2026-2027 Middle School Special Education ELA Teacher

About the role

A true lover of words, reading, writing, and grammar are what drive you as a Special Education ELA Teacher. You create a healthy and safe space for scholars to engage in classroom discussion, you guide them through the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words and rules of composition. You assign books and essays for students to read and teach them how to identify themes, points of view, and build their skills for interpreting literature. A Special Education ELA Teacher is a cultivator of listening, speaking, and comprehension, and a champion of all our students' voices. Our Middle School uses Wit & Wisdom and Quill for English language arts. These curricula aim to serve as windows and mirrors for our students to help them understand more about the world and themselves.

Coney Island Prep Middle School is a public charter school in Brooklyn that serves 350 students in grades 6–8. We are a high-performing, college prep school that offers hands-on lessons, laptops for every scholar, special education services, and after-school programming. Our responsive and committed teachers support our families every step of the way and we provide free breakfast, lunch, snacks, and school supplies. Rigorous academics, a close-knit community, and high expectations have all been at the heart of Coney Island since 2009.

Commitment to Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice

Coney Island Prep is committed to building a team that collectively reflects the various backgrounds, experiences, and identities of our scholars. We recognize and respond to different points of access, so that everyone maximizes their highest potential. We also recognize that because of institutionalized racism and systemic oppression, historically marginalized groups are at a disadvantage when it comes to most application and hiring processes. We want to ensure that all candidates, regardless of their identity, are able to demonstrate their qualifications and are not limited by a lack of opportunity or access. We are committed to creating a space where everyone's identity is acknowledged, respected, and welcomed. We are intentional about creating an environment where people feel comfortable being their authentic selves at work by constantly examining our organizational culture and challenging our traditions.

Responsibilities

• Internalize standards-aligned curriculum and content and on a daily basis teach academically rigorous and culturally relevant lesson plans, materials, and assessments, and differentiate as needed
• Manage a caseload of students and prepare for their IEP meetings by gathering the required reports and documentation from teachers and families
• Develop and track standards-aligned IEP goals for students with IEPs
• Lead and monitor the progress of Tier 2 interventions for at-risk students
• Plan and implement Tier 1 interventions and internalize standards-aligned curriculum and content
• Co-teach, co-plan, and co-lead classroom instruction
• On a daily basis, teach academically rigorous and culturally relevant lesson plans, materials, and assessments, and differentiate instruction based on IEP mandates and individual student needs
• Communicate effectively with all scholars, their families, and staff
• Commit to a culture of consistently implementing school-wide systems, structures, and procedures
• Eradicate the effects of racism, poverty, and other forms of oppression in our school community by making resources, opportunities, support systems, and classrooms equitable and accessible for all stakeholders
• Analyze and action-plan using instructional and culture data to improve teaching practice and strengthen student outcomes
• Be proactive in creating a positive, structured, results-oriented, and fun learning environment that supports the needs of students with various abilities and experiences
• Participate in school community responsibilities such as lunch duty, dismissal and hallway duties, daily homeroom, bi-weekly advisory groups, weekly content and grade team meetings, whole-staff professional development, lesson internalization and practice, and office hours once a week
• Foster student ownership and engagement that encourages student-led discussions, independent routines, and accountability for high-quality work products that reflect their ideas and experiences
• Demonstrate a reflective and solutions-oriented approach by actively seeking and responding to feedback, maintaining a high level of professional integrity, and collaborating with colleagues and school leaders to continuously strengthen teaching practice and school culture
• Cultivate a structured and supportive classroom community that prioritizes strong relationships, clear expectations, and a student-centered approach to behavior management, ensuring all students feel affirmed, engaged, and motivated to learn

Requirements

• Passion for education and a dedication to Coney Island Prep's mission, beliefs, and values and its commitment to anti-racism
• Steadfast belief that all students can achieve at the highest academic levels and deserve an opportunity to succeed in the college and career of their choice
• Experience with Special Education and working with middle school students required
• Bachelor's degree and NYS teaching certification required; Master's degree in Special Education strongly preferred (we offer $2,000 towards the completion of a Master's degree and NY State certification within two years of employment)
• Passion for and expertise in your content area; experience with intended grade level preferred
• Experience with Google Suite, MacBooks, Chromebooks, and flat panels
• Cultural competencies and a willingness to examine your beliefs and biases across lines of difference
• Culturally responsive and age-appropriate conflict resolution skills
• Proven organizational, oral, and written communication skills; timeliness; accuracy; consistent and regular communication; and ability to meet deadlines for deliverables
• Self-reflective and open to feedback, with the ambition and desire to grow and develop; curiosity and the tendency to ask questions of colleagues in order to learn and improve
• A positive, solution-oriented attitude and drive for excellence
• Eagerness to work collaboratively with your grade teams and coach
• A strong track record of building positive relationships with families, students, and staff, while demonstrating value towards diversity and inclusivity

Benefits and Compensation

• Salary range: $71,250–$97,750 (highly competitive, set through a lens of equity, based on years of lead teaching experience in a K