The Special Education Teacher will provide tailored instruction and support to students with diverse learning needs, creating and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs). The role involves collaborating with colleagues and fostering an inclusive classroom environment.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Special Education or a related field, along with a valid Louisiana teaching certification in Special Education. Experience working with elementary-level students with diverse learning needs is strongly preferred.
The vision of the NOLA Public Schools is that every student receives a high-quality education that fosters their individual capabilities, while ensuring that they thrive, achieve physical and mental wellness, and are prepared for civic, social, and economic success.
Position Summary
The Special Education Elementary Teacher, you will be instrumental in providing tailored instruction and support to students with diverse learning needs. Your role involves creating and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs), collaborating with colleagues, and fostering an inclusive and supportive classroom environment. This position requires a deep understanding of special education principles, effective teaching strategies, and a commitment to meeting the unique needs of each student.
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Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Plans and develops an engaging, age-appropriate course of study in the classroom, adhering to educational best practices and state and school district curriculum guidelines;
Develops individual lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using a variety of teaching techniques that appeal to various learning styles and methods; Adjust lesson plans to meet the needs of students in the classroom;
Prepares materials for lessons, assignments, and tests; evaluates, corrects, and grades student performance;
Creates an environment that is conducive to learning and enhances students’ educational experience;
Analyzes data from assessments and benchmark testing to drive instruction;
Communicates timely feedback on students’ progress and concerns with tact and professionalism to parents and, as appropriate, other faculty, staff, and/or principal;
Effectively manage student behavior and address disciplinary issues when necessary;
Builds and maintains positive relationships with parents;
Work collaboratively with other teachers, support staff, and administrators;
Participate in team meetings and professional development activities to stay updated on best practices and educational trends;
Maintains required paperwork for individual student files, attendance and incident reports, and other necessary records;
Incorporate educational technology into lessons to enhance learning experiences;
Monitors students’ progress throughout the year and evaluates next grade level preparedness;
Differentiate instruction to address the diverse learning needs of students;
Provide additional support or challenges for students as needed;
Guide the learning process of students in the classroom toward the achievement of curriculum goals set by the district and/or appropriate federal guidelines;
Achieve those objectives/activities included in the Professional Growth Plan developed jointly with the principal or school administration as part of the accountability process mandated by the State Legislature; and
Performs such other duties as may be required.
SPED specific responsibilities
Tailors lesson plans to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities within the classroom
Implements adaptive materials and technologies to enhance student engagement and understanding
Works closely with general education teachers, support staff, and specialists to create a collaborative and inclusive learning environment
Attends and actively participates in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and other collaborative sessions
Tracks and documents student progress in alignment with IEP goals
Communicates regularly with parents or guardians to share updates on student performance and discuss strategies for support at home
Implements effective behavior management strategies to create a positive and supportive classroom environment
Collaborates with support staff and specialists to address behavioral challenges
Identifies and utilizes appropriate adapted materials, resources, and assistive technologies to meet the diverse needs of students
Ensures accessibility and accommodation for all learners
Stays informed about current trends, research, and best practices in special education
Participates in professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills and knowledge
Fosters positive relationships with parents, providing support and guidance regarding their child's education
Collaborates with community resources to enhance support services for students with special needs
Educational Background
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Special Education or a related field
Valid Louisiana teaching certification in Special Education required;
Teaching experience strongly preferred
Experience working with elementary-level students with diverse learning needs
Other Knowledge, Skills or Abilities Required
Thorough understanding of pedagogy and the best practices of education;
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
Strong classroom management skills;
Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills;
Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, and outside agencies;
Strong understanding of special education laws, regulations, and best practices.
Our salary offers reflect a commitment to equity and transparency. Each offer is determined by education, years of experience, and alignment with compensation across similar roles within the district.
Work Environment
Listed below are key points regarding environmental demands and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Required to use motor coordination with finger dexterity (such as keyboarding, machine operation, etc.) part of the workday;
Required to exert physical effort in handling objects more than 30 pounds rarely;
Required to be exposed to physical occupational risks (such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals) rarely;
Required to be exposed to physical environment which involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes or similar elements rarely;
Normal setting for this job is an office/school setting.
Performance Evaluation
The employee will be evaluated based on the above position using either two methods: via COMPASS/LEADS or a NOLA-PS evaluating instrument. If the employee holds an Educational Leadership certification, he/she will be evaluated via COMPASS/LEADS to ensure renewal of certification.
EEOC Statement
NOLA Public Schools is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, lawful alien status, national origin, age, marital status, and non-job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.
Market context
Louisiana classroom teacher market snapshot
Louisiana classroom teacher roles are often shaped by steady school staffing needs, especially for candidates who can support multilingual classrooms and student engagement. These positions can be competitive because employers may prefer a bachelor’s degree in education while still requiring school-based experience and bilingual English-French proficiency. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform against the original posting, and confirm your school experience and language skills before applying.
