Essential Elements Teacher (Special Education Teacher)

About the role

Logan River Academy is seeking a compassionate, dedicated, and highly qualified Essential Elements Teacher to join our team. This position provides specialized instruction to students with significant cognitive disabilities using Utah's Essential Elements Standards while supporting students with complex behavioral, emotional, and mental health needs. The Essential Elements Teacher develops meaningful, individualized educational experiences that promote academic growth, functional life skills, communication, independence, and successful transition planning. This role works collaboratively with therapists, residential staff, parents, and other educators to provide consistent, trauma-informed instruction within a therapeutic environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality instruction aligned with Utah Essential Elements Standards.
• Develop and implement individualized lesson plans that meet each student's academic, functional, behavioral, and transition needs.
• Maintain compliance with all IEPs, accommodations, modifications, and progress monitoring requirements.
• Collect and analyze student data to guide instructional decisions and document student progress.
• Collaborate with therapists, case managers, residential staff, related service providers, and families to ensure consistency across educational and treatment settings.
• Utilize evidence-based instructional strategies, assistive technology, visual supports, and differentiated instruction.
• Create and maintain a structured, predictable, and trauma-informed classroom environment.
• Implement positive behavior supports and approved behavior intervention plans (BIPs).
• Supervise and collaborate with Teacher Aides to ensure effective implementation of instructional and behavioral programming.
• Participate in IEP meetings, treatment team meetings, parent conferences, and professional development.
• Maintain accurate educational records and complete required documentation in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with Utah State Board of Education regulations, IDEA, FERPA, and school policies.
• Foster student independence, self-advocacy, communication, social skills, and daily living skills.
• Support students in preparing for post-secondary opportunities, vocational experiences, and community integration when appropriate.

Requirements

• Current Utah Professional Educator License issued by the Utah State Board of Education.
• Special Education teaching endorsement or license appropriate for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Utah Essential Elements Standards and alternate assessment requirements.
• Experience developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Strong classroom management and behavior intervention skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a Residential Treatment Center (RTC), therapeutic school, behavioral health setting, or alternative education program.
• Experience teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disabilities, Emotional Disabilities, and other complex learning needs.

Skills

• Knowledge of special education law, IDEA, and Utah Special Education Rules.
• Understanding of trauma-informed educational practices.
• Ability to teach students with diverse cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and communication needs.
• Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional during behavioral crises.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout the school campus and residential treatment environment.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift up to 30 pounds, and assist students when necessary.
• Ability to safely participate in approved crisis intervention procedures when required.
• Ability to supervise students in classrooms, community settings, and school activities.