What are the responsibilities and job description for the Occupational Course of Study (OCS)Teacher position at Pine Springs Prep?
TITLE
High School Teacher - Occupational Course of Study
REPORTS TO
High School Principal
JOB GOAL
An Exceptional Children (EC) Occupational Course of Study (OCS) Teacher at Pine Springs Preparatory Academy High School will design and deliver individualized, standards-based instruction for students with disabilities who are pursuing an OCS diploma in North Carolina. The teacher will develop and implement curriculum, assessments, and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) with a strong focus on functional academics, career readiness, and independent living skills. Responsibilities will include conducting ongoing assessments and analyzing data to monitor progress and guide instruction; actively participating in IEP development, implementation, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams; and providing behavioral, academic, and social-emotional support to students. The EC OCS teacher will maintain a safe, inclusive learning environment; will communicate regularly with families, administrators, and support staff; and will collaborate closely with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) to support successful transitions to post-secondary education, training, and employment. The role requires strong knowledge of special education laws (including IDEA), effective use of accommodations and assistive technologies, excellent organizational and communication skills, empathy, and a commitment to ongoing professional development and best practices in special education
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and implement an individualized, standards-aligned curriculum that is age-appropriate, includes necessary modifications and accommodations, and incorporates assistive technologies to support students with disabilities in successfully pursuing a North Carolina diploma under the Occupational Course of Study (OCS) pathway.
- Administer and review ongoing assessments to track student progress, identify areas for growth, and adjust instruction to meet student needs, using data to guide effective teaching strategies toward diploma attainment.
- Participate in IEP meetings, develop and monitor IEP goals and objectives, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure plans are implemented successfully, while maintaining compliance with federal and state special education laws, including IDEA.
- Provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support, including guidance, interventions, and advocacy, while demonstrating empathy, patience, and an understanding of each student’s individual challenges and strengths, to help them achieve their OCS diploma goals.
- Maintain consistent, transparent communication with parents, guardians, administrators, teachers, and support staff to foster positive relationships and ensure coordinated support that advances students’ diploma progress.
- Establish and maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment that promotes engagement, well-being, and positive classroom management, supporting each student’s path to graduation.
- Pursue ongoing professional growth by staying informed on current best practices in special education, attending relevant workshops, conferences, and training opportunities, and applying new strategies to instruction that enhance student outcomes in the OCS pathway.
- Collect, analyze, and report student performance data to guide instruction, monitor progress, evaluate program effectiveness, and inform decision-making, ensuring students remain on track to earn their NC OCS diploma, while keeping accurate and organized records.
- Collaborate with appropriate staff and consultants to support students’ transition to post-secondary education, training, and employment, helping them develop career readiness and functional skills needed to successfully complete the OCS diploma and achieve independence.
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TERM OF EMPLOYMENT
Ten-month / Annual Contract (Starting August 2026)
Please note: contracts may be extended to start work earlier (June or July 2026) to help prepare for the launch of the high school in fall 2026.
COMPENSATION
Salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience. PSPA offers a 401(k) program with a board matching percentage and health coverage options. Performance bonuses are available.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
- Please provide the following:
- A cover letter detailing the candidate’s educational philosophy and desire to join the founding High School team at Pine Springs Preparatory Academy. Be sure to highlight the talents you can provide to our students and school community.
- A recent, up-to-date resume including salary requirements.
- The names and contact information of three professional references with a reference letter; two supervisor references are required; it is preferred for the applicant to include his or her current supervisor as one of these references, but it is not mandatory.
- Copy of NC Educator’s License required
If Pine Springs Prep wishes to follow up with a candidate after review of application materials, the candidate will be contacted for an interview.
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and NC License
Pay: From $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $55,000