The Special Education Teacher is responsible for providing individualized instruction, specialized academic support, and case management for students with disabilities, ensuring compliance with IDEA and California Education Code. This role involves developing and monitoring IEPs, collaborating with staff and parents, and adapting curriculum to foster an inclusive learning environment.
Requirements summary
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree or higher in Education or a related field and hold a valid California Education Specialist Instruction Credential. A minimum of one year of successful teaching or related experience in special education is required, along with knowledge of relevant compliance laws and strong communication skills.
About Us: California Montessori Project (CMP) is a successful public charter school network based in the greater Sacramento area with an exceptional TK-8 Montessori program that is tuition-free and open to all students. The network serves over 3,000 students on seven campuses. CMP is authorized through, and maintains strong relationships with four school districts: Elk Grove Unified School District, Sacramento City Unified School District, San Juan Unified School District and Buckeye Union School District. CMP teachers are supported in pursuing dual-certification, holding a Montessori certification from an AMS-accredited training center and a California state credential. The CMP Leadership Team, including the Governing Board, Directors, Principals, and Deans, provide stability and focused guidance to the organization. CMP’s commitment to equity and student success is anchored in the frameworks of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), which build sustainable systems and promote whole-child development.
CMP
Mission: The Mission of the California Montessori Project is to provide a quality, tuition-free, TK-8, Montessori education that challenges our students to reach their full potential. Summary/Objective The Special Education Teacher provides individualized instruction, specialized academic support, and case management for students with disabilities. This role ensures compliance with IDEA and California Education Code, while fostering inclusion and collaboration in alignment with CMP’s Montessori philosophy. Special Education Teachers will continuously collaborate with teachers and other professionals to create and sustain an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Essential Functions
Plan and deliver specialized academic instruction aligned with students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Develop, implement, and monitor IEP goals in collaboration with parents, general education teachers, and service providers.
Develops, completes, and maintains all paperwork/documentation mandated by local, state, and federal guidelines, laws, and regulations.
Assess student abilities using formal and informal assessment tools and maintain accurate records of progress.
Provide case management services, including scheduling and facilitating IEP meetings.
Support general education teachers in implementing accommodations, modifications, and differentiated strategies.
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Holidays
Sick Leave
Vacation
Vision Insurance
Medical Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
403(b) Retirement Plan
Mental Health Support
Childcare Support
457 Retirement Plan
Adapt and modify curriculum materials and teaching strategies to create an inclusive learning environment that caters to students across a range of abilities.
Work closely with general education teachers, specialists, therapists, and support staff to facilitate collaborative learning experiences that enhance students' academic, social, and emotional growth.
Collaborate with specialists, paraprofessionals, and administrators to ensure coordinated services.
Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local special education requirements, including timely documentation in SEIS.
Provide instructional and behavioral support that promotes student independence and social-emotional development.
Utilize the Special Education Information System (SEIS) to maintain accurate records, track student progress, and communicate with parents and fellow educators in a seamless and efficient manner.
Engage in professional development and training in Montessori principles, structured literacy, and evidence-based practices.
Communicate effectively with families to support student growth and maintain strong school-home partnerships.
Create a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment that promotes students' independence, self-confidence, and collaboration. Ensure that each student’s needs are met and plans are being followed.
Utilize Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to teach and reinforce expectations. Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) to support students with challenging behaviors, fostering a positive and respectful classroom atmosphere.
Maintain open and regular communication with parents and guardians, sharing student progress, strategies, and fostering a partnership that promotes student success.
Oversee and mentor instructional assistants, ensuring the effective implementation of individualized education plans (IEPs) and fostering an inclusive learning environment tailored to meet the diverse needs of students.
Special education teachers often play a role in providing toileting support to ensure the well-being and comfort of their students. This is an important aspect of caring for students with special needs, particularly those who require assistance due to physical or cognitive disabilities.
Stay updated with best practices in special education, Montessori education, and SEIS usage through ongoing professional development opportunities.
Competencies
Knowledge of IDEA, California Education Code, and special education compliance.
