Special Education Teacher

Description

Position Objective

The purpose of this position is to promote inclusive education in the St. Joseph Catholic Academy schools by supporting the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual development of all students, particularly those with diverse learning needs. Rooted in the mission of Catholic education and the belief in the dignity of every human person, the Special Education Teacher ensures that all students are welcomed, supported, and challenged to reach their God-given potential in a Christ-centered learning environment. This position will work in four of the SJCA campuses: Cathedral, St. Francis, St. James, and Bishop LeBlond. 

Essential Duties

• Create opportunities for peer inclusion, cooperative learning, and positive social interaction for students with learning differences.
• Coordinate inclusive education services and support plans for students with identified learning needs.
• Facilitate collaboration between general education teachers, parents, paraprofessionals, and specialists regarding student plans.
• Provide accommodations and modifications in accordance with Catholic school policy and best practices.
• Conduct observations of students referred for additional support or new students with exceptionalities considering enrollment in the school.
• Oversee the implementation of student accommodation plans within the general education setting.
• Provide and/or coordinate professional development for faculty related to inclusion, differentiated instruction, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
• Collect documentation related to learning concerns, teacher observations, parent input, and intervention outcomes.
• Provide evidence of student growth to evaluate effectiveness of instructional and behavioral interventions.
• Organize student support records and referral documentation in a confidential and accessible manner.
• Guide and support teachers in designing accessible instruction for students with diverse needs.
• Guide the referral processes to external evaluators, if deemed appropriate by the administrative team and parents.
• Support the principal in developing a school-wide framework for Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).
• Maintain confidentiality of student records in alignment with diocesan policy and federal privacy laws.
• Demonstrate and maintain a professional appearance that reflects the dignity and mission of Catholic education, setting a visible standard of excellence and respect for faculty, students, and the wider school community.
• Maintain consistent and reliable attendance, reporting to work on time and adhering to assigned schedules to ensure the safety, supervision, and continuity of care for all students.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

•  Strong understanding of diverse learning needs and evidence-based strategies for inclusive education.
• Ability to apply Catholic theology and social teaching in the context of student support.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with both adults and students.
• Knowledge of child development, differentiated instruction, and educational assessments. 
• Capacity to lead professional development and support school-wide inclusive initiatives.
• Organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple priorities and responsibilities.
• Collaborative mindset rooted in Gospel values and a commitment to equity.

Basic Qualifications

• Practicing Catholic in good standing or committed to the mission of Catholic education.
• Complete and maintain diocesan safe environment expectations.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Special Education, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Valid state teaching certification (Special Education certification preferred).
• Minimum of 3 years teaching or experience supporting diverse learners.
• Knowledge of Response to Intervention (RTI), MTSS, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
• Familiarity with Catholic Social Teaching and its application in educational settings.

St. Joseph Catholic Academy offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental and vision plans, STD/LTD fully paid by the employer, retirement plans including a 403b plan and a defined benefit pension plan. Paid time off includes generous Vacation and Sick leaves, plus paid Holidays.

Note: All employees are required to consent to a background check, commit to our Code of Conduct policy, and complete online and in-person trainings prior to hire.