Special Education Teacher- Middle School

East Hall Middle School is seeking a dedicated, student-centered Special Education Teacher to join our faculty. At EHMS, we are deeply committed to maximizing the learning experience for every student through high-quality, standards-aligned Tier 1 core instruction, meaningful collaboration, and a supportive environment where both students and staff can thrive.

We believe that strong Tier 1 instruction, intentionally designed with scaffolding, differentiation, and inclusive practices, provides equitable access to rigorous content and drives improved outcomes for all learners. Our team values shared ownership, continuous improvement, and a collective commitment to meeting the diverse needs of every student.

Position Purpose

The Special Education Teacher's primary mission is to maximize the academic, social-emotional, and functional outcomes of students with disabilities within the general education setting whenever appropriate. This role focuses on ensuring that students can successfully access grade-level Tier 1 instruction through intentional scaffolding, strategic differentiation, and targeted supports.

The teacher will implement district-approved curriculum, monitor and document student progress, and cultivate a safe, structured, and engaging learning environment tailored to individual student needs. Success in this role requires seamless collaboration with general education co-teachers, ESOL educators, paraprofessionals, school leadership, and district personnel to ensure cohesive, inclusive programming aligned to system priorities.

Essential Functions

Collaborative Instruction

• Partner effectively with general education co-teachers to design and deliver standards-based lessons grounded in strong Tier 1 instruction.
• Utilize a variety of co-teaching models (e.g., team teaching, station teaching, parallel teaching, alternative teaching) to ensure shared responsibility for planning, instruction, and assessment.
• Maintain a unified instructional vision that prioritizes rigor, engagement, and accessibility for all learners. 

Cross-Program Collaboration

• Work closely with ESOL teachers to integrate language development supports into content instruction.
• Co-plan and implement scaffolds that address both language acquisition and disability-related needs, ensuring multilingual learners with disabilities can fully engage with grade-level standards. 

Scaffolding & Access to Tier 1 Instruction

• Design and implement intentional scaffolds such as modeling, guided practice, chunking of content, visual supports, sentence frames, and structured questioning techniques.
• Ensure supports maintain the integrity and rigor of grade-level standards while promoting student independence.
• Apply gradual release of responsibility to build student confidence and ownership of learning. 

IEP Development & Compliance

• Lead Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings and develop comprehensive, standards-aligned Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and district regulations.
• Utilize GoIEP for accurate documentation, progress monitoring, and communication. 

Student Support & Intervention

• Support the implementation of behavior intervention plans and specialized instructional strategies aligned with both Tier 1 expectations and individualized student goals.
• Provide targeted interventions and monitor student response within the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. 

Coordination & Communication

• Serve as a liaison among teachers, families, administrators, support staff, and district personnel.
• Foster clear, consistent communication focused on student growth, problem-solving, and shared accountability. 

Instructional Leadership & Capacity Building

• Model effective co-teaching practices, scaffolding strategies, and differentiation techniques for colleagues.
• Support the development of inclusive instructional practices that strengthen Tier 1 instruction across all classrooms. 

Data & Progress Monitoring

• Maintain organized and accurate records of student performance and IEP progress.
• Analyze multiple data sources to adjust instruction, refine scaffolds, and improve student outcomes within the core classroom. 

Professional Collaboration

• Actively participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and school and district initiatives.
• Collaborate with administration and district office personnel to ensure alignment with system goals and continuous school improvement efforts. 

Professional Growth

• Engage in ongoing professional learning related to Special Education best practices, co-teaching, scaffolding, and Tier 1 instructional excellence.
• Stay current with research-based strategies that support inclusive and effective instruction. 

Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities

Collaborative Expertise

• Demonstrated ability to work seamlessly with co-teachers, ESOL educators, paraprofessionals, administrators, and district personnel to support student achievement. 

Specialized Instructional Knowledge

• Strong understanding of Special Education law, IEP development, scaffolding strategies, and differentiated instruction within a Tier 1 framework. 

Instructional Design & Delivery

• Ability to design and implement rigorous lessons that embed supports without reducing academic expectations. 

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Proficiency in analyzing and applying data to inform instruction, adjust supports, and monitor student growth. 

Communication & Relationship Building

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build collaborative, solution-oriented relationships with all stakeholders. 

Technical Proficiency

• Ability to effectively utilize instructional technology, data systems (including GoIEP), and standard office tools. 

Qualifications Profile

Certification

• Valid Georgia State Certification in Special Education. 

Education

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in an appropriate field.
• Master's degree in Special Education or related field preferred. 

Experience

• Experience with co-teaching, inclusive practices, and scaffolding within Tier 1 instruction strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with GoIEP is highly desirable. 

Transportation

• Valid driver's license or reliable transportation for district-related responsibilities. 

Working Conditions

• Standard school and office environment.