Special Education Teacher

NOLA Public Schools Vision

The vision of the NOLA Public Schools is that every student receives a high-quality education that fosters their individual capabilities, while ensuring that they thrive, achieve physical and mental wellness, and are prepared for civic, social, and economic success. 

Position Summary 

The Special Education Elementary Teacher, you will be instrumental in providing tailored instruction and support to students with diverse learning needs. Your role involves creating and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs), collaborating with colleagues, and fostering an inclusive and supportive classroom environment. This position requires a deep understanding of special education principles, effective teaching strategies, and a commitment to meeting the unique needs of each student.

• Plans and develops an engaging, age-appropriate course of study in the classroom, adhering to educational best practices and state and school district curriculum guidelines; 
• Develops individual lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using a variety of teaching techniques that appeal to various learning styles and methods; Adjust lesson plans to meet the needs of students in the classroom; 
• Prepares materials for lessons, assignments, and tests; evaluates, corrects, and grades student performance; 
• Creates an environment that is conducive to learning and enhances students’ educational experience; 
• Analyzes data from assessments and benchmark testing to drive instruction; 
• Communicates timely feedback on students’ progress and concerns with tact and professionalism to parents and, as appropriate, other faculty, staff, and/or principal; 
• Effectively manage student behavior and address disciplinary issues when necessary; 
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with parents; 
• Work collaboratively with other teachers, support staff, and administrators; 
• Participate in team meetings and professional development activities to stay updated on best practices and educational trends; 
• Maintains required paperwork for individual student files, attendance and incident reports, and other necessary records; 
• Incorporate educational technology into lessons to enhance learning experiences; 
• Monitors students’ progress throughout the year and evaluates next grade level preparedness; 
• Differentiate instruction to address the diverse learning needs of students; 
• Provide additional support or challenges for students as needed; 
• Guide the learning process of students in the classroom toward the achievement of curriculum goals set by the district and/or appropriate federal guidelines; 
• Achieve those objectives/activities included in the Professional Growth Plan developed jointly with the principal or school administration as part of the accountability process mandated by the State Legislature; and 
• Performs such other duties as may be required.  

• Tailors lesson plans to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities within the classroom 
• Implements adaptive materials and technologies to enhance student engagement and understanding 
• Works closely with general education teachers, support staff, and specialists to create a collaborative and inclusive learning environment 
• Attends and actively participates in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and other collaborative sessions 
• Tracks and documents student progress in alignment with IEP goals 
• Communicates regularly with parents or guardians to share updates on student performance and discuss strategies for support at home 
• Implements effective behavior management strategies to create a positive and supportive classroom environment 
• Collaborates with support staff and specialists to address behavioral challenges 
• Identifies and utilizes appropriate adapted materials, resources, and assistive technologies to meet the diverse needs of students 
• Ensures accessibility and accommodation for all learners 
• Stays informed about current trends, research, and best practices in special education 
• Participates in professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills and knowledge 
• Fosters positive relationships with parents, providing support and guidance regarding their child's education 
• Collaborates with community resources to enhance support services for students with special needs 

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Special Education or a related field 
• Valid Louisiana teaching certification in Special Education required;   
• Teaching experience strongly preferred 
• Experience working with elementary-level students with diverse learning needs 

• Thorough understanding of pedagogy and the best practices of education;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Strong classroom management skills;
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, and outside agencies;
• Strong understanding of special education laws, regulations, and best practices.

Salaries are determined by educational background and/or relevant years of experience.

Work Environment

Listed below are key points regarding environmental demands and the work environment of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.   

- Required to use motor coordination with finger dexterity (such as keyboarding, machine operation, etc.) part of the workday; 

- Required to exert physical effort in handling objects more than 30 pounds rarely; 

- Required to be exposed to physical occupational risks (such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals) rarely; 

- Required to be exposed to physical environment which involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes or similar elements rarely; 

- Normal setting for this job is an office/school setting.     

Performance Evaluation

The employee will be evaluated based on the above position using either two methods: via COMPASS or a NOLA-PS evaluating instrument. If the employee holds an Educational Leadership certification, he/she will be evaluated via COMPASS to ensure renewal of certification.

EEOC Statement

NOLA Public Schools is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, lawful alien status, national origin, age, marital status, and non-job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.