Job Title: Special Education Teacher
Licensure: Wisconsin Cross-Categorical Special Education license required. Early Childhood-Special Education licensure preferred.
Education: Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution.
Experience: Teaching experience in special education preferred. Candidates should have a personal philosophy of education that is compatible with helping every student achieve success.
Reports To: Director of Special Education
Position Overview
At Fundamentals, Special Education Teachers provide individualized instruction and support to students in grades 2-12 who may have complex academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and developmental needs.
This position is responsible for case management, developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), monitoring student progress, and providing specialized instruction based on each student's individual needs. Students may have disabilities including Autism, Other Health Impairment (OHI), Emotional Behavioral Disability (EBD), and other learning needs.
Teachers work as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes Behavior Interventionists, Paraprofessionals/Education Support staff, and Mental Health professionals to provide students with consistent academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support throughout the school day.
Essential Job Functions
- Communicate effectively and professionally with students, parents, staff, administrators, referring school districts, and outside agencies through written, verbal, and electronic communication.
- Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs that address each student''s individual academic and learning needs.
- Provide specialized instruction aligned with student IEPs and Wisconsin academic standards.
- Use supplementary materials, instructional strategies, and educational technology to support students across core curriculum areas.
- Differentiate instruction based on student needs, assessment data, and progress.
- Work collaboratively with special education teachers, Behavior Interventionists, Paraprofessionals/Education Support staff, Mental Health professionals, and other team members to address academic and behavioral needs.
- Maintain an understanding of the IEP process, assessment procedures, progress monitoring, and special education requirements.
- Utilize positive behavior support strategies and, when appropriate, participate in Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and development of Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs).
- Utilize social skills instruction and other evidence-based strategies to support student development.
- Establish and maintain positive, cooperative relationships with students, families, staff, referring schools, and community partners.
- Maintain a warm, respectful, and structured learning environment where students feel supported and encouraged to succeed.
Required Technology Skills
- Proficiency with Google Workspace, including Gmail and Google Drive.
- Experience with synchronous communication platforms, specifically Zoom.
- Familiarity and comfort with a variety of ELA and mathematics instructional software and educational technology.
Performance Responsibilities
Planning & Professional Growth
- Participate in professional development opportunities and pursue continued professional growth through training, professional learning communities, research, and professional literature.
- Participate in school-wide data analysis and other activities used to identify student needs and professional development priorities.
- Prepare lessons, instructional materials, assessments, and other resources to meet individual student needs.
Instruction
- Provide daily specialized instruction aligned with student IEPs and individual learning goals.
- Establish and maintain effective classroom routines, procedures, and expectations.
- Build positive relationships with students and create an environment that encourages participation, learning, and growth.
- Provide one-on-one and small-group instruction to address individual learning needs, including reading support, writing, note-taking, test preparation, reinforcement of concepts, and other academic interventions.
- Teach and support students in the use of academic software, classroom technology, and other instructional tools.
- Differentiate instruction and provide appropriate accommodations and modifications based on student needs and IEP requirements.
- Collaborate with support staff to ensure students receive consistent academic and behavioral support throughout the school day.
Communication
- Communicate effectively and professionally with students, parents, staff, administrators, and other professionals.
- Work with students, families, and referring schools in a positive and proactive manner.
- Provide guidance to students and families regarding academic courses, school procedures, learning strategies, and student progress.
- Keep the Director of Special Education informed of significant student needs, concerns, or barriers to progress.
- Participate in IEP meetings, parent meetings, team meetings, and other meetings related to student needs and educational planning.
Monitoring & Reporting
- Meet professional obligations by maintaining efficient work habits, meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, and coordinating resources and meetings in a timely manner.
- Maintain accurate and efficient student records.
- Complete required reports and documentation for Fundamentals and educational agencies.
- Use formative and summative assessment data to monitor student progress and improve instructional practices.
- Regularly evaluate student performance and provide meaningful feedback to students and families.
- Monitor student growth and achievement to ensure progress is appropriate based on individual needs, goals, and program expectations.
- Ensure student records are accurate and up to date.
- Complete required progress monitoring and maintain appropriate parent/student communication.
- Maintain records of school district, parent, and student contact.
- Identify students who are struggling to meet program expectations and collaborate with the appropriate team members to develop interventions and supports.
- Communicate concerns to the Director of Special Education when a student, parent, or referring school district is not responding to communication or when additional support is needed.
Other Responsibilities
- Maintain a warm, caring, respectful, and professional atmosphere for students, families, staff, visitors, and community members.
- Serve as a positive role model for students by demonstrating professionalism, responsibility, respect, and appropriate decision-making.
- Maintain confidentiality and follow all applicable school policies and procedures.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What Makes This Work Different?
Fundamentals serves students who may have struggled in traditional school settings. Our teachers are supported by a multidisciplinary team, allowing them to focus on specialized instruction while students receive additional behavioral, social-emotional, and mental health support throughout the day.
Teachers typically work with smaller caseloads and collaborate closely with Behavior Interventionists, Paraprofessionals/Education Support staff, and Mental Health professionals. The goal is not simply to help students get through the school day, but to help them build the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional skills needed for long-term success.
Terms of Employment
Contracted school year, September through June.
Evaluation
Performance will be evaluated annually by the Director of Special Education.