K-2 Special Education Teacher, DeKalb Brilliance Academy

Description

About the School

DeKalb Brilliance Academy, designed with input from nearly 1,000 South DeKalb community members, is a tuition-free, public Kindergarten8th grade charter school approved to enroll grades K3 in 2023 (adding a grade each year). The school's vision is for every child to recognize and leverage their unique brilliance in order to critically analyze the world around them and to design a more equitable future. Students are empowered to become leaders through a combination of rigorous, relevant academics and social-emotional learning. This is achieved through Real-world Project-based Learning, where students learn not only from teachers and peers, but also directly from scientists, lawyers, engineers, and designers.

DeKalb Brilliance Academy: where the strength of the community nurtures the brilliance of children.

About the Role

Special Education Teachers at DeKalb Brilliance Academy serve as primary classroom facilitators and report to the Assistant Principal for Scholar Support. They provide students receiving special education services with meaningful learning activities and experiences designed to support intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Teachers in this role develop or adapt curricula and prepare lessons and instructional materials according to student ability levels. The MOID/autism program operates on a 12:1:1 classroom ratio and is supported by an Assistant Teacher.

Responsibilities & Duties

Instructional Leadership

• Maintain an assets-based, growth mindset toward themselves and every member of the school community, utilizing self-reflection and perseverance to ensure progress for every student. 
• Support lead classroom teachers by providing strategies that increase student access to the general curriculum (social-emotional learning, core academics, and Real-world Project-based Learning) to promote student growth and achievement.
• Provide high-quality, culturally responsive instruction to students with special needs in various subjects and settings (co-taught, push-in, and/or pull-out), using evidence-based techniques.

• Collaborate with peers to plan units, analyze assessments and student data, and provide feedback on instruction and curriculum design.

Community Collaboration

• Assess student performance and participate in eligibility, IndividualizedEducation Program (IEP), and progress monitoring meetings.
• Education Program (IEP), and progress monitoring meetings.
• Collaborate with families and students to integrate IEPs into Learning Partnership Plans that set ambitious growth targets in academics, social-emotional skills, and community impact.
• Communicate with families at least once per week regarding student progress (via phone, email, or communication apps).
• Contribute to building an identity-affirming, supportive school culture for students and staff.
• Implement restorative practices school-wide to build community, celebrate successes, and repair relationships when community values are not upheld.
• Carry out additional duties as assigned. Note: Several students in the classroom are not yet potty trained.

Requirements

DeKalb Brilliance Academy was founded with the charge of building a different kind of educationone that creates learning partnerships between educators, students, families, and community leaders. The work is complex, challenging, and deeply rewarding. The school seeks individuals who are:

• Purpose-driven: Demonstrate reverence for the brilliance of children and a strong commitment to empowering them to create impactful legacies.
• Community-minded: Collaborate effectively with peers and support the growth of others.
• Emotionally intelligent: Prioritize self-care, regulate emotions under stress, and approach difficult situations with empathy and compassion.
• Equity-minded: Recognize systemic inequities and partner with the community to pursue collective action for fairness and justice.
• Strong project and time managers: Adapt and persevere to deliver consistent, timely results.
• Innovative with a founders mindset: Solve problems creatively and thrive in building from the ground up.
• Physically capable: Able to stand and walk for extended periods and lift objects up to 40 lbs.

Experience & Credentials

• Minimum of three years of special education teaching experience preferred (K2 experience and/or culturally relevant project-based learning experience is a plus).
• Demonstrated success in supporting the growth of students with a wide range of disabilities.
• Bachelors degree in Special Education required (Masters degree or specialization preferred and eligible for higher pay).

• Valid state special education certification.

Benefits

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on 180 instructional days (2 asynchronous), 19 professional development days, and 11 paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance offered at competitive rates.
• Contributions to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) in accordance with Georgia law, with an additional optional 403(b) retirement plan.

Supports

• A dedicated coach with a track record of student success.

• A daily planning period and weekly student early release for collaboration, data analysis, and professional development.

• Access to necessary instructional materials, including curricula, supplies, and laptops for teachers and students.

Timeline

• Start Date: July 1, 2025

• Summer Training: Begins July 16, 2025 and continues until the first day of school.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

DeKalb Brilliance Academy is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all applicants. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national/ethnic origin.