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Special Education Teacher | SPED Director

Arkansas Lighthouse Charter School
1 year ago
Full-time
On-site
Jacksonville, Arkansas, United States

Special Education Teacher SPED Director


Arkansas Lighthouse Charter Schools (ARLCS)

At Arkansas Lighthouse Charter Schools, every scholar’s story matters. Guided by our mission to engage, embrace, and empower scholars, families, and community members, we cultivate a learning environment where students become academically sound, technologically savvy, culturally competent, and sustainability-conscious leaders. If you are a champion for inclusive education with a growth mindset and a passion for changing lives, we invite you to join our team!

Why You’ll Love Teaching at ARLCS

  • Mission-Driven Impact: Shape a culture that celebrates difference and unlocks potential for scholars with exceptionalities.

  • Collaborative Culture: Partner with general-education teachers, behavior specialists, and families to create a vibrant, supportive ecosystem.

  • Professional Growth: Receive coaching, robust PD, and opportunities to lead initiatives that push special education practice forward.

  • Whole-Child Focus: We invest in healthy relationships, explicit literacy instruction, and scholar agency—so academics and SEL grow hand-in-hand.

Scope of Work & Core Responsibilities

Key Area What You’ll Do
Individualized Instruction Deliver engaging, research-based lessons aligned to IEP goals; differentiate content, process, and product to ensure mastery.
IEP Compliance & Case Management Lead annual reviews, write compliant IEPs, progress-monitor goals, and ensure timely reporting to families and DESE.
Data-Driven Decision Making Analyze assessment data, collaborate on MTSS interventions, and adjust instruction based on scholar progress.
Positive Behavior Supports Implement proactive classroom management and functional behavior strategies that promote scholar agency and self-regulation.
Family & Community Partnership Communicate consistently with families, serve as an advocate for scholars, and connect them with community resources.
Professional Contribution Model ARLCS values, participate in PLCs, mentor paraprofessionals, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

Director of Special Education (District-wide)

Impact & Scope

  • Craft and execute a multi-year SPED strategic plan aligned to IDEA, Section 504, and LEARNS.

  • Ensure 100 % compliance; lead audits and data-driven improvement cycles.

  • Hire, coach, and develop SPED teachers, therapists, and paraprofessionals.

  • Manage IDEA-Part B budget, adaptive tech, and contracted services.

Key Qualifications

  • Arkansas district or building-level admin license with SPED endorsement (or eligibility).

  • ≥ 3 years SPED leadership; proven success driving scholar outcomes.

Qualifications & Skills

  • Required:

    • Arkansas teaching license in Special Education K-12 (or eligibility to obtain).

    • Demonstrated success differentiating instruction for diverse learners.

    • Deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practice.

  • Preferred:

    • Master’s degree in Special Education or related field.

    • Experience with co-teaching models, assistive technology, and trauma-informed strategies.

    • Fluency in American Sign Language or Spanish a plus.

Ready to Empower Every Scholar, Every Voice, Every Day?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Apply today!

Arkansas Lighthouse Charter Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.