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Opportunity Education · 5 days ago

Special Education Teacher (26-27 School Year) | Des Moines Prep

Des Moines, IA

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

2+ years exp

Opportunity Education is a growing public charter school in downtown Des Moines focused on exceptional student outcomes. The Special Education Teacher provides individualized instruction and support to help students with disabilities achieve their academic goals, while collaborating with families and general education teachers to create inclusive learning environments.

Education

Responsibilities

Spearhead the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for the students and monitor their progress

Provide targeted small-group and one-on-one instruction aligned to each student’s learning goals

Support students in inclusive classrooms through strong co-teaching and collaboration with general education teachers

Use evidence-based strategies, accommodations, and modifications to meet a wide range of learning needs

Create engaging, student-centered lessons that build confidence, independence, and self-advocacy skills

Collect and analyze academic and behavior data to track progress and adjust services as needed

Support students with emotional or behavior concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills

Build strong relationships with students, fostering a culture of high expectations, accountability, and support

Support in providing differentiated instruction and targeted interventions to ensure all students succeed, including students reading below grade level

Work closely with fellow teachers and school leadership to align curriculum, assessment, and instructional strategies

Participate in school-wide professional development to continuously refine instructional practice, including regular data and assessment reflection cycles

Engage in feedback cycles with the Dean of Academics and Principal to improve teaching effectiveness

Communicate regularly with families about student progress, celebrating successes and addressing challenges proactively

Participate in school events, family conferences, and outreach efforts to build strong relationships with families and the community

Qualification

Iowa teaching licenseSpecial education endorsementIEP developmentDifferentiated instructionCollaborative teachingBehavior-management techniquesInclusive practicesMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft WordMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft OutlookData-tracking skillsCommunication skillsOrganizational skills

Required

Must hold a valid Iowa teaching license with a special-education endorsement (Instructional Strategist I or Instructional Strategist II)

Completion of an approved special education preparation program — including required coursework and student-teaching experience in a recognized special-education classroom at the appropriate grade level

Demonstrated knowledge of special education foundations, characteristics of disabilities, behavior-management techniques, differentiated instruction, and inclusive practices