Special Education Teacher [2026-2027]

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide direct instruction to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in both inclusive and resource settings.
• Develop and implement lesson plans that accommodate the diverse needs of students with disabilities, ensuring access to the general education curriculum.
• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies, assistive technology, and accommodations to meet the individual needs of students.
• Continuously assess and monitor student progress through formal and informal methods, adjusting instruction as necessary to promote growth and success.
• Develop, implement, and revise Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in compliance with IDEA, state, and district regulations.
• Collaborate with parents, general education teachers, and related service providers to create IEP goals, accommodations, and modifications.
• Lead IEP meetings, ensuring that all team members (including parents) are involved in the decision-making process.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation on IEP progress, services provided, and compliance with legal requirements.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to co-plan and co-teach lessons, ensuring that students with disabilities are included in the general education classroom to the maximum extent possible.
• Serve as a resource to general education teachers, providing strategies, accommodations, and modifications to support students with disabilities in the classroom.
• Work closely with school administrators, counselors, and related service providers (e.g., speech therapists, occupational therapists) to ensure students receive necessary supports and services.
• Provide professional development to school staff on special education best practices, behavior interventions, and inclusive strategies.
• Develop and implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) for students with behavioral needs, in collaboration with the school counselor and other staff.
• Teach and model social-emotional learning strategies to help students develop self-regulation, interpersonal skills, and resilience.
• Work with the school’s emotional intelligence framework to support students’ emotional well-being and help them overcome barriers to learning.
• Use data from a variety of sources (e.g., assessments, progress monitoring, classroom performance) to drive instruction and monitor the progress of students with disabilities.
• Participate in the development and implementation of Response to Intervention (RTI) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) processes for students who require additional academic or behavioral interventions.
• Maintain detailed and organized records of student progress, behavior, and performance as required by federal and state regulations.
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding student progress, IEP goals, and any concerns or updates.
• Partner with families to ensure they understand the IEP process and their rights, and actively engage them in supporting their child’s education at home.
• Provide parents with resources and strategies to support their child’s academic, social, and behavioral needs.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Certification: Valid Arkansas teaching license with Special Education endorsement.
• Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience working with students with disabilities in a school setting, with a focus on K-8 preferred. Experience in developing and implementing IEPs, as well as co-teaching and inclusion strategies. Experience working with diverse student populations, particularly in urban or underserved settings, is a plus.
• Skills: Deep understanding of IDEA, 504 Plans, and other special education laws and compliance. Proficiency in developing and using data-driven interventions for academic and behavioral support. Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills. Ability to create an inclusive, supportive, and structured learning environment. Familiarity with assistive technology and accommodations for students with disabilities.