Special Education Teacher Position (3-6 Multi-Category Self-Contained)

Clear Dot Charter School

Position Overview

Provides specialized instruction and support for students with disabilities in grades 3-6 within a self-contained classroom environment. Develops and implements individualized education programs to support academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth for students with multiple categories of disabilities.

Reports to: School Principal

Qualifications

• Required: Valid South Carolina Special Education Teaching Certification (Multi-Category)
• Required: Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related field
• Required: Ability to relocate to Columbia, SC before starting work
• Preferred: Experience with elementary-age students with diverse learning needs
• Preferred: Training in data collection and IEP development

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $40,000 - $65,000+ annually (based on certification and years of experience)
• Schedule: Monday to Friday, full-time
• Benefits: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401(k) with match; retirement plan; paid time off; professional development assistance

Essential Job Functions

Instructional Responsibilities

• Provides one-to-one and small-group direct instruction on individualized IEP goals
• Develops specialized instructional plans to ensure adequate progress toward IEP goal mastery
• Provides whole-group instruction for Science, Social Studies, and Life Skills
• Creates differentiated instruction based on individual student needs
• Adjusts instructional practices and pacing based on ongoing assessment data
• Plans, schedules, and monitors student inclusion opportunities

IEP Management & Compliance

• Writes IEPs and completes related required paperwork
• Holds and leads IEP meetings in compliance with state timelines
• Ensures IEP documents are followed with fidelity
• Creates data-collection sheets for individualized IEP goals
• Records and dates all progress data to track goal advancement
• Completes quarterly student progress reports

Student Support & Supervision

• Monitors students during arrival, dismissal, and transitions
• Assists students with morning routines and daily living skills
• Assists with feeding needs and personal care as required
• Ensures students safely navigate the school environment
• Supervises students during inclusion periods and specialized instruction
• Assists students with packing and preparing for dismissal

Collaboration & Communication

• Communicates effectively with parents, paraprofessionals, and general education teachers
• Manages paraprofessional staff by providing performance feedback and training
• Trains paraprofessionals on curriculum use, classroom management, and data collection
• Provides coverage for paraprofessional breaks as needed
• Collaborates with related service providers and support staff

Professional Responsibilities

• Attends ongoing professional development opportunities
• Participates in special education, leadership, and school meetings
• Maintains accurate records as required by law and school policy
• Follows all special education compliance requirements
• Demonstrates commitment to inclusive practices and student advocacy

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and assist students with mobility needs
• Capacity to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods
• Manual dexterity for personal care assistance and instructional materials
• Clear communication abilities for diverse learning needs
• Visual and auditory acuity for monitoring student safety and progress

Workplace Expectations

• Demonstrates passion, creativity, and student-centered approach
• Embraces collaboration and teamwork
• Supports diversity, inclusion, and equity for all students
• Maintains professional behavior, speech, and appearance
• Shows regular and punctual attendance
• Follows all school policies and special education regulations

Additional Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive background check and clearance through the South Carolina Department of Education, as required for all educational personnel.

Clear Dot Charter School does not discriminate for reasons of age, race, sex, handicap, national origin, or religion in its communications with students, employees, the community, applicants for employment, events, or for access to its services.