Vista Del Mar·Los Angeles, California
The Special Education Teacher is responsible for the total operation of a classroom, including instructing students in various subjects and managing behavioral limits. They must document student progress, develop IEPs, and collaborate with clinical staff to support the educational and behavioral needs of children.
GET TO KNOW US For more than a century, Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services (VDM) has been dedicated to supporting children and families across Los Angeles County through high-quality programs and compassionate care.
Our goal is to help children and families build strong foundations that support growth, stability, and meaningful opportunities throughout their lives.
Many of the individuals we serve have faced long-standing challenges, and we are committed to meeting families where they are with respect and understanding.
Vista Del Mar is guided by values centered on growth, opportunity, fairness, and excellence in service.
OUR CULTURE At Vista Del Mar, our work is strengthened by the people we serve and the dedicated staff who support them.
We strive to create an environment where everyone is treated with dignity, care, and respect.
We recognize that personal experiences and life circumstances shape how individuals engage within their communities, and we actively work to reduce barriers while improving access and outcomes for families.
Vista Del Mar is committed to fostering a workplace rooted in care, collaboration, professional growth, and mutual support, where each individual feels welcomed and valued.
We believe meaningful action is the foundation of lasting trust.
We welcome qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences.
Relevant professional and lived experience that supports effective service delivery to children and families is valued.
All employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications, experience, and organizational needs.
MISSION: Vista Del Mar provides a trauma-responsive continuum of services to empower children, youth, and families in Southern California to lead fulfilling lives.
Essential Job Duties (other duties may be assigned): Supervises, protects and cares for children both individually and in groups at all times; Assists each child in working with a group and in handling individual problems; Administers discipline and sets limits for behavior; Documents student progress; identifying the possible need for professional services and communicating such findings to professional staff; Responsible for total operation of one classroom; Supervises and trains the assigned Credentialed 30-Day Substitute Teacher Assistant in the classroom; as well as assist with supervising Adult Assistants assigned to the classroom.
Implements token economy and a level system in classroom; Works one-to-one with students on their assignments; Grades students’ assignments as they are completed; Documents goals and objectives and lesson plan commensurate with all Instructs students in a variety of subjects; Meets with other school personnel and clinical staff members to discuss students’ educational and behavioral progress; Completes and/or supervises completion of the following documents: IEP’s, Incident Reports, LAUSD bi-yearly reports, quarterly summaries, report cards, special contracts, etc.; Attends Treatment Planning Reviews (TPRs) as assigned, and is part of each student’s Treatment Team; Is familiar with the growth, development, and range of treatment needs of adolescents and/or children.
Time management.
Qualifications Required: To perform this job successfully, the applicant must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required; reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Must have a California issued Education Specialist Credential Mild/Moderate with AAAS (Added Autism Authorization), or a California issued Education Specialist Credential Moderate/Severe.
Experience working with emotionally disturbed children and adolescents preferred.
Applicants must hold a California Education Specialist Credential in Mild/Moderate with AAAS or Moderate/Severe. Experience working with emotionally disturbed children and adolescents is preferred.
Market context
Special Education Teacher openings in California are often driven by ongoing district needs for credentialed educators who can support diverse learners in inclusive settings. These roles are competitive because a valid California Education Specialist Credential and experience in Mod/Severe or ESN classrooms can set candidates apart. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then tailor your application to highlight classroom experience, student-centered practice, and credential status.