Area 1 Elementary School_Lead Teacher Special Education (Woodward ES) 2026-2027

About the Role

Plans and delivers educational instruction to diverse learners, including those with special needs, in line with state and district standards. Creates a safe, engaging learning environment that promotes academic success, physical fitness, and life skills for global citizenship. Performs work independently under moderate supervision.

Responsibilities

• Teaches grade-relevant, subject matter-specific, and mandated curriculum.
• Develops and implements lesson plans and activities through in-person and virtual learning to fulfill the district's curriculum program.
• Communicates with district personnel, students, and/or parents via phone, email, or video conferencing during regular working hours.
• Creates an in-person and virtual classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for students' physical, social, and emotional development.
• Uses internet and web-based technology to provide instruction and collaborate with students.
• Assesses, documents, and prepares reports on achievement progress, grade and classroom performance, assessments, and attendance.
• Supervises and manages student behavior in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
• Participates in student development and achievement-related conferences with parents, students, counselors, teachers, principal, and/or administrators.
• Performs general instruction duties such as ordering materials, attending meetings, and participating in professional learning sessions/training.
• Directs the work of paraprofessionals or instructional aides, as needed.
• Maintains prompt and regular work attendance.

Special Education Teacher Additional Requirements

• Identifies educational needs and provides instruction to students with varying exceptionalities.
• Instructs students based on needs outlined in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs); assesses, monitors, and reports student progress.
• Serves as the case manager for students with disabilities (e.g., prepares and maintains relevant paperwork, schedules, and facilitates IEP meetings).
• Follows the Georgia professional code of educator ethics in all work-related activities.
• Meets the unique needs of students with severe disabilities, including lifting, positioning, feeding, and toileting as appropriate.
• Provides specially designed instruction (SDI) aligned to state standards and individualized student needs.
• Develops and implements standards-based lessons with appropriate SDI and accommodations noted.
• Differentiates instruction to address academic, behavioral, and functional skill needs.
• Develops, writes, and revises IEPs in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Implements IEP services and ensures accommodations are provided.
• Collects and analyzes student data to monitor progress toward IEP goals.
• Provides timely progress reports to parents.
• Collaborates with general education teachers.
• Develops and implements Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Creates a structured and supportive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a Georgia Professional Standards Commission-approved accredited college or university in the relevant educational field is required.
• Valid Professional Standards Commission-approved teaching certificate in the appropriate educational field is required.

Special Education Teacher Qualifications

• Special education teachers who issue grades must hold appropriate certification in service (e.g., special education, adaptive curriculum, and/or special education general curriculum).
• Content certification areas and the educator's teaching assignment must align with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission-approved teaching certificate.

Additional Qualifications for ESOL & Gifted, CTAE

• ESOL & Gifted: Valid Georgia Professional Standards Commission-approved subject-specific endorsements required.
• Career Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE):
  • Minimum education requirements based on CTAE Specializations.
  • Must pass the GACE Education Ethics Assessment.
  • Minimum two (2) years of verifiable industrial work experience.
  • Industry licensure required.

Salary Grade/Schedule: E