Elementary Special Education Teacher

Job Description

Position Overview 

KIPP St. Louis is seeking dedicated and student-centered Special Education Teachers to support students with diverse learning needs across our elementary and secondary schools. Opportunities may include Resource and Self-Contained classrooms. Special Education Teachers are responsible for delivering individualized instruction, managing special education compliance requirements, collaborating with families and staff, and ensuring all students receive the support necessary to achieve academic success. The ideal candidate believes all students can learn at high levels and is committed to providing equitable educational opportunities for every child.

 

Position type: Full time, exempt, 10 Month    

 

Reporting & Collaboration​

• Direct Manager: School Leader

• Key Collaborators: Gen Ed teachers, related service providers, and paraprofessionals

 

Autonomy & Decision Making​

• Consistently makes sound, legally compliant decisions around IEP development, updates, accommodations, and service delivery without requiring close oversight. 

• Effectively prioritizes daily responsibilities across teaching, progress monitoring, communication, and meetings based on student urgency and impact. 

 

Inputs: What will I be doing in my day to day work?

• Prepare for and facilitate IEP meetings

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in compliance with DESE and federal regulations

• Maintain accurate and timely special education records, documentation, and progress monitoring data

• Adapt and deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction based on students' individual needs

• Collaborate with general education teachers, service providers, and families to ensure student success

• Utilize assessment and student performance data to inform instructional decisions and intervention planning

• Provide students with frequent, actionable feedback and individualized support

• Support students in developing academic, behavioral, and social-emotional skills

 

Outcomes: What will I be evaluated on?

• Special Education Compliance & IEP Management 

• Time Management & Organization 

• Student Growth & Instructional Impact 

 

What skills should I already bring, i.e., what should I already have a track record around?

• Experience managing IEPs, maintaining accurate documentation, and meeting compliance deadlines while collaborating effectively with families and service providers. 

• A demonstrated ability to adapt lessons, interventions, and accommodations to meet the diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students. 

• Strong systems for balancing multiple priorities, including instruction, progress monitoring, meetings, documentation, and communication, while consistently meeting deadlines. 

• A track record of using assessment and progress-monitoring data to make instructional decisions that lead to measurable student growth and achievement. 

 

What should I know a lot about already, i.e., what should I have expertise in?

• Deep understanding of IDEA requirements, DESE regulations, and how to write and implement legally compliant, high-quality IEPs. 

• Expertise in designing and delivering differentiated, scaffolded instruction aligned to grade-level standards across self-contained and/or resource settings. 

• Strong knowledge of how to use formative and summative data to track student progress, adjust instruction, and ensure measurable growth toward IEP goals. 

 

KIPP uses Indicators of Excellence (IOE) to codify what great looks like in daily work.  For this role, the IOEs include:

• Exceptional IEP Execution & Compliance Precision 

• Accelerated Student Growth Through Effective Instruction & Systems

Qualifications

What you bring to the table:

Required

• Bachelor's Degree (Required)

• Valid Missouri Special Education certification OR eligibility to obtain Missouri Special Education certification

• Early Childhood Special Education (Birth–Grade 3), Mild/Moderate Cross Categorical K–12, or other Missouri Special Education certifications preferred based on assignment needs 

• Candidates pursuing certification through an approved alternative certification program, Temporary Authorization Certificate (TAC), provisional pathway, or reciprocal state certification are encouraged to apply                                             

Preferred

• Masters Degree in Special Education

• Prior experience as a Special Education teacher

• Knowledge of how to write IEP’s and hold IEP meetings

 

There is a sign-on bonus of 3k for appropriately certified Special Education Teachers!!

 

Additional Information

What we bring to the table:

We are a fast paced, energetic team and family with passionate people who are leading a movement and to cultivate the their best working environment we provide the following:

• $0 deductible healthcare plan option, including medical, vision and dental. 

• Employer Paid Short Term Disability

• $50,000 life insurance policy at no cost to the employee

• Retirement plan through PSRSSL with a 14.5% match and an optional 403b as a supplement to our pension program

• Employee Recognition: When we succeed together, we celebrate together with our annual gala award ceremony, christmas party, and more!

• Public Service student loan forgiveness program qualified employer

• Longevity Bonuses: 2, 5, and 10 year financial rewards

• Generous time off:

  • Paid leave for illness, personal days, bereavement, jury duty, and military-related leave

  • Paid parental leave for new families

  • Paid holidays, as well as a one week Thanksgiving break, a two-week winter break, a week-long spring break

  • Wellness days and Fabulous Fridays (leave at 1:30 on Friday once a month)

• On-going professional  development opportunities:

  • Weekly coaching sessions

  • Weekly school-based professional development

  • Five in-person PD days during the year for all KIPP St. Louis teachers

If you are interested in working at KIPP St. Louis, please visit our website to find out how to apply! 

www.kippstl.org/apply

Check out our KIPP St. Louis video to learn more about KIPP St. Louis Public Schools!

 

KIPP St. Louis is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all our students, families, teachers, staff and community members. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.