Special Education Teacher

Who We Are

Fort Worth STEAM Academy (FWSA) is launching a tuition-free public charter middle school in East Fort Worth, opening August 2026. Our mission is to prepare every student for success in high school, college, and career through a rigorous STEAM-focused education, a joyful culture of high expectations, and strong community partnerships. As a founding team member, you won’t just take a job—you’ll help build a safe, structured, joyful school where curiosity and excellence thrive.

Summary

Special Education Teachers deliver specially designed instruction (SDI) aligned to IEPs so students with disabilities access and master TEKS in the least restrictive environment (LRE). You co-plan and co-teach with general educators, provide accommodations and modifications with fidelity (IDEA/Section 504/ADA), collect progress-monitoring data toward IEP goals, and partner with families through the ARD/IEP process to ensure every student grows.
Reports to: Dean of Instruction
Directly Manages: None
Location: Fort Worth, TX (on-site)
Schedule: Full-time, school calendar
Anticipated Start Date: July 2026

Who We’re Looking For: Values-Driven and Mission-Focused

Achievement: Set bold, measurable goals, use data relentlessly, own outcomes, and prioritize high-impact work.
Teamwork: Collaborate across roles, communicate directly with empathy, uphold high standards, and put the team above ego.
Continuous Improvement: Seek feedback fast, find root causes, iterate on systems, and treat setbacks as learning data.
Innovation: Spot problems early, test bold ideas quickly, share learnings, and scale what works to advance the mission.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & SDI (IEP-Aligned)

• Design/internalize lessons that provide access to TEKS via accommodations, modifications, and assistive technology as required by the IEP.

• Deliver specially designed instruction in inclusive, co-teach, small-group, and/or resource settings per service minutes.

• Collaborate with general educators to embed supports into Tier 1 instruction and assignments.

Assessment, Data & Progress Monitoring

• Implement progress-monitoring plans for each IEP goal; maintain timely, accurate data and issue goal progress reports each grading period.

• Use CFAs/interims and classroom work to plan reteach, small groups, and accelerated instruction; adjust SDI based on evidence.

• Ensure testing designated supports (STAAR/STAAR Alt 2/TELPAS) are implemented and documented per ARD decisions.

ARD/IEP Compliance & Family Partnership

• Serve as a case manager: draft IEPs (PLAAFP, goals/objectives, services, accommodations), prepare progress data, and meet state/IDEA timelines (annual reviews, evaluations/reevaluations).

• Participate in and/or chair ARD meetings as assigned; provide plain-language updates to families and follow up on action items.

• Safeguard student privacy (FERPA/IDEA Confidentiality) and maintain audit-ready records.

Behavior Support & MTSS Collaboration

• Implement BIPs with fidelity; collaborate on FBAs with the evaluation team/LSSP as needed.

• Use proactive, relationship-based management to sustain a safe, structured, joyful classroom and reduce instructional time lost to behaviors.

• Document Tier 2/3 interventions and communicate trends to the Dean of Culture and student support teams.

Professional Learning & Team Contribution

• Engage in weekly coaching and bi-weekly PD; implement bite-size action steps and reflect on results.

• Contribute actively to PLCs (lesson internalization, data analysis, student work), model inclusion practices, and co-plan with teammates.

• Support campus duties (arrival, transitions, lunch, dismissal) and take accurate attendance for your classes/groups.

Minimum & Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Valid Texas Special Education teacher certification (appropriate grade band).

• Demonstrated success improving outcomes for students with disabilities in inclusive and/or resource settings.

• Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, ADA, Texas ARD process, IEP development, BIP/FBA, and instructional accommodations/modifications.

• Skilled at data collection/analysis (CFAs/interims/progress monitoring) to plan SDI and interventions; strong collaboration and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional Texas content certification(s) and/or experience as a co-teacher in core subjects.

• ESL certification and experience supporting Emergent Bilingual students with disabilities.

• Familiarity with T-TESS, assistive technology, and STAAR/STAAR Alt 2/TELPAS designated supports.

Certifications/Licensure

• Required: Valid Texas Special Education certification; DPS fingerprint clearance per Texas Education Code §22.0835.

• Encouraged/Preferred: ESL certification; current training in crisis prevention/de-escalation (e.g., CPI); CPR/First Aid (as applicable).