Special Education Teacher
Yellowstone Schools
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Teaching Certification required.
- Prior experience working in a Title 1 school community is preferred.
Organizational Overview
Founded in 2001 and rooted in the Christian faith, Yellowstone Schools collectively educates 600 children in Pre-K through 10th grade and will grow a grade each year to serve 12th grade by 2026. Yellowstone partners with students and families—regardless of financial means—to provide a life-changing education, develop a strong moral foundation, and prepare scholars for life beyond high school. The K-12 campus is located in the Third Ward, one of Houston's oldest historically Black neighborhoods.
Most students served live in communities without access to strong educational opportunities. With classes ranging in size from 16 to 20, our students experience a rich academic and co-curricular model while receiving bus transportation, two meals a day, and access to a comprehensive student support program.
Yellowstone Schools consists of a cooperative of two school systems: a lower school (a private Christian school serving PreK-5th grade) and an upper school (a tuition-free, public charter school growing to serve 6th-12th grade). The lower school and upper school are distinct legal and financial entities with separate governing boards. The name Yellowstone Schools reflects each school system’s shared mission, vision, values, culture, and leadership. Each school complies with all applicable federal and state laws.
Position Overview
Under the direction of the Building Principal and Director of Special Populations, the Licensed Special Education Teacher develops and provides specialized instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities; evaluates and assesses student progress against instructional objectives; follows State mandated due process procedures and functions as IEP Manager to assigned students.
Essential Qualities
- Strong ability to navigate web-related applications and technology
- Ability to instruct students using a variety of technology applications and platforms
- Belief in and commitment to the mission and core value of Yellowstone Schools
- Openness to giving and receiving frequent feedback
- Ability to maintain emotional control under stress
- Ability to work urgently in a fast-paced and results-oriented environment
- Ability to juggle multiple tasks and initiatives at once
- A dedication to learn, grow, and develop as a professional
- Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of special education and specialty area.
- Thorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of effective teaching of students with disabilities.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, students, parents, staff, administration and the general public.
- Knowledge and skills in working with children with ADD and behavior and emotional disabilities.
- Must have the ability and proven ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis.
Essential Duties
- Provides research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives contained within each student’s IEP.
- Assesses student progress and determines the need for additional reinforcement or adjustments to instructional techniques.
- Employs various teaching techniques, methods and principles of learning to enable students to meet their IEP goals.
- Develops and implements annual Individualized Educational Program (IEP) plans for students to include: present levels of educational performance, special education needs, instructional goals and objectives, and the special education and related services required to meet those goals.
- Schedules team meetings and works cooperatively with child study team members and others in developing instructional goals and strategies.
- Coordinates the delivery of special education services in each student's IEP.
- Creates a positive learning experience with emphasis in individualized instruction using appropriate sources including i-pads.
- Serves as primary contact for the parent. Conducts special education evaluations and reevaluations. Provides direction, supervision and evaluation of educational assistants as directed.
- Complies with School Board policies and all state/federal rules and regulations.
- Completes all district and state reporting requirements.
- Establishes and maintains student control and discipline in the classroom, school premises or during school activities.
- Employs and implements a classroom structure and consistency to encourage student responsibility, cooperation and mutual respect consistent with district policies and procedures.
- Collaborates and consults with educational professionals and community service providers (i.e., social services, public health, medical providers etc.) regarding the needs of students.
- Provides consultation to classroom teachers regarding classroom adaptations, instructional modifications, adaptive equipment, behavior modification plans and other similar instructional interventions to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
- Performs other comparable duties of a like or similar nature apparent or as assigned.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Base salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Yellowstone Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Yellowstone Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical (including HSA), dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings options, $50K employer-paid life insurance, supplemental life ( short-term disability insurance, cancer, hospital, accident), EAP, wellness day off and generous paid time off program, and 10-weeks paid parental leave.
Yellowstone does not refuse to hire, terminate, or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of race, color, sex, or national or ethnic origin.
