Special Education Teacher: Mod/Severe

At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential. We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential and it is our responsibility and our privilege to unleash the potential inside every Rocketeer we serve.

Rocketship Special Education Teachers, known as Education Specialists (Moderate/Severe Support Needs), play a critical role in ensuring every student has access to an excellent education. Specialists serve students with significant support needs, including those with intellectual disabilities, autism, multiple disabilities, and communication or behavioral challenges.

Responsibilities

Instruction & Inclusion

• Ensure that all students work toward and achieve the rigorous academic and functional goals outlined in their IEPs;
• Deliver a combination of academic instruction, functional/adaptive skills, and communication supports (including augmentative and alternative communication systems), using STAR curriculum aligned with Common Core Standards;
• Provide individualized and small-group instruction, as well as push-in and pull-out support, balancing specialized settings with opportunities for meaningful inclusion in general education classrooms;
• Lead and coach paraprofessionals to ensure consistent, high-quality implementation of accommodations, modifications, and individualized supports.

Case Management & Compliance

• Own and manage an IEP caseload aligned with state regulations, ensuring compliance with IDEA and state law;
• Draft and write professional IEPs, facilitate IEP meetings, and ensure both the online system and school-based files are compliant and accurately reflect each Rocketeer’s Individualized Education Program;
• Collaborate with psychologists and related service providers (e.g., speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy) for evaluations and, when needed, administer academic assessments.

Behavior & Family Partnership

• Approach behavior with the mindset that all behaviors communicate a need, and develop responsive supports in partnership with students, families, and school staff;
• Implement and oversee Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), ensuring paraprofessionals and teachers apply strategies consistently;
• Apply intensive behavior support practices, including principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and crisis intervention techniques, to maintain safe and supportive learning environments.

Requirements

• Hold a B.A./B.S. degree from an accredited institution;
• Hold a valid Moderate/Severe Support Needs credential, or be eligible for a Provisional Internship Permit (PIP) or Short-Term Staff Permit (STSP);
• Must maintain active and in-good-standing credential status throughout employment with Rocketship.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience working with children in special education, behavioral support, or related settings;
• Experience leading or coaching paraprofessionals;
• Background or understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles;
• Knowledge of special education law, IDEA compliance, and effective inclusion practices.