Special Education Teacher

About the role

Rocketship Special Education Teachers, known as Education Specialists (Mild/Moderate Support Needs), play a critical role in ensuring every student has access to an excellent, inclusive education. Specialists work closely with students, families, general education teachers, and paraprofessionals to provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support aligned to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Responsibilities

• Ensure that all students work toward and achieve the rigorous academic goals outlined in their IEPs, aligned with Common Core standards and Rocketship’s core content; our goal is that each Rocketeer grows at least 1.5 years.
• Provide individualized and small-group instruction, as well as push-in and pull-out support, to ensure students access to grade-level content as outlined in their IEPs.
• Co-teach with general education teachers to model and uphold accommodations, modifications, and meaningful inclusion in the classroom.
• Partner with paraprofessionals to ensure consistent, high-quality support for students across settings.
• Own and manage an IEP caseload aligned with state regulations, ensuring compliance with IDEA and state law.
• Draft and write professional, compliant IEPs; facilitate IEP meetings; and maintain accurate, up-to-date records in the IEP system.
• Collaborate with psychologists and related service providers (e.g., speech, OT) to interpret assessments and ensure students receive appropriate services.
• Communicate with families and team members on IEP goals, accommodations, and student progress.
• Approach behavior with the mindset that all behaviors communicate a need, and partner with students, families, and school staff to develop responsive supports such as Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Apply strategies, including principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), to promote positive student behavior and create supportive learning environments.
• Partner with families through IEP meetings, regular communication, and home visits to ensure transparency and shared ownership of student growth.

Qualifications

• Hold a B.A./B.S. degree from an accredited institution.
• Valid Special Education teaching credential (Mild/Moderate or equivalent) in the state of employment, or eligibility to obtain the appropriate licensure as required by state law.
• Maintain active and in-good-standing credential status throughout employment with Rocketship.
• Hold a valid Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate Support Needs) credential or be eligible for a Provisional Internship Permit (PIP) or Short-Term Staff Permit (STSP), which requires current CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
• At least 2 years of experience working with children in special education, behavioral support, or related settings.
• Background or understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles.
• Knowledge of special education law, IDEA compliance, and effective inclusion practices.

Skills

Growth-oriented, eager to learn from feedback and coaching, and committed to ongoing professional development.

Experienced in supporting diverse learners, with at least 2 years working in special education, behavioral support, or related settings (preferred).

Collaborative and eager to build case management expertise, coordinating services, writing compliant IEPs, and partnering with paraprofessionals, families, and general education teachers.

Experienced in behavior supports, with a background or understanding of basic Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles, and a belief that all student behaviors communicate underlying needs that deserve thoughtful support.

Equity-driven and resilient, committed to meaningful inclusion and closing opportunity gaps for students with disabilities.

Benefits

Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent health and wellness benefits, 403b retirement plan, flexible spending account (FSA), and generous paid time off.

Pay

$71,000 - $83,130 a year

Schedule

N/A