2026-2027 SPED TEACHER - ELEMENTARY

Elementary Special Education Teacher (TLC: Self-Contained)
Santa Fe South Early Childhood Center (ECC) | Santa Fe South Charter Schools
Oklahoma City, OK | 190–196 Day Contract (196 days for new teachers; 190 days for returning teachers)

About Santa Fe South Early Childhood Center

Santa Fe South Early Childhood Center (ECC) is one of the longest-standing campuses within Santa Fe South Charter Schools and operates as part of Penn Elementary. Housed in a beautifully reimagined former armory, ECC blends rich history with joyful, purposeful early learning for grades PreK–1.

For decades, ECC has served south Oklahoma City families with deep commitment and pride. Many current students are the children of former Santa Fe South Saints—a testament to the trust, legacy, and generational impact of our work.

At ECC, we believe the earliest years matter most. Pre-Kindergarten is often a child’s first experience with school, and it plays a critical role in launching a lifetime of learning. Our classrooms focus on building strong foundations in early literacy, numeracy, language development, and social-emotional growth while nurturing curiosity, confidence, and independence.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Building Principal and the Director of Special Education, the Special Education Teacher for The Learning Center (TLC) provides individualized, research-based instruction to elementary students with moderate to severe disabilities who require a self-contained setting (75% of the day). This role offers the unique opportunity to establish and launch the TLC program at the ECC, building on Santa Fe South’s existing, well-developed TLC model used throughout the district. The teacher will support the successful implementation of this program at the new site by setting strong routines, collaborating with campus leadership, and ensuring high-quality systems are in place from the first day.

The TLC teacher plays a vital role in helping students access meaningful learning experiences, participate with peers across the school day, and work toward their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instruction & Student Support

• Provide research-based, specialized instruction aligned to each student’s IEP goals in academic, functional, social-emotional, communication, and adaptive skill areas.
• Implement structured, developmentally appropriate instructional routines designed for learners with significant needs.
• Adapt and modify curriculum, materials, and activities to ensure meaningful access and engagement.
• Facilitate opportunities for inclusion during lunch, specials, recess, and IEP-designated times with general education peers.
• Support students in a variety of environments (classroom, hallways, specials, lunchroom, playground) to promote safety, independence, and participation.

Progress Monitoring & Compliance

• Assess student progress regularly and adjust instruction based on data.
• Serve as the IEP teacher of record for assigned students, coordinating all aspects of IEP development and implementation.
• Schedule and facilitate IEP meetings and collaborate with the IEP team to set appropriate goals, services, and supports.
• Coordinate delivery of related services (speech, OT, PT, etc.) using an integrated model; ensure therapists have access to students and needed documentation.
• Complete all district, state, and federal reporting and compliance tasks accurately and on time.

Collaboration & Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for parents/guardians, general education teachers, and related service providers.
• Collaborate with general education staff to support student inclusion, environmental adaptations, and behavior supports when students participate in general education settings.
• Provide clear communication and updates to families regarding student progress, schedules, and program expectations.

Team Leadership

• Provide direction, coaching, and daily oversight for paraprofessionals assigned to the TLC classroom.
• Establish systems, routines, and expectations that promote consistency, safety, and a positive learning environment.
• Model professional behavior, problem-solving, and teamwork to support a strong classroom culture.

Other Duties

• Perform other related tasks and duties as assigned.
  
  

Standards and Quality Assurance

• Ability to safely and appropriately assist students with significant needs, including lifting, positioning, transferring, and physical prompting, following required training.
• Maintain professionalism in dress, communication, punctuality, and attendance.
• Work effectively and cooperatively with a variety of stakeholders.
• Demonstrate proactive attention to safety procedures.
• Attend staff meetings, professional development, and team meetings as required.
• Support and uphold the mission, values, and expectations of Santa Fe South Schools.
  
  

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Oklahoma Teaching Certification in Special Education:
• Severe/Profound
  
  

Preferred:

• Experience working with students with moderate to severe disabilities
• Experience providing instruction in a self-contained classroom
• Experience supervising or collaborating with paraprofessionals
  
  

Salary and Benefits

• Salary aligned with OKCPS salary schedule plus 5%, based on a 190- or 195-day contract
• Insurance: Health, dental, and vision coverage provided for contract employees
• 401K: 7% contribution beginning after 6 months of employment

PTO: 10 days