Waiakea Elementary: Special Education Fully Self-Contained Teacher, 72490 (2026-01666)

Hawaiʻi State Department of Education; Hilo (HI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Sick Leave

Flexible Spending Accounts

Retirement Plan

Workers' Compensation

Job summary

Hawaiʻi State Department of Education seeks a dedicated special education teacher in Hilo, Hawaii. The role focuses on implementing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems for diverse learners while adapting curricula for various cognitive levels. Responsibilities include coordinating with health professionals and creating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Applicants must have a valid Special Education license and preferably special education classroom experience in a K-12 setting. A comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance and paid sick leave.

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid Hawaii teaching license or Emergency Hire Permit upon hire.
• Special education classroom experience in a K-12 school setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement and oversee AAC systems for diverse learners.
• Adapt curriculum across cognitive levels focusing on functional skills.
• Coordinate with school nurses and therapists for medically fragile students.
• Lead development of comprehensive IEPs with academic and social-emotional goals.

Skills

Plan and facilitate IEP meetings

Independent and professional judgment

Maintain effective work pace

Quickly grasp new concepts

Work effectively with others

Education

Valid Special Education license from the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board

Valid Hawaii teaching license

Job description

Description

Implement and oversee Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems to bridge the gap for both verbal and non‑verbal learners; adapt curriculum to span a wide range of cognitive levels, focusing on functional academics, sensory integration, and daily living skills; coordinate closely with school nurses and therapists to manage the needs of medically fragile students, ensuring strict adherence to health protocols, positioning and safety requirements; utilize Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles and trauma‑informed care to manage complex behaviors and create a regulated learning atmosphere; lead the development of comprehensive IEPs that balance rigorous academic goals with essential physical and social‑emotional milestones.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Special Education license from the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board.

Desired Experience

• Special education classroom experience in a K-12 school setting.

Desired Knowledge and Skills

• Plan and facilitate Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings.
• Exercise independent and professional judgment in carrying out daily functions.
• Maintain an effective work pace under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Grasp new concepts quickly and apply them effectively.
• Work effectively with others.

Licensing Requirements

Applicants must hold a valid Hawaii teaching license or an Emergency Hire Permit upon hire. If hired without completing a Teacher's Education Program, candidates have a maximum of three years to obtain a valid Hawaii teaching license. Candidates must enroll in a K–12 teacher education program aligned with their teaching line and must demonstrate active pursuit of licensing requirements throughout employment.

Equal Opportunity

The Hawaii State Department of Education does not discriminate in its educational policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability in accordance with Title IX, Title VI, Section 504, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Department does not discriminate in its employment policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sexual orientation, arrest and court record, National Guard participation, and all other protected classes.

Benefits

• Compensation: 10‑month teachers shall be compensated for the applicable Bargaining Unit 05 10‑month salary schedule for the 10‑month work year.
• 18 Days of Paid Sick Leave and State/Federal Holidays: 10‑month teachers receive 18 days of paid sick leave (of which 6 days can be utilized for personal and/or professional development purposes) during the school year provided that all conditions under the respective collective bargaining agreement are met.
• Health Insurance: State pays part of the premiums for enrollment in a state‑sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Adult Dental Plan.
• Group Life Insurance: The state provides a free life insurance policy for employees and retirees.
• Premium Conversion Plan: Employees may increase take‑home pay by having the state deduct health care premium costs before payroll taxes are withheld.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Eligible employees can reduce federal and state income taxes and Social Security taxes through a tax‑saving benefit program.
• Retirement Plan: State contributions to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Eligibility depends on years of credited service and age or service milestones.
• Tax Shelter Annuity (TSA): Eligible employees may participate in a tax‑shelter annuity program, contributing pre‑tax dollars to an employee‑selected investment service provider authorized to provide TSA products.
• Deferred Compensation: A tax‑deferred retirement investment program is offered for voluntary payroll deductions.
• Temporary Disability Insurance: Qualified employees may receive benefits for disability caused by a non‑work‑related injury or illness.
• Social Security: State contributes to employees' Social Security accounts.
• Workers' Compensation: Benefits covering medical expenses and partial wage support are available for injuries sustained on the job.
• Union & Collective Bargaining: 12‑month teachers are represented by the Hawaii State Teachers Association. Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining and representation.