license (or active plan to obtain licensure).
• Prior teaching experience in a self-contained classroom setting preferred.
• Familiarity with Common Core Standards (Math Coherence Map) and Eureka Math curriculum preferred.
• Knowledge of evidence-based instructional strategies, data-driven instruction, and classroom management for diverse learners.
• Working knowledge of local (D.C.) and federal special education laws and regulations.
• Highly organized with strong communication skills and professional references.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 10 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small self-contained classroom, establishing clear structures, routines, and high expectations.
• Plan and deliver instruction across content areas with appropriate scaffolds and accommodations.
• Provide small-group and individual instruction with data-driven IEP updates.
• Assist in developing and implementing Behavior Intervention Plans and support social-emotional growth.
• Collaborate with related service providers (speech, OT, counseling) to align instruction and accommodations.
• Write, update, and execute comprehensive IEPs based on assessments and input from stakeholders.
• Monitor progress toward IEP goals and communicate data-driven progress reports.
• Engage families in IEP development and student growth and participate in PLCs and district professional development.

Skills

Communication

Data-driven instruction

IEP development

Collaboration

Classroom management

Adaptability

Physical stamina

Education

Master's Degree in Special Education

SPED licensure or active plan to obtain

Job description

Special Education Teacher (Self-Contained)

School Year: 2026-2027

Location: Center City Public Charter Schools - Shaw Campus (Washington, D.C.)

Reports To: Campus Principal & Assistant Principal

About Center City Public Charter Schools & Shaw Campus

Center City Public Charter Schools (Center City PCS) empowers students for lifelong success by building strong character, promoting academic excellence, and encouraging public service across Washington, D.C. We serve over 1,400 students across six campuses with a team of more than 250 dedicated educators and leaders.

At our Shaw Campus, we are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining top-tier faculty who help every child reach their full potential in an inclusive, high-expectation learning environment.

Position Summary

The Self-Contained Special Education Teacher works under the direct supervision of the Campus Principal and Assistant Principal, with additional support and oversight from the Central Office Student Support Services Department.

In this role, you will lead a small, self-contained classroom for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). You will deliver targeted instruction, implement accommodations, and foster an environment where students with diverse learning needs thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Classroom Management

• Classroom Leadership: Serve as the lead teacher in a small self-contained classroom, establishing clear structures, positive routines, and high behavioral and academic expectations.
• Curriculum & Scaffolding: Plan and deliver instruction across all content areas aligned with grade-level standards, utilizing appropriate scaffolds, accommodations, or alternative curricula suited to developmental needs.
• Targeted Support: Provide small-group and individual instruction tailored to student needs, using ongoing data tracking to adapt IEP programming.
• Behavioral & Social-Emotional Support: Help develop and implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) or informal behavior management systems while supporting students' social-emotional growth.

IEP Development & Compliance

• IEP Writing & Execution: Write, update, and execute comprehensive IEPs based on assessment data, student priority skills, and input from parents, students, and general education teachers.
• Progress Monitoring: Regularly track student progress toward IEP goals and grade-level standards, writing clear and data-driven progress reports.
• Compliance: Adhere strictly to all federal, local, and district special education compliance deadlines.
• Collaboration: Partner closely with related service providers (speech, occupational therapy, counseling, etc.) to align instruction and accommodations.

Family Engagement & Professional Growth

• Family Partnerships: Actively engage families in their child’s academic growth, including soliciting input for IEP development, evaluation decisions, and Secondary Transition Plans.
• Professional Community: Actively participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), weekly campus-based planning, and district-wide professional development.
• Continuous Improvement: Seek out and implement feedback from instructional leaders to continuously refine classroom practice.
• Professional Standards: Maintain school-wide standards for punctuality, attendance, and professional conduct (Standard teacher hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM). Participate in occasional school events outside regular hours.

Qualifications

• Education: Master's Degree in Special Education or a related field preferred.
• Licensure: Valid Special Education teaching license (or an active plan to obtain licensure).
• Experience: Prior teaching experience in a self-contained classroom setting preferred.
• Curriculum & Standards: Strong familiarity with the Common Core State Standards (including the Math Coherence Map) and experience with the Eureka Math curriculum preferred.
• Instructional & Behavior Management: Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based instructional strategies, data-driven instruction, and classroom management strategies for diverse learners.
• Legal Knowledge: Working knowledge of local (D.C.) and federal special education laws and regulations.
• Key Attributes: Highly organized, strong communication skills, and positive professional references from past employers.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 10 pounds.

Benefits

Center City PCS offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including:

• Health & Wellness: Employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Retirement: 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Financial Protection: Employer-provided Life and Disability Insurance; Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Time Off: Paid sick and personal leave.