Special Education Teacher

Start Date: 2026-27 School Year

Location: Columbia Heights Campus

Reports to: Principal

FLSA Status: Exempt

Updated: December 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

Special Education Teachers are committed members of a collaborative school team that is closing the opportunity gap for students with disabilities. A Prodeo Academy Special Education Teacher is intensely focused on each student's growth and success, both academically and behaviorally, while ensuring full compliance with local, state, and federal special education requirements.

Special Education Teachers provide targeted, individualized instruction aligned to students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and work in close partnership with general education teachers, related service providers, families, and school leaders to ensure students have meaningful access to instruction and school experiences.

This role is ideal for an educator who is energized by complex work, is hungry for feedback, approaches teaching with cultural responsiveness and a strong equity lens, and can work collaboratively across lines of difference, with an emphasis on cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness.

ABOUT PRODEO

Prodeo Academy is a network of public charter schools serving the Twin Cities. Prodeo Academy is a meaningful education solution that is closing the opportunity gap through data-driven instruction in a culture grounded in five core values: Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Development, and Engagement. Shared expectations around these values enhance the opportunity for scholars to reach their full potential. We seek team members who are committed to helping students access greater opportunities, achieve future success, and contribute positively to their communities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties represent the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Instruction

• Provide targeted, IEP-aligned instruction to students individually and in small groups across a variety of instructional settings, which may include co-teaching environments in general education classrooms, resource room instruction, and center-based or specialized programs.

• Collect, analyze, and use progress-monitoring data to inform instructional decisions and adjust supports as needed.

• Support students' access to grade-level standards in collaboration with general education teachers.

• Regularly adopt and implement approved curricula, instructional strategies, and evidence-based practices.

• Create a warm, welcoming, and structured learning environment rooted in high expectations for behavior and learning.

Classroom Management & Student Support

• Radiates warmth; is a positive presence for students and staff.

• Create and maintain a safe, predictable environment that supports students' academic and behavioral needs.

• Implement schoolwide behavior systems, routines, and expectations with consistency.

• Use approved behavior intervention and de-escalation strategies to support students effectively.

• Ensure student safety and appropriate supervision at all times.

Data Analysis & Team Collaboration

• Set and monitor ambitious, appropriate goals for students based on IEPs and progress data.

• Participate actively in grade-level, data, and problem-solving meetings.

• Share data, insights, and recommendations to support student growth and team decision-making.

Collaborate with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to ensure coordinated supports.

Case Management & Due Process

• Case manage students with disabilities in accordance with IDEA, Section 504, and Minnesota state regulations.

• Coordinate the development and implementation of evaluation plans, IEPs, and progress reports.

• Ensure timely and accurate completion of all due process documentation.

• Facilitate and participate in IEP meetings, evaluations, and eligibility determinations.

• Communicate clearly and professionally with families regarding student progress, services, and supports.

Professional Development

• Attend all required professional development, including Prodeo Academy's summer training.

• Participate in Prodeo Academy's coaching model and feedback cycle.

• Demonstrate receptiveness to feedback and implement instructional and professional growth recommendations.

• Demonstrate ongoing growth and progress toward professional goals.

• Contribute positively to team learning by sharing resources, strategies, and ideas.

Communication & Professional Responsibilities

• Communicate regularly and professionally with families and staff regarding student needs and progress.

• Check and respond to team and family communication within 24–48 business hours.

• Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance, which is an essential function of the role.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the school and organization.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Prodeo Academy reserves the right to modify duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education Required: Bachelor's degree; Master's degree preferred.

• Certification/Licensure Required: Active Minnesota teaching license in Special Education or related area (or ability to obtain).

• Record of exemplary results with students with disabilities.

• Experience working in a K–8 urban public or charter school setting.

• Knowledge of assessment tools, progress monitoring, and due process procedures.

• Training in behavior intervention or crisis de-escalation techniques.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Commitment to Prodeo Academy's mission and values.

• Strong collaboration and team-oriented mindset.

• Ability to differentiate instruction and support diverse learners.

• Data-driven approach to instruction and decision-making.

• Able to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.

• Cultural responsiveness and sensitivity.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.

• Professionalism, reliability, and strong ethical judgment.

• Commitment to professional growth and continuous improvement.

• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with students and families.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand and move throughout the classroom for extended periods.

• Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods.

• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 25 lbs.

• Ability to support students physically as needed, including bending, kneeling, or assisting with mobility.

• Ability to participate in crisis intervention or student safety procedures when necessary.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in a school/classroom environment with typical levels of noise and activity.

• Exposure to students with varying academic, behavioral, and emotional needs.

• Occasional exposure to bodily fluids may occur as part of student support.

• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required for certain tasks.

• The role may require travel between classrooms, buildings, or occasional off-site events.

COMPENSATION

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience, educational background, and academic outcomes. Prodeo's total rewards program offers benefits that are the best fit for you at every stage of your career including:

• Comprehensive healthcare options (Medical, Dental, and Vision).

• Retirement planning through Teacher's Retirement Association (TRA)/Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) and optional 403B plans.

• Generous Paid time off, federal holidays, and academic breaks throughout the school year.

• Leadership Development Opportunities including Grade Team Leadership, Instructional Coach, Data Team Leadership, and Extracurricular Coaching.

ADA & Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Prodeo Academy is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of this job, please contact Human Resources. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will not be denied unless they present an undue hardship to the organization.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Prodeo Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic. Prodeo Academy is committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.