Special Education Teacher

Starting salary: $71,000 - $75,000 per year based on experience.

About the role

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a Special Education Teacher to join our award-winning team. This role involves leading the instructional process for students in Grades K-12 with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), designing dynamic and personalized learning experiences within the learning center and/or classroom. You will deliver targeted instruction, utilize innovative curriculum resources, integrate educational software, and create comprehensive lesson plans tailored to the diverse physical, emotional, and educational needs of each student, in alignment with state and school standards.

Responsibilities

• Create an inclusive, collaborative environment that actively involves students, parents, colleagues, and administrators in the educational process.
• Establish a classroom climate built on mutual respect, fairness, and clear expectations, emphasizing social development, personal accountability, and positive group interactions by modeling Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
• Implement and consistently reinforce school-wide and classroom-specific PBIS strategies, behavior expectations, reward systems, and appropriate consequences.
• Track and document student progress, maintain accurate student files, and generate comprehensive reports detailing student achievements and activities.
• Deliver differentiated and targeted instruction individually or collaboratively in a co-teaching environment to effectively meet IEP-specified educational goals.
• Adapt and modify curricular content and instructional approaches to accommodate diverse learning styles and capabilities, providing guidance to instructional staff on differentiation methods.
• Utilize varied and engaging instructional methods, resources, and educational software to support diverse student needs and interests.
• Manage student caseload responsibilities, including developing, updating, and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs), goals, and interventions.
• Prepare detailed daily lesson plans and organize instructional materials aligned with curriculum standards and individual student objectives.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and welcoming classroom environment, managing supplies, furniture, and resources effectively.
• Stay informed on current research-based instructional practices, trends, and developments in special education and subject-specific areas.
• Respond openly and constructively to feedback from formal evaluations and informal observations, actively pursuing ongoing professional growth.
• Support the school community by performing additional duties as assigned, contributing positively to the overall success of the educational program.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in education, special education, or a closely related field of study.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a CA state education specialist instruction (Mild-Moderate) credential.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company-approved crisis management training.
• Prior experience working with curriculum development, differentiation, and instruction; preferably in an alternative, special education, and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and/or other related disabilities.
• Prior experience and/or highly knowledgeable in working with students with individualized education plans (IEPs).
• Proven success in developing and implementing effective education plans for students with diverse needs.
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making ability.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
• Knowledge of relevant technology, including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry, and basic office equipment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
• Annual Education Stipend - $2,000
• Free Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
• Free Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
• Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Company-Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Personal Protection Insurance Plans
• Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
• Legal Services Insurance
• Pet Health Insurance
• Accrual-based Paid Time Off
• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
• Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
• 401k Retirement Savings Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development