Special Education Teacher- Elementary

About the role

Persistence Prep, a new K-8 charter school in Buffalo, seeks a Special Education Teacher to join the Scholar Supports Team. The role is full‑time, permanent, with a start date of August 15, 2026. The teacher will oversee pre‑referral and referral processes, collaborate on IEPs/504 plans, co‑teach ELA/Math, and support scholar success toward four‑year college readiness.

Responsibilities

• Create and execute lessons for small groups of students that meet their IEP goals.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to create and execute lessons that support all students, including those with IEPs or 504 plans.
• Assist with the creation, execution, and modification of IEPs and 504 plans.
• Communicate with the District's Committee for Special Education (CSE) as needed.
• Collaborate with the Scholar Supports Coordinator and general education teachers in coordinating schedules, modifications, and accommodations for all students with special needs.
• Assist the Scholar Supports Coordinator in facilitating professional development related to modifications and accommodations for students with special needs.
• Assist in the Response to Intervention (RTI) process and any necessary testing.
• Manage family relationships for students on your caseload receiving special education services.
• Consistently analyze scholar data and engage in self‑reflection on practices.
• Complete all duties, posts, and tasks as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum two years of Special Education teaching experience (urban setting preferred).
• New York State Special Education Certification required (Special Education {9010}, Students with Disabilities Grades 1‑6 {9014}, Students with Disabilities Birth‑Grade 2 {9013}).
• Track record of supporting students with special needs in achieving high levels of academic and behavioral growth.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team, especially with parents and community members.

Skills

• Commitment to uphold and execute upon the mission of Persistence Prep.
• Unwavering, high expectations for all scholars, with a belief that all children deserve access to a college education.
• Clear and effective communication skills for diverse audiences including students, staff, families, and the local community.
• Solutions‑focused style that encourages teamwork and collaboration to support student development.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with classroom teachers.
• Ability to stay organized and effective despite a highly variable daily schedule.
• Persistence in the face of obstacles, productive problem‑solving to counter setbacks, initiative to seize opportunities to make change and solicit feedback.
• Commitment to a results‑driven approach, with strong ability to analyze data and use it to inform decision‑making.
• Ability to reflect on how to improve, self‑awareness of strengths and weaknesses, willingness to take responsibility for actions and mistakes.

Position: Full‑time, Permanent. Start Date: August 15, 2026. Contact: Joelle Formato, Head of School, jformato@persistenceprep.org.