Special Education Teacher (Self-Contained K-5

Operation Breakthrough’s mission is to help children living in poverty develop to their fullest potential by providing them a safe, loving and educational environment. We also strive to support and empower the children’s families through education, advocacy, emergency aid and referral services.

Position Summary

The K-5 Special Education Teacher provides a safe, nurturing, and highly individualized learning environment for up to five students with disabilities in a self-contained classroom. The teacher is responsible for designing and implementing instruction that meets each student’s academic, developmental, behavioral, social-emotional, and communication needs while supporting students in reaching their fullest potential. The teacher will be supported by OT, PT, and speech therapists.

The ideal candidate is a compassionate, patient, creative, and collaborative educator who believes every child can learn and thrive when provided with the right supports, relationships, and opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or a related field required.
• Valid state teaching certification/licensure in Special Education or eligibility for certification.
• Experience working with K-5 students with disabilities preferred.
• Knowledge of IEP development, differentiated instruction, positive behavior supports, and special education practices.
• Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to maintain a calm, patient, and positive approach when supporting students with complex needs.
• Commitment to creating an equitable, inclusive, and strengths-based learning environment.

Essential Responsibilities

• Instruction & Individualized Learning
• Develop and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction based on each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Adapt curriculum, materials, activities, and teaching strategies to meet a wide range of learning abilities and needs.
• Establish clear classroom routines, expectations, and structures that promote safety, independence, learning, and success.
• Provide individualized and small-group instruction based on student needs.
• Use a variety of instructional approaches, including hands-on, visual, sensory, experiential, and technology-supported learning.
• Monitor student progress and adjust instruction and supports based on data and observation.
• Promote communication, independence, problem-solving, self-advocacy, and social-emotional development.

• IEP & Student Support
• Develop, implement, and monitor IEP goals in collaboration with families and the educational team.
• Collect and maintain accurate data related to student progress and IEP goals.
• Participate in IEP meetings, evaluations, and other student support meetings.
• Collaborate with related service providers, including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, counselors, and other specialists.
• Implement accommodations, modifications, behavior supports, and other services identified in student plans.
• Maintain accurate and timely student records and documentation.

• Classroom Environment & Behavior Support
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and structured classroom where students feel safe, valued, and capable.
• Use positive behavior supports and trauma-responsive practices to help students develop self-regulation and appropriate social behaviors.
• Identify and respond to individual sensory, communication, behavioral, and emotional needs.
• Teach students appropriate replacement behaviors and strategies for managing emotions and navigating social situations.
• Maintain a classroom environment that promotes dignity, respect, independence, and belonging.

• Family & Team Collaboration
• Establish positive, respectful relationships with parents and caregivers.
• Communicate regularly with families about student progress, successes, concerns, and opportunities for continued growth.
• Work collaboratively with general education teachers and other staff to promote inclusion and participation in the broader school community whenever appropriate.
• Participate as an active member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Advocate for student needs and ensure that each child’s strengths, interests, and voice are reflected in educational planning.

• What Success Looks Like
• A successful Special Education Teacher builds strong relationships with students and families, creates a classroom where every child feels safe and valued, and uses individualized instruction and support to help students make meaningful progress. Most importantly, the teacher sees possibility before limitation and works collaboratively with others to help every student learn, grow, participate, and thrive.

Physical & Professional Requirements

The position may require frequent movement throughout the classroom, including sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, and assisting students as appropriate. The teacher must be able to respond effectively to student safety needs and maintain a positive, professional, and supportive presence throughout the school day.