Heartspring Inc
Location
Wichita, Kansas
Salary
$57,540 - $92,834 / YEAR
The Special Education Teacher develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with autism and developmental disabilities. They provide tailored instruction and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to foster academic and functional growth.
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Special Education and a current Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) teaching license. A Master's degree and certifications in CPR/First Aid or CPI are preferred.
Description Special Education Teacher Under new leadership and advancing bold strategic goals, this is an exciting time to join Heartspring. We're investing in our educational programs, expanding opportunities for students with autism and developmental disabilities, and creating a collaborative culture where educators are empowered to make a lasting impact. If you're passionate about helping students reach their full potential, we'd love to have you on our team.
Current Kansas Special Education teaching license (KSDE) The Position The Special Education Teacher provides individualized instruction and educational programming for students with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and complex behavioral needs. Working alongside an interdisciplinary team, the Special Education Teacher develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), fosters academic and functional growth, and creates a structured, supportive classroom where every student can succeed.
Special Education Instruction & Classroom Leadership Develop, implement, and monitor individualized education programs (IEPs) Deliver evidence-based instruction tailored to each student's academic, behavioral, communication, and functional needs Create structured classroom environments that promote learning, independence, and student engagement Utilize positive behavior supports and classroom management strategies to encourage student success Adapt lesson plans and instructional approaches based on student progress and data Student Development & Behavioral Support Assess student performance and monitor progress toward educational goals Promote communication, social skills, emotional regulation, daily living skills, and functional independence Collaborate with behavior specialists and related service providers to support students with complex learning and behavioral needs Reinforce positive behaviors while maintaining a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment Family & Interdisciplinary Collaboration Partner with families to communicate student progress and educational goals Collaborate with speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, nurses, and educational staff to support student success Participate in IEP meetings and multidisciplinary team discussions Documentation & Compliance Maintain accurate educational records, progress reports, and documentation Ensure compliance with Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) regulations, IDEA requirements, and Heartspring policies Complete required reports and documentation in a timely manner Professional Growth & Leadership Participate in professional development and continuing education opportunities Mentor and provide guidance to classroom support staff Contribute to a collaborative, positive, and mission-driven educational environment
Required Bachelor's degree in Special Education or a related field Current Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) Special Education teaching license Valid Kansas driver's license Preferred Master's degree in Special Education or a related field Experience working with students with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or emotional and behavioral disorders CPR/First Aid Certification CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) Certification Strong classroom management, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills Passion for helping children learn, grow, and achieve greater independence The Benefits Competitive compensation Comprehensive benefits package Generous paid time off School calendar schedule with work-life balance Continuing education and professional development opportunities Career growth and advancement pathways Collaborative interdisciplinary team Supportive leadership committed to employee success Meaningful work that changes children's lives every day Physical Requirements: Lifting: Up to 30 lbs. frequently; 50 lbs. rarely Carrying: 10-15 lbs. frequently; 50 lbs. seldom Sitting/Standing/Walking: sit rarely; stand constantly; walk frequently Climbing: rarely Bending/Twisting/Kneeling/Reaching: frequently Reaching: frequently Pushing/Pulling: 10-15 lbs. occasionally; 50 lbs. rarely Dexterity: constant hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity Stamina/Endurance: mild exertion frequently; heavy exertion occasionally Vision/Hearing: constant ability to see clearly and hear instructions or warnings Mind-Body Connection: frequent awareness of body positioning and task execution Work Environment: Environment: Indoor and outdoor work environments Safety Compliance & PPE Requirements: Adherence to safety protocols and protective gear use constantly. Mandatory use of Heartspring standard PPE, with additional protective gear (e.g., gloves, helmets, arm guards, leg guards) provided as needed. Physical Interactions & Exposure Risks: Frequent exposure to physical interactions from clients, including slapping, hitting, punching, kicking, head-butting, and biting. Potential exposure to infectious diseases, parasites, bodily fluids, and blood-borne pathogens in a school and residential care setting. Join Heartspring and become part of a team that's transforming the future for children with special needs through exceptional education, compassion, and innovation.
Market context
In Kansas, classroom teacher openings are often shaped by district staffing needs, licensure requirements, and school-year hiring cycles, with candidates competing on subject fit, classroom experience, and certification status. This role is competitive because schools typically look for educators who can manage instruction, student support, and compliance with district expectations; in this posting, the requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description to save you research time. Before applying, confirm your credentials align with the listed qualifications and be ready to show relevant teaching or instructional experience.
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