Special Education Teacher (Elementary)

Special Education Teacher

Position Type: Full-Time
Hours: 7:15 AM – 3:15 PM
Start Date: Immediate / Open Until Filled

About SouthSide Elementary Charter School

SouthSide Elementary Charter School is a mission-driven K–5 public charter school in Providence committed to ensuring that every student develops the academic foundation and character necessary for college and community leadership. Serving a diverse student population, SouthSide emphasizes rigorous instruction, inclusive practices, structured social-emotional supports, and strong family partnerships within an extended school day and year.

SouthSide educators are part of a collaborative, high-expectations professional culture grounded in data-driven decision-making, continuous improvement, and a deep belief in the potential of all learners.

Position Overview

The Special Education Teacher is responsible for ensuring that students with disabilities receive high-quality, standards-aligned instruction and legally compliant special education services in the least restrictive environment. This role requires strong instructional expertise, case management precision, and effective collaboration with general education teachers and related service providers.

Special Education Teachers at SouthSide serve as instructional leaders in inclusive practice, structured literacy implementation, and student progress monitoring. They play a critical role in accelerating achievement and ensuring equitable access to rigorous grade-level curriculum.

Key ResponsibilitiesInstruction & Service Delivery

Provide specially designed instruction in inclusion, pull-out, and small-group settings aligned to IEP goals and Rhode Island Core Standards.

Implement evidence-based instructional practices, including structured literacy approaches aligned to Rhode Island’s Right to Read Act.

Differentiate instruction using assistive technology, scaffolded supports, and data-informed intervention strategies.

Deliver intensive academic and behavioral interventions within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework.

Monitor and document student progress toward IEP goals using formal and informal assessment data.

Support multilingual learners with disabilities in accessing rigorous grade-level instruction.

Case Management & Compliance

Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and progress reports in compliance with IDEA and Rhode Island Special Education Regulations.

Serve as the special education case manager and state-mandated provider for assigned students.

Coordinate and lead IEP meetings, eligibility determinations, and three-year re-evaluations.

Maintain accurate and timely compliance documentation and service logs.

Collaborate with school leadership to ensure programmatic and regulatory compliance.

Collaboration & Inclusive Practice

Co-teach with general education teachers to support access to grade-level curriculum in the least restrictive environment.

Consult with related service providers, Learning Partners, and instructional staff to implement coordinated supports.

Provide guidance on accommodations, modifications, and inclusive instructional strategies.

Support development and implementation of positive behavior supports aligned to schoolwide systems.

Contribute to building a school culture grounded in high expectations, belonging, and student dignity.

Family & Professional Engagement

Maintain proactive, culturally responsive communication with families regarding student progress and services.

Participate in the SouthSide Special Education Advisory Committee and family engagement initiatives.

Engage in ongoing professional learning aligned to RIPTS standards, structured literacy, inclusive practices, and MTSS.

Demonstrate a growth mindset and openness to coaching and feedback.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or related field.

Valid Rhode Island Special Education certification in one of the following:

• Early Childhood Special Education (PreK–2)
• Elementary Special Education (Grades 1–6)

Demonstrated knowledge of IDEA and Rhode Island Special Education Regulations (200-RICR-20-05-1).

Strong organizational, collaboration, and case management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Special Education or related field.

Bilingual proficiency (Spanish/English).

Experience supporting multilingual learners with disabilities.

Experience with structured literacy or Science of Reading aligned instruction.

Experience in an urban or charter school setting.

Proficiency with student information systems, Google Workspace, and assistive technology tools.

Physical & Professional Expectations

Ability to provide instruction in varied classroom settings.

Ability to support behavioral interventions and active supervision of students.

Commitment to extended school day and mission-driven charter school environment.

Compensation & Professional Growth

SouthSide offers competitive salary commensurate with experience and certification level, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Professional learning is embedded and ongoing, including structured literacy training, inclusive practices coaching, and leadership development opportunities.

Application Process

Please submit a resume and cover letter to:
Julie Giangiulio
jgiangiulio@southsideelementary.org

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $42,000.00 - $72,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Providence, RI 02905 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Providence, RI 02905: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $42,000 - $72,500