2026-2027 Special Education Teacher (Open Pool)

About the role

Job goal: To provide high-quality specially designed instruction that enables students with disabilities to achieve academic growth, meet IEP goals, and access grade-level curriculum while ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and district special education requirements.

Supervises: Teacher assistants where applicable. Reports to: Principal and Director of Exceptional Children and Health Services.

Responsibilities

• Provides high-quality, standards-based instruction aligned to state standards and individual student IEPs.
• Maintains high expectations for student achievement and demonstrates measurable student growth toward academic and IEP goals.
• Utilizes research-based instructional strategies, accommodations, modifications, and interventions to support student success.
• Monitors student progress regularly, analyzes data, and adjusts instruction to improve outcomes.
• Collaborates with general education teachers to ensure students have access to grade-level curriculum and quality Tier I instruction.
• Develops, implements, and monitors IEPs in accordance with federal, state, and district requirements.
• Ensures all evaluations, IEPs, progress reports, service logs, and special education documentation are accurate, complete, and submitted within required timelines.
• Implements and documents accommodations, modifications, and related services as required by student IEPs.
• Participates in eligibility, reevaluation, manifestation determination, and IEP meetings.
• Communicates regularly with parents regarding student progress, services, and educational needs.
• Collaborates with administrators, related service providers, counselors, case managers, and other staff to support student success.
• Maintains compliance with IDEA, Mississippi Department of Education regulations, district policies, and special education procedures.
• Participates in professional learning, PLCs, data meetings, and instructional improvement activities.
• Maintains a safe, structured, and positive learning environment that supports student engagement and appropriate behavior.
• Adapts curriculum and instructional strategies to support success and progress in the general education curriculum setting.
• Demonstrates prompt and regular attendance.
• Supports the Hattiesburg Public School District Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan.
• Maintains confidentiality of student records and information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Valid Mississippi Educator License with appropriate Special Education endorsement.
• Demonstrated knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and Mississippi Special Education Regulations.
• Knowledge of evidence-based instructional practices and intervention strategies.
• Ability to develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Ability to collaborate effectively with general education teachers, related service providers, administrators, and parents.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and meet compliance timelines.