Self Contained ECE Special Education Lead Teacher (PK-K)

Bridges Public Charter School; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 57,500 - 88,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits (medical & dental)

401(k) with 4% match

Salary sign-on bonus

Job summary

An inclusive charter school in Washington is seeking an Early Childhood Special Education Lead Teacher for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. The role focuses on managing a classroom for students with high-level special needs, implementing effective teaching strategies, and collaborating with families and service providers. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree, has experience in urban settings, and is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful school environment. The position offers a competitive salary range of $57,500-$88,500 per year along with various benefits.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of successful classroom teaching experience in an urban school setting.
• Strong classroom management skills.
• Track record of being a team player and community-minded.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage an early childhood classroom for high-level special needs students.
• Develop and implement discrete trial instruction and social skills training.
• Collaborate with related service providers to meet student needs.

Skills

Classroom management

Teaching in urban settings

Inclusive education practices

Communication with families

Data tracking and assessment

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree in Elementary Education and/or Special Education

Certification in Special Education

Job description

For the upcoming 2026-2027 school year, Bridges is seeking an Early Childhood Special Education Lead Teacher for an early childhood non-categorical self-contained classroom for students with high-level special needs.

$ 1,000.00 sign-on bonus for new hires!!!

Who We Are

Our mission is to provide an exemplary educational program that includes all students. Our developmentally appropriate, student and family-centered educational approach nurtures students to expand their developmental skills, in order to build a foundation for life-long learning. Our Core Values are:

• Responsibility
• Engagement
• Acceptance
• Creativity
• Honesty

Who Are We Looking For

We are seeking passionate educators to build an inclusive PK-5 school community. We are seeking committed individuals to provide high-quality and innovative instruction to a diverse student community. We are seeking individuals who recognize that they are in a position of public trust and are held to a high standard of personal and professional conduct. If you are a dedicated educator who is passionate about creating a culture of inclusion and respect, we invite you to join our team. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students and build a brighter future for our community.

Our Graduate Profile

A Bridges “Graduate”

• Is a unique and independent individual who is prepared to pave their own path.
• Self advocates through their preferred communication modalities.
• Welcomes diversity with inclusion, openness, acceptance, and respect for others.
• Demonstrates empathy and a desire to help and support others in need.
• Perseveres in the face of challenges to meet their individual academic, social, and extracurricular goals.
• Is prepared for next steps after leaving Bridges Public Charter School.

Responsibilities

As a Special Education Teacher, you will be responsible for...

• Plan and manage an early childhood non-categorical self-contained classroom with high-level special needs students and assistant teachers.
• Develop and implement the classroom discrete trial instruction, social skills instruction, and behavior plan implementation in collaboration with the lead teacher under the supervision of the BCBA
• Contribute to Social/Emotional progress reports and IEP development under the supervision of the BCBA
• Assess student progress regularly using VBMAPP Milestones, Transitions, and Barriers assessments.
• Regularly collect data to track students’ progress in 3 program areas: curriculum, IEP, and ABA/VB.
• Complete quarterly progress reports (IEP progress reports and curriculum progress reports).
• Collaborate with related service providers, special education coordinator, curriculum coordinator, ELL Teacher, and student parents to plan for student needs.
• Implement and maintain students’ Functional Communication Protocols and Behavior Protocols to respond to students' behavior appropriately and successfully.
• Participate in the IEP process by writing present levels, IEP goals, and providing thoughtful reflections during team meetings.
• Coordinate with general education teachers to create opportunities of inclusive learning.
• Support the creation of a classroom culture and environment that develops and nurtures the emotional, cognitive, and social abilities of the students.
• Engage parents and families in their student's learning and act as an ambassador for the school in the community.
• Contribute productively to the school as a whole.
• Attend and participate in school events outside of regular school hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

Professional Responsibilities

• Adhering to the 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. work day
• Regularly attends work and adheres to all attendance policies.
• Be on time for classes, duties, team meetings, and professional development activities. Communicate about and plan for absences in advance with teaching teams and the Principal.
• Participate in weekly Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings.
• Contribute to PLC sessions by being prepared to share data, ideas, student work, materials, feedback, facilitating sessions, and/or discussions.
• Participate in a Summer Professional Development. Summer Professional Development will be two weeks in August before students return.
• Seek out additional opportunities for professional development that will lead to achieving personal and school-wide professional development goals.
• Reading provided school information and adhering to all deadlines.
• Respond to all emails within 24 hours or the next business day.
• Other professional duties as assigned.

School Culture

• Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for students.
• Communicate respectfully to students, staff and families at all times.
• Model, practice and discuss respectful, unbiased and effective communication with students.
• Other school culture expectations as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education
  • Bachelor's Degree (required)
  • Master's Degree in Elementary Education and/or Special Education (preferred)
  • Certification in Special Education (preferred)
  • Passed the Praxis SPED exams (preferred)
• Have 1 to 2 years of successful classroom teaching experience in an urban school setting. 2 or more years of teaching experience is preferred.
• Be a strong classroom manager.
• Be committed to meeting the needs of a diverse student population.
• Have a track record of being a team player and community-minded.
• Be committed to their own learning, including training in ABA/VB.
• Excellent time-management skills and ability to work independently.
• Passion for public schools.
• Adherence to a high level of professional and ethical standards.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range: $57,500-$88,500/Per Year

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Salary is based on educational level, certification(s), and years of experience. The successful candidate will be contracted yearly. Employment will be renewed according to evaluations and staff interest. Child care and health savings plans, pre-tax deduction for Metro, bike racks, and regular staff engagement and wellness activities. Staff lounge and lactation room for nursing mothers. Health benefits (medical & dental), disability insurance, and a retirement plan: 401(k) with a 4% match or the continuation of the DCPS retirement plan.

To ensure safety for all students, all staff members may be fingerprinted. Background checks will be conducted on all school staff prior to their service as employees.