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.