Special Education Teacher

Job Summary

The Special Education Teacher is responsible for providing specialized instruction and case management services for students with disabilities in accordance with federal and state laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Minnesota Rules Chapter 3525. The teacher will serve as both a classroom instructor and an IEP manager, collaborating closely with general education teachers, related service providers, families, and administrators.

Key Responsibilities

The belief that all students can learn and succeed when provided equitable opportunities and effective instruction.

Collaboration and shared accountability among all staff for student outcomes.

Continuous reflection and improvement to enhance student engagement, family partnership, and instructional quality.

Providing a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment where every student feels seen, valued, and supported academically, socially, and emotionally.

Instruction and Service Delivery

Develop and implement individualized and standards-based lesson plans using differentiated instructional strategies to meet diverse learner needs.

Provide direct and indirect special education services in both resource room and co-taught settings.

Adapt and modify curriculum, instruction, and assessments to support student access to the general education curriculum.

Utilize evidence-based instructional methods and data-driven decision-making to improve student outcomes.

IEP and Due Process Management

Serve as the IEP case manager for assigned students, ensuring all timelines and procedural requirements are met in compliance with MDE due process standards.

Develop, write, and maintain compliant IEPs, progress reports, and evaluation documentation in collaboration with the IEP team.

Facilitate and lead IEP meetings, ensuring meaningful parent participation and student involvement when appropriate.

Maintain accurate and confidential student records consistent with FERPA and district policy.

Participate in initial evaluations and re-evaluations, collecting data, administering assessments (when licensed to do so), and contributing to eligibility determinations.

Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

Collaborate with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to ensure implementation of accommodations, modifications, and supports.

Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress, services, and concerns.

Participate in building-level Child Study Teams (CST), staff meetings, and professional learning communities.

Maintain compliance with all district, state, and federal special education policies, procedures, and documentation requirements.

Engage in professional development to maintain licensure and stay current on research-based special education practices.

Qualifications

Valid Minnesota teaching license in one or more areas of Special Education (ABS, EBD, ASD, LD, DCD, etc.) issued by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB).

Knowledge of IDEA, MN Rule 3525, and FAPE/LRE requirements.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, families, and outside agencies.

Strong organizational and communication skills.

Minimum one year of teaching experience preferred (student teaching accepted).

About the School: SPCS is a safe and inclusive learning environment where every student graduates as a resilient, critical thinking, and compassionate learner.