Special Education Self-Contained Instructor

Special Education Self-Contained Teacher

About Community Academies of New Orleans

Community Academies of New Orleans (“CANO”) is a dynamic and growing charter school management organization committed to strengthening leadership and implementing strategic operational practices that position our schools as destination schools within the New Orleans metropolitan area.

CANO envisions a system of exemplary schools deeply rooted in the voices of our students, families, and communities. We strive to produce graduates who are committed to advocacy, service, and community leadership. Our mission is to cultivate schools that foster character development and critical thinking through responsive, student-centered environments that prepare students to become impactful leaders.

Our commitment to academic excellence is supported by strategic partnerships and programs that leverage community assets to promote student achievement. CANO offers a fresh yet grounded vision for education in New Orleans, building a new path forward for students, families, and communities.

Our Core Values

Integrity: We always do the right thing.
Teamwork: We work and grow together.
Passion: We love our students, our community, and our work.
Dignity: We value and respect every member of our community.
Courage: We approach challenges with optimism and confidence.

About the Role

The Special Education Self-Contained Teacher collaborates with the Academic Team, school leadership, parents, and students to provide an exceptional and personalized academic experience.

The Special Education Self-Contained Teacher will work collaboratively with the Special Education Coordinator and Principal to create an individualized professional development plan. The teacher will also receive regular coaching and feedback to support progress toward personal and professional goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Special Education Self-Contained Teacher will:

• Collaborate with the Academic Team to develop and improve lesson plans, instructional materials, and student interventions.
• Deliver the grade-level curriculum identified by Community Academies of New Orleans with fidelity.
• Provide feedback regarding the strengths and challenges of the curriculum.
• Assist in developing students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and objectives.
• Ensure that IEP services, accommodations, modifications, and interventions are implemented appropriately and consistently.
• Collaborate with general education teachers, related-service providers, school leaders, and other staff members to support student achievement.
• Maintain accurate and compliant special education documents, records, progress reports, and other required documentation.
• Monitor students’ academic progress, behavioral patterns, and social-emotional development.
• Develop and implement appropriate academic and behavioral interventions when needed.
• Utilize provided supplemental resources to deliver holistic intervention and enrichment.
• Identify, adapt, or create additional instructional resources based on individual student needs.
• Conduct formal and informal assessments that address students’ short-term and long-term educational needs.
• Collect, analyze, and use student data to inform instruction and monitor progress toward IEP goals.
• Communicate and collaborate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress, concerns, and areas of growth.
• Establish and maintain a safe, structured, nurturing, and academically rigorous classroom environment.
• Manage classroom crises, de-escalate challenging situations, and resolve conflicts appropriately.
• Participate fully in professional development opportunities both on and off school property throughout the year.
• Provide and seek constructive feedback from members of the Academic Team, school staff, and leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required.
• A minimum of two years of special education teaching experience preferred.
• Valid Louisiana teaching certificate with the appropriate special education endorsement required.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and monitor IEPs.
• Ability to maintain compliance with all federal, state, local, and organizational special education requirements.
• Knowledge of current special education practices, instructional strategies, interventions, and methodologies.
• Strong classroom management, communication, organization, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, families, colleagues, service providers, and school leadership.
• Strong commitment to educational equity and serving students with diverse learning needs.
• Growth mindset and willingness to learn through consistent coaching, professional development, and feedback.
• Patient, resourceful, resilient, and solution-oriented approach to challenges.
• Calming demeanor and the ability to respond appropriately during challenging or high-stress situations.
• Strong intuition and awareness of students’ academic, behavioral, physical, and emotional needs.
• Belief that all students are capable of success and should be held to rigorous academic and behavioral expectations.
• Willingness to go above and beyond to support students, families, colleagues, and the broader school community.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position successfully.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for approximately 75% of the workday while providing instruction and supporting students.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, and move throughout classrooms and school facilities.
• Regularly required to operate a laptop or desktop computer, handheld learning devices, and other classroom or office equipment.
• Must be able to monitor student productivity, engagement, safety, and behavior throughout the school day.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to lift or move items weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Occasionally required to ascend and descend stairs while traveling throughout the workplace.
• Must be able to respond promptly and appropriately to student behavioral, instructional, and safety needs.
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Compensation and Benefits

CANO Schools offer competitive salaries commensurate with education, certification, and experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Instructional staff members receive access to extensive professional development opportunities and are provided with a laptop computer, organizational email account, and the supplies necessary to perform their assigned duties.

Employees must satisfy all applicable employment, health, safety, and documentation requirements established by Community Academies of New Orleans and governing authorities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Community Academies of New Orleans believes in the importance of maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization in which students and staff members can thrive.

We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences of the students and communities we serve. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Community Academies of New Orleans is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.