Ability to develop and implement effective instructional and behavioral strategies.
Strong skills in collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.
Strong understanding of diverse learning needs, inclusion strategies, and differentiated instruction. Commitment to inclusive practices and equity for all learners.
Knowledge of child development
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with students, colleagues, parents, and specialists
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Empathy, patience, and a genuine commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment
Supervisory Responsibilities ( if applicable)
May provide guidance and direction to instructional aides assigned to support students with disabilities.
Work Environment
This role often works in classrooms where conditions can vary. This may include exposure to noise, varying levels of student engagement, and the need to adapt to changing circumstances.
Working with students can be emotionally demanding but also incredibly rewarding. Must remain patient, compassionate, and composed, even in challenging situations.
Physical Demands • Mobility
Moving around the classroom, engaging with students, and providing one-on-one assistance. This might include walking, bending, and kneeling.
Assisting
Students: Depending on the disabilities of the students, teachers might need to provide physical assistance with behavior, mobility, transfers, and activities of daily living, such as toileting and feeding.
Lifting: Some students may require lifting or guiding in and out of chairs, mobility devices, or sensory equipment. Teachers need to use proper techniques to avoid strain.
Bending and
Kneeling: When working with young children, Special Education Teachers might need to bend down or kneel to be at the child’s eye level during interactions.
Classroom
Setup: Organizing the classroom, arranging furniture, and setting up materials to accommodate students’ needs and facilitate learning.
Safety Measures • Safety Protocols
Following established safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of all students.
Proper
Techniques: Utilizing appropriate techniques for assisting students with physical disabilities or behavioral challenges to prevent injury to both students and staff.
Health
Considerations: Adhering to health and hygiene standards and being mindful of any allergies or medical conditions that students may have.
Travel Requirements
Minimal travel required; occasional visits between CMP campuses or to central office for meetings.
Required Education and Experience
Must possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Education or a related field
Must hold a valid California Education Specialist Instruction Credential (Mild/Moderate Support Needs, Extensive Support Needs, or equivalent).
Must have a minimum of one year of successful teaching or related experience in special education.
Preferred Education and Experience
Proficiency using the Special Education Information System (SEIS) or similar Special Education Data management system or willingness to learn and adapt to its use
Montessori experience
Compensation and Benefits • Time Off
Sick leave, paid holidays, vacation (as applicable by position),
Retirement: 403(b) and 457 retirement plans through CalSTRS Pension2 according to California state law, California Education code and CMP policy.
Medical,
Dental, and
Vision
Insurance for
Full
Time
Positions: Comprehensive coverage for you and your eligible dependents.
Childcare
Support: Access to free before and after care through Club M for employees with students enrolled at a CMP campus (subject to availability; application fees apply).
Flexible
Spending
Accounts (FSA): Options for health care and dependent care.
Employee
Assistance
Program (EAP): Confidential support for personal or work-related challenges.
Mental
Health
Support: Access to Nivati, a mental health platform offering counseling, coaching, and wellness tools.
AAP/EEO Statement
It is the policy of California Montessori Project to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This policy applies to all employment practices including recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, training, and termination.
Other
Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
How To Apply
CMP is currently accepting applications for a full-time Special Education Teacher. Knowledge of Montessori philosophy and teaching strategies is preferred. Candidates must complete an on-line application. Required documents must be scanned and attached to the application to include all documents listed below:
Certification (Autism certificate or any other specialist certifications are a plus)
Copy of Credential
Credential Document Number
CPR Certification
Letter of Introduction (include campus(es) preference)
Letter(s) of Recommendation (3 recent letters of reference attesting to your professional attributes)
Other (3 professional references, with at least one from someone in a supervisory role)
Resume
Market context
California classroom teachers remain in steady demand
In California, classroom teacher roles often stay competitive because licensed centers look for candidates who can show early childhood classroom leadership, lesson planning, and readiness to meet state compliance steps such as background checks and immunizations. This posting’s requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping you review the role faster and save research time. If you are considering applying, confirm your 12 ECE units and recent classroom experience before submitting.
