Special Education Teacher
fort worth steam academyFort Worth (TX)
Special Education Teacher
Posted today
fort worth steam academyFort Worth (TX)
SENIORITY
Lead
About the role
Who We Are:
Fort Worth STEAM Academy (FWSA) is launching a tuition-free public charter middle school in East Fort Worth, opening August 2026. Our mission is to prepare every student for success in high school, college, and career through a rigorous STEAM-focused education, a joyful culture of high expectations, and strong community partnerships. As a founding team member, you won't just take a job—you'll help build a safe, structured, joyful school where curiosity and excellence thrive.
Summary:
Special Education Teachers deliver specially designed instruction (SDI) aligned to IEPs so students with disabilities access and master TEKS in the least restrictive environment (LRE). You co-plan and co-teach with general educators, provide accommodations and modifications with fidelity (IDEA/Section 504/ADA), collect progress-monitoring data toward IEP goals, and partner with families through the ARD/IEP process to ensure every student grows.
Reports to: Dean of Instruction
Directly Manages: None
Location: Fort Worth, TX (on-site)
Schedule: Full-time, school calendar
Anticipated Start Date: July 2026 Who We're Looking For: Values-Driven and Mission-Focused
Achievement: Set bold, measurable goals, use data relentlessly, own outcomes, and prioritize high-impact work. Teamwork: Collaborate across roles, communicate directly with empathy, uphold high standards, and put the team above ego. Continuous Improvement: Seek feedback fast, find root causes, iterate on systems, and treat setbacks as learning data. Innovation: Spot problems early, test bold ideas quickly, share learnings, and scale what works to advance the mission.
Key Responsibilities
Instruction & SDI (IEP-Aligned):
Design/internalize lessons that provide access to TEKS via accommodations, modifications, and assistive technology as required by the IEP.Deliver specially designed instruction in inclusive, co-teach, small-group, and/or resource settings per service minutes. Collaborate with general educators to embed supports into Tier 1 instruction and assignments.
Assessment, Data & Progress Monitoring:
Implement progress-monitoring plans for each IEP goal; maintain timely, accurate data and issue goal progress reports each grading period.
Use CFAs/interims and classroom work to plan reteach, small groups, and accelerated instruction ; adjust SDI based on evidence.
Ensure testing designated supports (STAAR/STAAR Alt 2/TELPAS) are implemented and documented per ARD decisions.
ARD/IEP Compliance & Family Partnership:
Serve as a case manager : draft IEPs (PLAAFP, goals/objectives, services, accommodations), prepare progress data, and meet state/IDEA timelines (annual reviews, evaluations/reevaluations).Participate in and/or chair ARD meetings as assigned; provide plain-language updates to families and follow up on action items. Safeguard student privacy (FERPA/IDEA Confidentiality) and maintain audit-ready records.
Behavior Support & MTSS Collaboration:
Implement BIPs with fidelity; collaborate on FBAs with the evaluation team/LSSP as needed.
Use proactive, relationship-based management to sustain a safe, structured, joyful classroom and reduce instructional time lost to behaviors.
Document Tier 2/3 interventions and communicate trends to the Dean of Culture and student support teams.
Professional Learning & Team Contribution:
Engage in weekly coaching and bi-weekly PD; implement bite-size action steps and reflect on results.
Contribute actively to PLCs (lesson internalization, data analysis, student work), model inclusion practices, and co-plan with teammates.
Support campus duties (arrival, transitions, lunch, dismissal) and take accurate attendance for your classes/groups.
Minimum & Preferred Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree.
Valid Texas Special Education teacher certification (appropriate grade band).Demonstrated success improving outcomes for students with disabilities in inclusive and/or resource settings.
Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, ADA, Texas ARD process, IEP development, BIP/FBA, and instructional accommodations/modifications.
Skilled at data collection/analysis (CFAs/interims/progress monitoring) to plan SDI and interventions; strong collaboration and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
Additional Texas content certification(s) and/or experience as a co-teacher in core subjects.
ESL certification and experience supporting Emergent Bilingual students with disabilities.
Familiarity with T-TESS, assistive technology, and STAAR/STAAR Alt 2/TELPAS designated supports.
Certifications/Licensure
Required:
Valid Texas Special Education certification; DPS fingerprint clearance per Texas Education Code §22.0835.
Encouraged/Preferred:
ESL certification; current training in crisis prevention/de-escalation (e.g., CPI); CPR/First Aid (as applicable).
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