Special Education Teacher – Behavior Support
Job Description
Position Summary:
The Special Education Teacher – Behavior Support provides instruction, behavioral intervention, and individualized support to students with disabilities whose primary needs involve behavior, social-emotional regulation, or challenging behaviors that interfere with learning. This position works closely with administrators, teachers, and support staff to design and implement effective behavior plans and provide a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Instruction & Student Support
- Provide specially designed instruction aligned with students’ IEPs, with a focus on behavioral, social, and emotional skill development.
- Implement evidence-based strategies such as de-escalation techniques, social-emotional learning lessons, and behavior-specific instruction.
- Teach replacement behaviors, coping skills, executive functioning strategies, and self-regulation techniques.
- Collect ongoing data to monitor progress on academic and behavioral goals.
Behavior Intervention
- Develop, implement, monitor, and revise Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
- Conduct and/or collaborate on Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs).
- Use positive, proactive, and preventative behavior strategies to reduce challenging behaviors.
- Provide crisis intervention and utilize district-approved de-escalation procedures when necessary.
Collaboration & Communication
- Work collaboratively with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, and related service providers to support student success.
- Train and support classroom staff in implementing behavior plans and intervention strategies.
- Communicate regularly with families regarding progress, behavior plans, and strategies for home-school consistency.
- Participate in IEP meetings and professional learning.
Classroom & Program Management
- Create a structured, predictable classroom environment that supports behavior regulation and positive interactions.
- Ensure safety through consistent routines, expectations, and reinforcement systems.
- Maintain accurate records, including data logs, IEP documentation, and behavior reports.
- Support the schoolwide behavior framework and assist with crisis management as appropriate.
Qualifications
Education & Certification
- Bachelor’s degree in Special Education.
- Valid special education teaching certificate required.
- Certification or training in crisis intervention or de-escalation preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Knowledge of FBAs, BIPs, and behavior intervention strategies.
- Strong understanding of disabilities that impact behavior, such as EBD, ASD, and OHI.
- Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to maintain calm, consistency, and professionalism during crisis situations.
- Strong organizational skills and data-driven decision-making.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to implement crisis intervention procedures as needed.
- Ability to stand, walk, or move for extended periods; lift or assist students as required for safety.
Work Environment
- School setting; may involve working in general education classrooms, resource rooms, or specialized behavior support classrooms.