The Special Education Teacher is responsible for developing and implementing individualized educational plans to meet the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of students. They must maintain a safe, structured classroom environment while collaborating with staff to foster student growth and progress.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold or be eligible for a valid teaching certificate in the relevant subject area or special education. Experience working with youth in a group setting and the ability to implement behavior management techniques are required.
professional certificateCommunicationTeam collaborationCrisis interventionBehavior managementClassroom managementInstructional designSocial-emotional learningSpecial educationStudent assessmentData record keepingIndividualized education plansBlended learning
Job description
Would you like to work for a non-profit organization where your contributions make a major impact on the lives of children and families?
Elk Hill's private day schools prioritize individual student needs to enhance social and emotional well-being, enabling students to engage effectively with the academic curriculum. At Elk Hill, we believe every child is unique and deserves a secure, caring, and a safe environment to grow and mature. We provide intensive services tailored to students' social, emotional, and academic needs, utilizing specific strategies and tools to foster a sense of well-being. This approach ensures students are ready for blended learning opportunities, including computer-based, small group, and large group settings.
Elk Hill was honored as a 2025 Top Workplace USA and 2025 Richmond Times-Dispatch Top Workplace. These awards are based solely on employee feedback and recognize the great culture that exists at every level of the organization.
If you want to work for a Top Workplace USA and a Richmond Times-Dispatch Top Workplace organization where your decisions can impact youth and families of Central Virginia, then Elk Hill Farm, Inc. is the place for you!
We are an organization that
Is honored as a 2025 Top Workplace USA and 2025 Richmond Times-Dispatch Top Workplace
Is a Top Workplace Meaningfulness Award recipient
Has talented, hardworking employees
Advocates for mental health issues
Offers competitive benefits, pay, and pet insurance for full-time staff
Provides a generous time-off and holiday package
Offers a 401(k) plan with a 5% employer match for full-time staff
Provides tuition assistance
Elk Hill is celebrating 50+ years of supporting youth and families across the Commonwealth of Virginia! Stability. Adaptability. Longevity.
PRIMARY FUNCTION of a Special Education Teacher
To develop and provide a learning experience for each student that is responsive to his unique educational needs and in accordance with the total program goals.
Responsibilities
of a Special Education Teacher:
Develop and implement individualized plans to attain appropriate educational goals for each youth
Benefits
Tuition assistance
401(k) plan
Competitive pay
Pet insurance
Holiday package
Generous time-off
5% employer match
Demonstrate a high level of competence, motivation, and commitment as a total staff member
Implement educational practices and carry out educational responsibilities which enhance the cognitive, social, and emotional growth of students
Provide a classroom environment for dealing with and resolving emotional problems of each youth
Develop and maintain a physical classroom environment conducive to learning
Maintain complete records on the academic progress and achievement of each student
Log interactions of the group
Understand thoroughly the group process and team strategies when interacting with the youth
Build positive, caring relationships with the youth based on respect, trust, and good communication
Work cooperatively with staff to improve the quality of the total program
Be able to accept and give professional feedback regarding total staff members
Work to promote an atmosphere of openness, honesty, and understanding among all staff and other persons associated with Elk Hill Farm
Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth
Qualifications
Valid teaching certificate in subject area taught (or ability to obtain a valid teaching certificate) and/or Special Education pursing Special Education endorsement within two years
Experience working with youth, preferably in a group environment
Good physical health and ability to administer behavior management techniques
Ability to work effectively with other staff
Ability to design and provide educational plans meeting the individualized needs of students
Valid driver's license
Sense of humor
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is at the forefront of what we do at Elk Hill, and we enforce respectful communication and cooperation between all. Elk Hill does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Note
Elk Hill Farm, Inc. reserves the right to change or reassign job duties or combine positions at any time.
Market context
Virginia classroom teacher roles stay competitive
In Virginia, classroom teacher openings are often shaped by local district staffing needs and the demand for candidates who can support student learning and classroom routines. These roles are competitive when applicants bring strong communication skills, youth development experience, and the ability to adapt to school expectations. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform, then confirm the original posting for details such as preferred tennis teaching experience and available training or flexible scheduling.