Special Education Teacher - Developmental Learning Center; DLC)

Special Education Teacher

The Development Learning Center (similar to a Self-Contained structure) Special Education Teacher provides intensive, individualized instruction and comprehensive case management for students with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral challenges, and/or complex support needs. This role requires deep instructional expertise, exceptional classroom management, and strong leadership of paraprofessionals. The teacher develops and implements Specially Designed Instruction (SDI), oversees behavioral and safety systems, builds structured routines, and ensures full compliance with state and federal requirements.

Essential Functions:

• Design, deliver, and adjust SDI aligned with IEP goals using evidence-based methodologies such as structured teaching, direct instruction, task analysis, prompting hierarchies, and visual supports.
• Integrate accommodations, modifications, assistive technology, and AAC systems to maximize student access and engagement.
• Differentiate instruction for students with significant cognitive, behavioral, adaptive, communication, and medical needs.
• Implement functional academics, communication instruction, social skills training, and independent living skills.
• Provide instruction that supports generalization of skills across routines, environments, and community contexts.
• Maintain a predictable and supportive environment that fosters student independence and self-regulation.
• Establish a highly structured, therapeutic classroom environment built on consistent routines, proactive expectations, and positive behavior supports.
• Implement PBIS, functional behavioral assessments (FBAs), and individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) with fidelity.
• Supervise and assist students with activities of daily living, including but not limited to toileting, feeding, hygiene, and mobility
• Apply evidence-based strategies for autism, emotional/behavioral disabilities, and medically complex student profiles.
• Maintain safety protocols, crisis-prevention strategies, and emergency response procedures.
• Provide clear direction, modeling, and daily communication to paraprofessionals; ensure consistent implementation of instructional, behavior-support procedures, data collection, regulation strategies, student engagement and supervision systems.
• Assign staff roles, monitor coverage, oversee transitions, and maintain predictable classroom operations.
• Build a collaborative, supportive, student-centered team culture that prioritizes safety, dignity, and growth.
• Deliver ongoing coaching and support to staff in instructional strategies, AAC use, social-emotional approaches, and data collection.
• Conduct ongoing assessment of student progress; collect, analyze, and interpret data to guide instruction and document meaningful growth including providing required progress reports.
• Develop high-quality, legally compliant IEPs with measurable goals and accurate present levels; ensure adherence to timelines and procedural safeguards.
• Maintain thorough records of instruction, behavior data, progress monitoring, accommodations, and parent communication.
• Act as case manager for the IEP including monitoring the implementation of IEP, Lead IEP meetings and collaborate with families and teams to design appropriate goals, services, and supports.
• Use data to inform instructional changes, program design, and team decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with related service providers, general education teachers, behavior teams, nurses, and building administrators to support student programming.
• Maintain proactive, professional, and clear communication with parents—even in challenging situations.
• Coordinate supports for transitions, inclusive opportunities, and community-based instruction.
• Participate in MTSS processes, safety planning, crisis response teams, and building-level problem-solving.
• Promote collaborative practices that honor family culture, values, and needs.
• Take full responsibility for the integrity and effectiveness of the classroom program, including maintaining consistent systems, ensuring high-quality instruction, holding team members accountable to expectations, and proactively…