Self-Contained Special Education Teacher

Self-Contained Special Education Teacher Empower Schools of Alabama / Empower Community School Reports To: Principal / Director of Special Education Position Summary The Self-Contained Special Education Teacher at Empower Schools of Alabama is responsible for providing highly structured, individualized instruction for students with significant learning and/or behavioral needs within a self-contained classroom setting. This role requires a deep belief that all students can learn, a commitment to equity and inclusion, and the ability to create a supportive, rigorous environment that fosters both academic and social-emotional growth. The teacher designs and delivers targeted instruction aligned to IEP goals while supporting students in developing independence, life skills, and readiness for inclusion opportunities when appropriate. This position requires strong instructional planning, behavior management, and collaboration with families and support staff to ensure student success. Mission Alignment The Self-Contained Special Education Teacher supports the mission of Empower Schools of Alabama: To change our community by forging collaboration between a diverse group of scholars, educators, families, and partners to educate the next generation of community leaders and advocates. Key Responsibilities Instruction & Classroom Environment

Provide direct, individualized, and small-group instruction within a self-contained classroom aligned to student IEP goals

Develop and implement structured, engaging, and standards-aligned daily lessons

Differentiate instruction to meet a wide range of academic, cognitive, and behavioral needs

Create a highly structured, predictable classroom environment that maximizes learning time

Utilize visual supports, schedules, routines, and scaffolds to support student independence

Implement research-based interventions aligned to literacy, numeracy, and functional skill development

Behavior & Social-Emotional Support

Implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) with fidelity

Utilize restorative practices and proactive behavior strategies

Support students in developing self-regulation, communication, and social skills

Maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment

Collaborate with counselors and support staff to address behavioral and emotional needs

IEP Development & Compliance

Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

Ensure full compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and Alabama state regulations

Lead IEP meetings and ensure meaningful family engagement

Maintain accurate documentation of services, accommodations, and progress

Provide regular progress updates to families and stakeholders

Data-Driven Instruction

Monitor and track student progress toward IEP goals and academic benchmarks

Utilize assessment data (IEP goals, NWEA MAP, DIBELS, iReady, etc.) to adjust instruction

Participate in MTSS/RTI processes and intervention planning

Maintain compliance with all reporting and documentation requirements

Collaboration & Relationships

Partner with general education teachers to support inclusion opportunities when appropriate

Collaborate with related service providers (speech, OT, counseling, etc.)

Communicate consistently with families regarding student progress and needs

Participate in House System activities, school events, and family engagement opportunities

Build strong, trusting relationships with students grounded in high expectations and support

Professional Responsibilities

Engage in ongoing professional development and coaching cycles

Participate in IEP trainings, staff meetings, and data meetings

Stay current on best practices in special education and self-contained instruction

Uphold all Empower policies, procedures, and professional expectations

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Special Education (Master's preferred)

Valid Alabama Teaching Certification in Special Education

Experience working with students with significant academic and/or behavioral needs

Strong knowledge of IDEA, IEP development, and compliance requirements

Demonstrated ability to manage a structured classroom environment

Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills

Demonstrated belief that all students can learn and succeed

Core Competencies

Commitment to equity and inclusive education

Strong differentiation and individualized instruction skills

Expertise in behavior management and structured classroom systems

Data-driven decision-making

Ability to build strong relationships with students, families, and staff

Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining compliance

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the classroom for extended periods

Ability to lift, assist, or support students as needed

Ability to implement physical or behavioral interventions when required

Ability to maintain an active and engaging classroom environment

What We Believe at Empower

All students can learn and deserve access to high-quality instruction

Every child deserves to be seen, supported, and challenged

Social-emotional development is essential to academic success

Strong systems and structure create safe and effective learning environments

Collaboration with families and community is critical

Behavioral/Cognitive Assessment: As part of the application process at Empower Schools of Alabama we ask all candidates to take several brief assessments after the submission of a resume or completion of an online application. For the first assessment, you will click on this LINK. Please enter your contact information. Upon completion of the first assessment, you will receive a link for the second assessment at the provided email address. The link will come from noreply@predictiveindex.com. In the first assessment,

There are no right or wrong answers

The assessment takes about 5 minutes to complete

You should take on a laptop or desktop

Make sure that you are in Google Chrome with a stable internet connection

Once you complete the first assessment, you will immediately receive a link to the 2nd assessment. Unlike the prior assessment, this is a timed test. Please consider the following

There are 50 questions

You will have 12 minutes to complete

Questions will include three types of questions: numerical, verbal, and spatial-reasoning

Please complete the assessment on a laptop or desktop

Make sure that you are in Google Chrome with a stable internet connection

Ensure that you are in a quiet place where you will not be distracted or disturbed

Be in a competitive state of mind.

Equal Opportunity Employment Empower Schools of Alabama considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital status, veteran or military status, the presence of a medical condition, disability, or any other legally protected status. Non-Discrimination Statement In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination and as required by law, Empower Schools of Alabama does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, disability, age, or any other basis prohibited by law, in providing education services, activities, and programs.