Special Education Teacher - ELA

Starting salary: $47,500/year and up, based on experience. Environment: Special Education Program, Middle School. Teaching specialty: English Language Arts, Self-Contained. Availability: 2026–2027 school year.

About the role

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is seeking a Special Education Teacher to join our team for the 2026-2027 school year. In this role, you will lead the instructional process for middle school students 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 effectively respond to and 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 that align with curriculum standards and individual student objectives.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and welcoming classroom environment, managing supplies, furniture, and resources effectively according to established procedures.
• Stay informed on current research-based instructional practices, trends, and developments in special education and subject-specific areas to continually enhance teaching effectiveness.
• 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.
• Currently licensed or in the process of obtaining a valid FL state teaching credential.
• Currently licensed or in the process of obtaining a special education instruction credential.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company-approved crisis management training.
• Prior experience teaching ELA at a middle school grade level, preferably in an alternative, special education, and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Prior experience with curriculum development, lesson planning, differentiated instruction, and working with students with individualized education plans (IEPs).
• 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.
• 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
• 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