Special Education Teacher

Onward Education is seeking dedicated and compassionate Special Education Teachers to support students with diverse academic, behavioral, developmental, and functional needs. Teachers may work in inclusion, resource room, specialized programs, life skills, behavior support, therapeutic, or transition settings.

The ideal candidate is passionate about creating a supportive, student-centered learning environment and collaborating with educators, families, and related service providers to help students reach their full potential.

Classroom Settings

Inclusion / Co-Taught Classrooms
Students with disabilities learn alongside their general education peers. Special education teachers collaborate with general education teachers to provide accommodations, modifications, and individualized support.

Resource Room
Students receive targeted small-group or individual instruction in areas such as reading, math, writing, or social skills while spending much of their day in general education classrooms.

Specialized Programs / Classrooms
Classrooms designed around specific student needs, such as autism support, behavioral intervention, or developmental disabilities. Instruction is highly individualized and may include sensory supports, adaptive technology, and specialized teaching strategies.

Life Skills Classrooms
Students develop functional academics, daily living, vocational, communication, and independence skills. These programs often support students preparing for greater independence and adulthood.

Behavior Support Classrooms
Structured environments for students whose emotional or behavioral needs impact their ability to learn. Teachers provide behavioral interventions, social-emotional instruction, coping strategies, and individualized supports.

Therapeutic Classrooms
Programs that combine academic instruction with intensive social-emotional and mental health support. Teachers collaborate with school psychologists, social workers, counselors, and other professionals.

Transition Programs
Programs typically serving students ages 18-22 that focus on preparing students for life after high school, including independent living, employment skills, community integration, vocational experiences, and postsecondary planning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement individualized instruction based on IEP goals and student needs.

• Provide accommodations, modifications, and specialized instruction as appropriate.

• Create a structured, supportive, and inclusive classroom environment.

• Monitor student progress and maintain accurate documentation.

• Collaborate with general education teachers, related service providers, administrators, and families.

• Participate in IEP meetings and contribute to the development and implementation of student plans.

• Support students' academic, behavioral, social-emotional, communication, and functional development.

• Use student data to monitor progress and adjust instruction and interventions.

• Promote student independence, self-advocacy, and success across school and community settings.

Qualifications:

• Valid state Special Education teaching license/certification.

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education or a related field.

• Experience working with students with disabilities preferred.

• Strong communication, collaboration, organization, and classroom management skills.

• Ability to individualize instruction and adapt to diverse student needs.

• Commitment to creating a positive, equitable, and student-centered learning environment.