Collaborative Special Education Teacher

Collaborative Special Education Teacher Job Description Empower Schools of Alabama / Empower Community School Position Title: Collaborative Special Education Teacher Reports To: Principal / Director of Special Education Position Summary The Collaborative Special Education Teacher at Empower Schools of Alabama is responsible for ensuring that all students with disabilities receive high-quality, individualized instruction that enables them to achieve academic success and personal growth. This role requires a belief that all students can learn, a commitment to equity and inclusion, and the ability to support students' academic, social, and emotional development through targeted interventions and compliance with special education laws. The Collaborative Special Education Teacher serves as a collaborative partner to general education teachers, families, and support staff to ensure that all students receive the services and supports outlined in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Mission Alignment The Collaborative Special Education Teacher supports the mission of Empower Schools of Alabama:

To change our community by forging collaboration between a diverse group of scholars, educators, families, and partners to educate the next generation of community leaders and advocates. Key Responsibilities Instruction & Student Support

Provide direct, individualized, and small-group instruction aligned to student IEP goals

Adapt and modify curriculum to meet diverse learning needs

Deliver engaging, standards-aligned lessons daily in collaboration with general education teachers

Implement evidence-based instructional strategies and interventions

Support inclusion through co-teaching and push-in services

Utilize data to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly

IEP Development & Compliance

Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

Ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and Alabama state regulations

Schedule and lead IEP meetings, ensuring meaningful family participation

Maintain accurate, timely documentation of services, progress, and accommodations

Conduct progress monitoring and provide regular updates to families and staff

Collaboration & Relationships

Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure effective differentiation and accommodations

Partner with families to support student success and maintain consistent communication

Work closely with related service providers (speech, OT, counseling, etc.)

Participate in House System activities, school events, and family engagement opportunities

Build strong, supportive relationships with students grounded in trust and high expectations

Social-Emotional Support

Support students' social, emotional, and behavioral development

Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and restorative practices

Foster a safe, inclusive, and structured learning environment

Collaborate with counselors and mental health staff to support student well-being

Data & Progress Monitoring

Analyze assessment data (IEP goals, NWEA MAP, DIBELS, etc.) to drive instruction

Track student progress toward IEP goals and academic benchmarks

Participate in data meetings and contribute to intervention planning (RTI/MTSS)

Maintain compliance with all reporting requirements

Professional Responsibilities

Attend and actively participate in professional development, IEP trainings, and staff meetings

Engage in coaching cycles and continuous improvement practices

Stay current on best practices in special education and inclusive instruction

Uphold all school policies, procedures, and professional expectations

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Special Education (Master's preferred)

Valid Alabama Teaching Certification in Special Education

Knowledge of IDEA, IEP development, and compliance requirements

Experience working with diverse learners and students with disabilities

Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills

Demonstrated belief that all students can learn and succeed

Core Competencies

Commitment to equity and inclusive education

Strong instructional planning and differentiation skills

Data-driven decision-making

Relationship-building with students, families, and staff

Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain compliance

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Ability to walk, stand, and move throughout the classroom and school building for extended periods

Ability to support students in various instructional settings (classroom, small group, inclusion settings)

May be required to assist students with mobility or behavioral needs as appropriate

What We Believe at Empower

All students can learn and deserve access to high-quality instruction

Every child deserves to be seen, supported, and challenged

Social-emotional development is essential to academic success

Collaboration with families and community is critical

Behavioral/Cognitive Assessment: As part of the application process at Empower Schools of Alabama we ask all candidates to take several brief assessments after the submission of a resume or completion of an online application. For the first assessment, you will click on this LINK. Please enter your contact information. Upon completion of the first assessment, you will receive a link for the second assessment at the provided email address. The link will come from noreply@predictiveindex.com. In the first assessment,

There are no right or wrong answers

The assessment takes about 5 minutes to complete

You should take on a laptop or desktop

Make sure that you are in Google Chrome with a stable internet connection

Once you complete the first assessment, you will immediately receive a link to the 2nd assessment. Unlike the prior assessment, this is a timed test. Please consider the following

There are 50 questions

You will have 12 minutes to complete

Questions will include three types of questions: numerical, verbal, and spatial-reasoning

Please complete the assessment on a laptop or desktop

Make sure that you are in Google Chrome with a stable internet connection

Ensure that you are in a quiet place where you will not be distracted or disturbed

Be in a competitive state of mind.

Equal Opportunity Employment Empower Schools of Alabama considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital status, veteran or military status, the presence of a medical condition, disability, or any other legally protected status. Non-Discrimination Statement In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination and as required by law, Empower Schools of Alabama does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, disability, age, or any other basis prohibited by law, in providing education services, activities, and programs.