Posted 2 months ago

Special Education Teacher: Mild/Moderate

San JoseOn-siteFull-time

AI Summary

Special Education Teacher (Education Specialist, Mild/Moderate Support Needs) at a public charter school network. Plans and delivers individualized instruction, co-teaches, manages IEP caseloads, ensures IDEA compliance, and applies behavior supports including ABA strategies.

About this role

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. Our non-profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents who enable high-quality public schools to thrive in their community. We are a collective of parents, teachers, leaders, and students working together to transform the future for underserved communities across our country. At Rocketship Public Schools, we are unleashing potential.

Position Description

Rocketship Special Education Teachers, known as Education Specialists (Mild/Moderate Support Needs), play a critical role in ensuring every student has access to an excellent, inclusive education. Specialists work closely with students, families, general education teachers, and paraprofessionals to provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support aligned to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

At Rocketship, we believe in the power of inclusive education. Our model ensures that students with disabilities learn alongside their peers in the general education setting whenever possible. Education Specialists co-teach, collaborate with general educators, and partner with paraprofessionals to uphold accommodations and modifications, creating classrooms where all students thrive together.

Education Specialists manage a caseload at a single school, providing small-group, push-in, and pull-out instruction while ensuring compliance with IDEA and state law. They are supported through weekly coaching from school leaders and additional coaching from a Special Education Program Specialist, ensuring strong professional growth and alignment to best practices.

Behavior support is also central to the role. Specialists partner with families and staff to implement Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), applying strategies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to create safe and supportive learning environments.

Education Specialists report to their Principal or an Assistant Principal.

Our Ideal Candidate

Growth-oriented, eager to learn from feedback and coaching, and committed to ongoing professional development

Experienced in supporting diverse learners, with at least 2 years working in special education, behavioral support, or related settings (preferred)

Collaborative and eager to build case management expertise, coordinating services, writing compliant IEPs, and partnering with paraprofessionals, families, and general education teachers

Experienced in behavior supports, with a background or understanding of basic Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles, and a belief that all student behaviors communicate underlying needs that deserve thoughtful support

Equity-driven and resilient, committed to meaningful inclusion and closing opportunity gaps for students with disabilities

Essential Functions

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to:

Instruction & Inclusion

Ensure that all students work toward and achieve the rigorous academic goals outlined in their IEPs, aligned with Common Core standards and Rocketship’s core content; our goal is that each Rocketeer grows at least 1.5 years

Provide individualized and small-group instruction, as well as push-in and pull-out support, to ensure students access to grade-level content as outlined in their IEPs

Co-teach with general education teachers to model and uphold accommodations, modifications, and meaningful inclusion in the classroom

Partner with paraprofessionals to ensure consistent, high-quality support for students across settings

Case Management & Compliance

Own and manage an IEP caseload aligned with state regulations, ensuring compliance with IDEA and state law

Draft and write professional, compliant IEPs; facilitate IEP meetings; and maintain accurate, up-to-date records in the IEP system

Collaborate with psychologists and related service providers (e.g., speech, OT) to interpret assessments and ensure students receive appropriate services

Communicate with families and team members on IEP goals, accommodations, and student progress

Behavior & Family Partnership

Approach behavior with the mindset that all behaviors communicate a need, and partner with students, families, and school staff to develop responsive supports such as Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)

Apply strategies, including principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), to promote positive student behavior and create supportive learning environments

Partner with families through IEP meetings, regular communication, and home visits to ensure transparency and shared ownership of student growth

Rocketship Professional Culture

Engage fully in weekly coaching, including real-time classroom coaching in the moment, and ongoing professional development to strengthen instructional and case management practices

Act with urgency and courage in the best interests of students, even when tackling new or unfamiliar challenges

Engage in self-reflection, taking ownership of outcomes and learning from both positive and challenging experiences

Collaborate effectively with general educators, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to ensure meaningful inclusion and consistent support for students

Collaborate with general educators to engage families and school communities through IEP meetings, parent conferences, staff meetings, and trainings

Communicate openly and proactively with families, contributing to a culture of trust and partnership

Uphold the highest standards of compliance with IDEA and state law, ensuring that all IEPs and services meet both legal and instructional expectations

Contribute to a positive, team-oriented staff culture where collaboration ensures every student has access to an excellent education

Are recognized and rewarded for excellence, including eligibility for performance-based pay tied to student growth and impact

Required Qualifications

Hold a B.A./B.S. degree from an accredited institution

Valid Special Education teaching credential (Mild/Moderate or equivalent) in the state of employment, or eligibility to obtain the appropriate licensure as required by state law

Must maintain active and in-good-standing credential status throughout employment with Rocketship

Hold a valid Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate Support Needs) credential or be eligible for a Provisional Internship Permit (PIP) or Short-Term Staff Permit (STSP), which requires current CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross. CPR certification must be active or candidate must be willing to complete CPR certification prior to start date at Rocketship.

Preferred Qualifications

At least 2 years of experience working with children in special education, behavioral support, or related settings

Background or understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles

Knowledge of special education law, IDEA compliance, and effective inclusion practices

Skills

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)Case ManagementCo-teachingCPR CertificationData Collection And Progress MonitoringIDEAIEP Development And ComplianceLesson Planning

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