Job Description: Special Education Teacher
Job Title: Elementary Special Education Teacher
Organization Overview
Atlas is an intentionally diverse, year-round public elementary school that opened in 2021 for curious, creative, and compassionate kids. Atlas’ mission is to educate the whole child by combining a rigorous academic program with real-world, place-based learning experiences so all students thrive in middle school, high school, and beyond. Atlas’ academic program is designed to spark creative and critical thinking and engage students in challenging work that is connected across multiple disciplines. Students participate in authentic, hands-on experiences that are rooted in the local context of St. Louis. As a result, Atlas students produce beautiful work that is meaningful to them and their community. Our year-round calendar gives students opportunities to participate in unique experiences that aren’t possible with a traditional school calendar. All of this leads to students who are academically exceptional, passionate about learning, and truly prepared to thrive.
Role Overview
Atlas Elementary School is seeking a passionate and dedicated Special Education Teacher to join our team. The Special Education Teacher will be responsible for providing specialized instruction to students in need of intervention and those with disabilities, ensuring all students receive a high-quality education tailored to their individual needs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in special education, a deep commitment to supporting students with diverse learning needs, and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, parents, and other stakeholders. In this role, you are directly collaborating with the Atlas Special Education Team, your partner teachers, and the larger Atlas School team. This position reports to Atlas’ Director of Support Services.
Key Job Functions
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) Development:
- Develop and implement IEPs tailored to meet the unique needs of each student with a disability.
- Collaborate with parents, general education teachers, and other professionals to ensure the IEP goals are appropriate and achievable.
- Monitor and adjust the IEP goals based on student progress and needs.
Instructional Support:
- Provide direct instruction to both students in need of intervention and to students with disabilities, adapting teaching methods and materials to meet individual learning styles.
- Create a supportive learning environment that encourages student engagement and participation.
- Collaborate with general education teachers to modify curriculum and assessments to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
Progress Monitoring and Assessment:
- Regularly assess student progress toward IEP goals, using a variety of assessment tools and methods.
- Analyze assessment data to identify areas where students may need additional support or modification of goals.
- Communicate assessment results to parents, colleagues, and other stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to student learning.
Collaboration and Communication:
- Collaborate with colleagues, including general education teachers, therapists, and counselors, to support student learning and development.
- Communicate regularly with parents and caregivers to provide updates on student progress and to address any concerns or questions.
- Participate in IEP meetings and other team meetings to discuss student progress and make decisions about educational goals and supports.
Professional Development and Compliance:
- Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current on best practices in special education.
- Maintain compliance with state and federal laws and regulations related to special education, including IDEA and ADA.
- Seek out opportunities for professional growth and development to enhance teaching practices and student outcomes.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
- Teaching credential or certification.
- Demonstrate effective teaching methods that engage students and facilitate their understanding.
- Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs and styles of students in the classroom.
- Possess strong classroom management skills to create a positive and conducive learning environment.
- Stay updated on technological advancements and effectively integrate educational technology tools into lessons.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Patience, adaptability, and a genuine passion for teaching.
In order to teach at Atlas Public Schools, you must
- Provide an official transcript demonstrating graduating from an undergraduate institution
- Provide evidence of passing the Elementary Education Multi-Content MEGA test including each of the following subtests:
- 007 Elementary Education: English Language Arts Subtest
- 008 Elementary Education: Mathematics Subtest
- 009 Elementary Education: Science Subtest
- 010 Elementary Education: Social Studies Subtest
- 050 Mild/Moderate Cross Categorical Special Education
- Pass a background check complete Family Care Safety Registry
- Demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States
What we offer you
- Join a community where whole-child education takes center stage, and where place-based learning, integrated studies, and authentic hands-on experiences are at the core of continuous innovation.
- Have opportunities to get out of the box you have been teaching in, implement your ideas, and incorporate new learning methods.
- Earn competitive compensation and health, dental, and vision benefits.
Atlas Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We seek applicants of diverse backgrounds and hire without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you are up for your next challenge and ready to join the Atlas family and embark on this journey with us? If so, please apply by clicking HERE or click the button below.