Job Description

Self-Contained Special Education Teacher

Empower Schools of Alabama / Empower Community School

Reports To: Principal / Director of Special Education

Position Summary

The Self-Contained Special Education Teacher at Empower Schools of Alabama is responsible for providing highly structured, individualized instruction for students with significant learning and/or behavioral needs within a self-contained classroom setting. This role requires a deep belief that all students can learn, a commitment to equity and inclusion, and the ability to create a supportive, rigorous environment that fosters both academic and social-emotional growth.

The teacher designs and delivers targeted instruction aligned to IEP goals while supporting students in developing independence, life skills, and readiness for inclusion opportunities when appropriate. This position requires strong instructional planning, behavior management, and collaboration with families and support staff to ensure student success.

Mission Alignment

The Self-Contained Special Education Teacher supports the mission of Empower Schools of Alabama: To change our community by forging collaboration between a diverse group of scholars, educators, families, and partners to educate the next generation of community leaders and advocates.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Classroom Environment

• Provide direct, individualized, and small-group instruction within a self-contained classroom aligned to student IEP goals
• Develop and implement structured, engaging, and standards-aligned daily lessons
• Differentiate instruction to meet a wide range of academic, cognitive, and behavioral needs
• Create a highly structured, predictable classroom environment that maximizes learning time
• Utilize visual supports, schedules, routines, and scaffolds to support student independence
• Implement research-based interventions aligned to literacy, numeracy, and functional skill development

Behavior & Social-Emotional Support

• Implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) with fidelity
• Utilize restorative practices and proactive behavior strategies
• Support students in developing self-regulation, communication, and social skills
• Maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment
• Collaborate with counselors and support staff to address behavioral and emotional needs

IEP Development & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Ensure full compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and Alabama state regulations
• Lead IEP meetings and ensure meaningful family engagement
• Maintain accurate documentation of services, accommodations, and progress
• Provide regular progress updates to families and stakeholders

Data-Driven Instruction

• Monitor and track student progress toward IEP goals and academic benchmarks
• Utilize assessment data (IEP goals, NWEA MAP, DIBELS, iReady, etc.) to adjust instruction
• Participate in MTSS/RTI processes and intervention planning
• Maintain compliance with all reporting and documentation requirements

Collaboration & Relationships

• Partner with general education teachers to support inclusion opportunities when appropriate
• Collaborate with related service providers (speech, OT, counseling, etc.)
• Communicate consistently with families regarding student progress and needs
• Participate in House System activities, school events, and family engagement opportunities
• Build strong, trusting relationships with students grounded in high expectations and support

Professional Responsibilities

• Engage in ongoing professional development and coaching cycles
• Participate in IEP trainings, staff meetings, and data meetings
• Stay current on best practices in special education and self-contained instruction
• Uphold all Empower policies, procedures, and professional expectations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Special Education (Master's preferred)
• Valid Alabama Teaching Certification in Special Education
• Experience working with students with significant academic and/or behavioral needs
• Strong knowledge of IDEA, IEP development, and compliance requirements
• Demonstrated ability to manage a structured classroom environment
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated belief that all students can learn and succeed

Core Competencies

• Commitment to equity and inclusive education
• Strong differentiation and individualized instruction skills
• Expertise in behavior management and structured classroom systems
• Data-driven decision-making
• Ability to build strong relationships with students, families, and staff
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining compliance

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the classroom for extended periods
• Ability to lift, assist, or support students as needed
• Ability to implement physical or behavioral interventions when required
• Ability to maintain an active and engaging classroom environment

What We Believe at Empower

• All students can learn and deserve access to high-quality instruction
• Every child deserves to be seen, supported, and challenged
• Social-emotional development is essential to academic success
• Strong systems and structure create safe and effective learning environments
• Collaboration with families and community is critical

Behavioral/Cognitive Assessment:

As part of the application process at Empower Schools of Alabama we ask all candidates to take several brief assessments after the submission of a resume or completion of an online application. For the first assessment, you will click on this LINK. Please enter your contact information. Upon completion of the first assessment, you will receive a link for the second assessment at the provided email address. The link will come from noreply@predictiveindex.com.

In the first assessment,

• There are no right or wrong answers
• The assessment takes about 5 minutes to complete
• You should take on a laptop or desktop
• Make sure that you are in Google Chrome with a stable internet connection

Once you complete the first assessment, you will immediately receive a link to the 2nd assessment. Unlike the prior assessment, this is a timed test. Please consider the following

• There are 50 questions
• You will have 12 minutes to complete
• Questions will include three types of questions: numerical, verbal, and spatial-reasoning
• Please complete the assessment on a laptop or desktop
• Make sure that you are in Google Chrome with a stable internet connection
• Ensure that you are in a quiet place where you will not be distracted or disturbed
• Be in a competitive state of mind.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Empower Schools of Alabama considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital status, veteran or military status, the presence of a medical condition, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Non-Discrimination Statement

In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination and as required by law, Empower Schools of Alabama does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, disability, age, or any other basis prohibited by law, in providing education services, activities, and programs.

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