26/27 Special Education Teacher
Phalen Leadership AcademiesThe Opportunity: As a Special Education Teacher at Phalen Leadership Academies, you are responsible for ensuring that all scholars with exceptional needs achieve both academic and social-emotional growth. You will design and deliver individualized instruction aligned with each scholar’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), set ambitious yet attainable goals, and monitor progress closely. In this role, you will collaborate with general education teachers, support staff, and families to provide an inclusive learning environment that empowers all scholars to reach their highest potential.
The Details
Key Deliverables:
- Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in compliance with federal, state, and PLA guidelines, ensuring that all scholars receive appropriate accommodations and modifications.
- Design and deliver differentiated instruction for scholars with a range of learning differences, using data-driven strategies to promote mastery in both ELA and Math.
- Collaborate with general education teachers and support staff to ensure the successful inclusion of students with disabilities in the general education environment.
- Assess scholar performance using formative, summative, and standardized measures to track progress toward IEP goals and adjust instruction accordingly.
- Maintain accurate and confidential student records, progress reports, and documentation as required by law and PLA policy.
- Provide behavioral and social-emotional support, implementing positive behavior intervention strategies and assisting scholars in developing appropriate social skills.
- Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding academic progress, behavior, and strategies for continued support at home.
- Participate in IEP meetings, parent conferences, and multidisciplinary team collaborations, contributing professional insight into student needs and interventions.
- Create a safe, organized, and inclusive classroom environment that supports the diverse learning needs of all scholars.
- Engage in professional learning to remain current on best practices, instructional strategies, and compliance requirements in special education.
- Other duties as assigned
Experience and Education Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
- Valid State Teaching License with Special Education endorsement or certification.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Section 504 and state special education regulations.
- Experience developing and implementing IEPs and progress monitoring plans.
- Strong understanding of differentiated instruction and data-driven teaching practices.
- Proficiency in using educational technology to support instruction and documentation.
- Prior experience working with scholars with disabilities in an inclusive or resource setting preferred.
- A passion for working with students and families in under-served communities.
The Network:
PLA is a transformative education nonprofit changing communities across the country by providing a depth of resources not found in the traditional education model. In addition to serving as one of the country’s best turnaround school operators and successfully launching charter school start-ups, PLA also provides our school communities with a successful, research-based summer learning program (Summer Advantage), a successful Reading and Math Intervention program (Reading and Math Advantage), and a workforce development program (Skilled US) that provides expanded opportunities for our high school graduates, along with the family members of our current staff and students. This menu of programs and services is unique to our network, sets us apart from other organizations, and provides expanded opportunities for our staff through career advancement opportunities and expanded income opportunities.
The Campus:
Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA), founded in 2013 in honor of George and Veronica Phalen, is proud to announce the launch of its newest school, PLA Gary. Guided by our core values, Children First, Respect, Determination, Continuous Improvement, and Gratitude, PLA continues its mission to ensure that all children, no matter their zip code, receive a high-quality education.
As the largest Black-founded and led school turnaround operator in the nation, PLA currently serves nearly 10,000 scholars across 20 schools nationwide and has transformed 12 F-rated schools into A-rated successes. Our nonprofit network of elementary, middle, and high schools is dedicated to empowering teachers, engaging families, and partnering with communities to raise achievement in historically underserved areas.
PLA’s schools are supported by comprehensive wraparound services, including free summer programs, in-school tutoring, job training, and college access support. Together, we’re building great schools—and brighter futures—for every scholar.
Compensation and Benefits:
PLA School Teachers receive a base salary that is competitively aligned with the market. In addition to a base salary, PLA School Teachers receive:
- Competitive Compensation
- Benefits – Healthcare, vision, and dental insurance
- Professional development opportunities, coaching and mentoring, and being a part of professional communities within the school
- Incentive and bonus opportunities
PLA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
Please read carefully.
Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is an equal opportunity employer. PLA does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service.
By completing this application you understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for PLA to hire me. If hired, I understand that either PLA or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of PLA has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.
You attest by applying to this position that you have given PLA true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize PLA to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.