Middle School Special Education

About Our School: The Willow School is a high-achieving, A-rated K-12 school with a rigorous academic curriculum and a strong emphasis on the arts. Our athletic program is an integral part of student life, featuring numerous teams across middle and high school in 13 different sports. With state championships in tennis, swimming, soccer, and golf, we are dedicated to maintaining and strengthening our legacy of excellence.

Summary: A Special Education Teacher instructs and mentors students with a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. They assess student needs, adapt general education curricula, develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and monitor progress to help students achieve their maximum potential in and out of the classroom. While your focus may be on planning with your special education students in mind, the goal is to keep special education students from feeling singled out. The teacher will focus on scaffolding activities and differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

To be trained in and implement the following research-based instructional strategies and programs:

·       Arts Integration

·       Neurological development of children/adolescents

·       Assessment for and of learning

·       Writing process

·       Positive discipline/classroom management

·       Best practices in content area and implementation of essential nine elements of good instruction

·       Inquiry-based instruction

·       Higher order thinking skills and academic challenges

·       Louisiana State Standards

·       Social emotional learning

·       Differentiated instruction

·       Data-driven instruction

·       Collaborative learning teams

·       Integration of technology

·       Culturally relevant pedagogy

·       Cultural sensitivity and understanding, including anti-bias education

·       Maintains confidentiality regarding personal information and educational records

·       Performs other duties as required by the principal or his/her designee

Additional Responsibilities

·       Provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students with diverse needs

·       Provides direct support to students in a classroom by delivering instruction and ensuring learning through a variety of co-teaching models and strategies.

·       Develops Individualized Student Programs (IEP) for students; maintain compliance with all Federal Regulations and State Policies regarding the education of students with disabilities.

·       Ensures appropriate accommodations to the curriculum, lessons and learning environment. Instruction may be provided within the regular classroom setting, resource setting, and/or small classroom setting.

·       Designs engaging classroom activities and differentiated lessons ls so that all students may access the curriculum and benefit from the educational experience.

·       Formally and informally assesses the student learning (rather than relying solely on standardized curriculum) to create a comprehensive learning program.

·       Sets high expectations that are suitable for the students. Assessments may be differentiated based on each individual student plan. This may require developing alternative assessments.

·       Assesses students' progress and adjust teaching methods as necessary

·       Collaborates with other teachers, staff, and parents to ensure student success

·       Implements positive behavior interventions and support (PBIS) and other behavior management strategies

·       Stays current on best practices and developments in special education

·       Communicates professionally with students, families, colleagues, and administrators.

·       Maintains compliance with all company policies and procedures

·       Performs such other duties as may be required and/or assigned by administrators

Special Education Responsibilities:

·       Special Education Teachers will maintain up-to-date and accurate special education records and will schedule and conduct IEP conferences according to state guidelines

·       Regular Education Teachers will implement accommodations and/or special needs plans outlined on plans such 504 & 1508

Upgrade teaching methodologies and use of technology in line with current research, trends and practices in education

Qualifications, Education and Work Experience:

Required:

·       Minimum of bachelor’s degree;

Preferred:

·       LA Teacher Certification

·       Training or experience in special education

·       Strong understanding of child development and lower school classroom needs.

·       Ability to manage active, movement-based learning environments.

·       Experience preparing students for performances or public presentations.

·       Strong communication, organization, collaboration, and classroom management skills.

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills

·       Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude

·       Ability to work independently to carry out assignments and complete within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines and standard accepted practices

Must have the capacity to meet the complex mental, emotional and physical demands of the job which include the ability to effectively:

·       Recall required knowledge

·       Adapt or modify those selective techniques and strategies to fit the situation

·       Analyze and evaluate complex situations

·       Manage crisis situations

·       Manage high levels of personal stress

·       Apply conflict resolution skills

·       Adapt to changes

·       Interact with diverse individuals and environments

·       Document in writing service delivery activity

·       Physically adjust to varied environmental conditions

·       Use oral and written language

·       Manage multiple tasks independently with consideration to confidentiality and other ethical issues

Compensation: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should complete form and submit the following materials to https://forms.gle/nRPWoByBy6MC41PC6 by June 12, 2026.

• Resume
• Cover letter