Special Education Teacher

• POSITION STATUS: Full-time
• START DATE: 2026-27 school year
• COMPENSATION: Salary ranges from $41,400 to $80,000, based on experience and qualifications.
• BENEFITS: Health Insurance, Dental Coverage, Paid Time Off (PTO), TRA or PERA Contributions, Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and access to a range of additional benefits, such as short-term disability and accident insurance.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

North Lakes Academy is seeking a passionate and student-centered Special Education Teacher for the 2026–2027 school year. NLA is truly the BEST place to be a special education teacher in Minnesota, offering a unique environment where teachers are supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work.

NLA has a high percentage of students receiving special education services, meaning you’ll work in a setting where supporting students with disabilities is proactive, collaborative, and deeply embedded in our school culture. With relatively small caseloads, you’ll have the time and capacity to build strong relationships and provide meaningful, specially designed instruction.

Our dedicated evaluations team and documentation coach help reduce paperwork demands so you can stay focused on your students. With a full-time, on-site Special Education Director, you’ll never feel like you’re doing it alone—support and collaboration are always close by.

At NLA, you’ll be part of a student-first community that genuinely believes in inclusive practices and whole-child success. If you’re ready to teach where your work matters and your impact is lasting, North Lakes Academy is where you want to teach special education.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Provide specially designed instruction aligned to student IEP goals
• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Collaborate with general education teachers to support inclusive practices and accommodations
• Progress monitor student growth and maintain accurate documentation
• Participate in IEP meetings and communicate effectively with families
• Work closely with related service providers and support staff
• Implement evidence-based instructional and behavioral interventions
• Support students in developing academic, social-emotional, and functional skills
• Ensure compliance with Minnesota special education laws and timelines
• Utilize assistive technology and adaptive strategies to support student learning
• Participate in professional learning communities (PLCs) and ongoing professional development
• Attend school-sponsored events and contribute to the broader school community
• Other duties as assigned

ABOUT NORTH LAKES ACADEMY:

Serving the Forest Lake and surrounding areas since 1999, North Lakes Academy provides a personalized learning environment designed to meet a wide variety of academic needs. With strong core subjects and a full complement of liberal arts courses, NLA provides quality learning in a responsive learning atmosphere. Currently, we operate an elementary campus (grades K-6) and a secondary campus (grades 7-12) both in Forest Lake, serving a total of 460 students. We’re a safe and caring community, connecting learning with the environment, and building curiosity and confidence from day one. We say at NLA who you BECOME is as important as what you ACHIEVE.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Licensed as a Special Education teacher, or a licensed teacher willing to pursue Special Education licensure

Bachelor’s degree or higher in special education or a related field

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in special education or a related field
• Multiple special education licensure areas (e.g., SLD, EBD, ASD)
• Experience working with post-secondary transition IEP goals
• Experience working with diverse student populations and individualized education plans (IEPs)
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with general educators, administrators, and support staff
• Experience with assistive technology and adaptive instructional strategies
• Knowledge of evidence-based interventions and behavior management techniques
• Familiarity with Minnesota state special education laws and compliance requirements
• Experience conducting and interpreting educational assessments
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues

LEARN MORE:

NLA’s website: http://www.northlakesacademy.org

NLA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nlacharterk12

NLA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nlacharterk12/

APPLY: Please submit the following materials directly to lclaiborne@northlakesacademy.org: a current resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation.

North Lakes Academy, where who you BECOME is as important as what you ACHIEVE

Pay: $41,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $41,000 - $80,000