Special Education Teacher SelfContained K5

Job Description

Job Description

Operation Breakthrough’s mission is to help children living in poverty develop to their fullest potential by providing them a safe, loving and educational environment. We also strive to support and empower the children’s families through education, advocacy, emergency aid and referral services.

Position Summary

The K-5 Special Education Teacher provides a safe, nurturing, and highly individualized learning environment for up to five students with disabilities in a self-contained classroom. The teacher is responsible for designing and implementing instruction that meets each student’s academic, developmental, behavioral, social-emotional, and communication needs while supporting students in reaching their fullest potential. The teacher will be supported by OT, PT, and speech therapists.

The ideal candidate is a compassionate, patient, creative, and collaborative educator who believes every child can learn and thrive when provided with the right supports, relationships, and opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or a related field required.
• Valid state teaching certification/licensure in Special Education or eligibility for certification.
• Experience working with K-5 students with disabilities preferred.
• Knowledge of IEP development, differentiated instruction, positive behavior supports, and special education practices.
• Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to maintain a calm, patient, and positive approach when supporting students with complex needs.
• Commitment to creating an equitable, inclusive, and strengths-based learning environment.

Essential Responsibilities

Instruction & Individualized Learning

• Develop and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction based on each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Adapt curriculum, materials, activities, and teaching strategies to meet a wide range of learning abilities and needs.
• Establish clear classroom routines, expectations, and structures that promote safety, independence, learning, and success.
• Provide individualized and small-group instruction based on student needs.
• Use a variety of instructional approaches, including hands-on, visual, sensory, experiential, and technology-supported learning.
• Monitor student progress and adjust instruction and supports based on data and observation.
• Promote communication, independence, problem-solving, self-advocacy, and social-emotional development.

IEP & Student Support

• Develop, implement, and monitor IEP goals in collaboration with families and the educational team.
• Collect and maintain accurate data related to student progress and IEP goals.
• Participate in IEP meetings, evaluations, and other student support meetings.
• Collaborate with related service providers, including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, counselors, and other specialists.
• Implement accommodations, modifications, behavior supports, and other services identified in student plans.
• Maintain accurate and timely student records and documentation.

Classroom Environment & Behavior Support

• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and structured classroom where students feel safe, valued, and capable.
• Use positive behavior supports and trauma-responsive practices to help students develop self-regulation and appropriate social behaviors.
• Identify and respond to individual sensory, communication, behavioral, and emotional needs.
• Teach students appropriate replacement behaviors and strategies for managing emotions and navigating social situations.
• Maintain a classroom environment that promotes dignity, respect, independence, and belonging.

Family & Team Collaboration

• Establish positive, respectful…