Special Education Teacher - Resource & Self-Contained (26.27 School Year)

Who we are: KIPP St. Louis is a part of a national network of free, open-enrollment, public charter schools offering a choice to families and children in St. Louis city. As the largest charter school system in the city, we are driven and committed to our mission, vision, and equity statement.

Mission: Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

Vision: Every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities.

KIPP St. Louis currently educates over 2,000 students.Today, our St. Louis network consists of two middle schools, three elementary schools, and a high school.

What makes KIPP St. Louis unique?

We believe that our educators are proving what's possible in urban education each and every day, by inspiring students and helping them discover the joy of learning. KIPP schools support our educators to help students achieve academic excellence, building the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Together, we are raising the bar for every student, every day.

Job Description

The Special Education Teacher (K–12) at KIPP St. Louis is a dedicated educator who ensures students with diverse learning needs achieve strong outcomes through individualized, standards-aligned instruction. They design and implement IEPs, differentiate curriculum, and use data to monitor progress and adjust supports to meet student goals. In partnership with general education teachers, service providers, and families, they help create inclusive, supportive learning environments. Ultimately, this role is critical to ensuring all students have access to high-quality instruction and the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.

We are looking for Elementary and High School Special Education Teachers.

Position type: Full-time, Exempt, 10-Month

Reporting & Collaboration​

• Direct Manager : Principal

• Direct Reports : None

• Key Collaborators: Assistant Principal, Instructional Coach, Teachers, and Regional Support

Inputs: What will I be doing in my day-to-day work?

Grade-Level Rigor & Access

• Plan and deliver instruction that ensures students with diverse learning needs access grade-level standards through appropriate accommodations and modifications

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) aligned to rigorous academic goals

• Design and execute tasks that require analysis, justification, and application, while providing scaffolds that maintain rigor

• Anticipate learning gaps and provide targeted interventions to support access and mastery of content

What will I be evaluated on? 

Instruction ensures students with IEPs consistently access grade-level content with appropriate supports. Student work reflects growth toward IEP goals and increased independence with rigorous tasks.

Student Engagement

• Design lessons where students actively engage in thinking, discussion, reading, writing, and problem-solving with necessary supports

• Facilitate inclusive academic discourse using differentiated strategies and language supports

• Promote independence, self-advocacy, and meaningful participation in the general education setting

Students demonstrate active engagement and increasing independence, using supports to explain, justify, and build on ideas.

Culture of Learning

• Establish a structured, inclusive classroom environment with clear routines, high expectations, and behavioral supports

• Implement systems that maximize instructional time and support focus, persistence, and independence

• Build strong relationships with students and families to support academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth

The classroom reflects a safe, structured, and inclusive environment where students take academic risks and persist through challenges.

Assessment for Learning

• Embed frequent checks for understanding and monitor progress toward IEP and grade-level goals

• Analyze data to adjust instruction, provide interventions, and ensure student growth

• Provide timely, actionable feedback to support student improvement and goal attainment

Instruction is data-driven, with clear progress toward IEP goals and grade-level standards through ongoing monitoring and intervention cycles. 

Outcomes & Accountability:

Professional Practice & Contribution

• Progress toward IEP goals and individualized benchmarks

• Growth on literacy, math, and standardized assessments (DIBELS, i-Ready, MAP, EOC, etc.)

• Demonstrated ability to increase access to Tier 1 instruction and improve outcomes for students with disabilities

Student Achievement & Growth

• K-2: DIBELS proficiency and growth in early literacy

• K-8: i-Ready Reading and Math growth and proficiency

• 3-8: Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) performance

• 9-12: End-of-Course (EOC) exam results in tested subjects

• 9-12: AP exam participation, performance, and pass rates (where applicable)

• Demonstrated ability to translate strong Tier 1 instruction into measurable student outcomes

What skills should I already bring, i.e., what should I already have a track record around?

• Proven ability to support students with diverse learning needs and drive measurable growth

• Strong classroom management with inclusive and structured environments

• Experience using data to inform instruction and interventions

• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with families

• Strong communication and advocacy skills

What should I know a lot about already, i.e., what should I have expertise in?

• IEP development, implementation, and compliance

• Differentiated instruction, accommodations, and modifications

• Progress monitoring and data-driven intervention cycles

• Strategies for inclusion and co-teaching models

• Classroom systems that support both academic and behavioral success

Qualifications

What you bring to the table:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related content area

• Minimum of 2+ years of successful classroom teaching experience

• K-12 Cross Categorical/ Mild Mod certification

• Demonstrated commitment to improving outcomes for historically underserved students

• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills

Preferred

• Experience in a high-performing, data-driven school environment

• Track record of driving significant student achievement gains

• Experience with standards-aligned curricula and assessment systems

• Leadership experience within a grade level, content team, or school initiative

Additional Information

What we bring to the table:

KIPP St. Louis is committed to pay equity and to ensuring that we do not unintentionally perpetuate historic wage gaps that persist due to individual negotiations. As a result, salaries are not negotiated. We are transparent about salaries in our job postings so that candidates can make an informed decision before beginning the hiring process. The starting salary for first-year teachers with a bachelor’s degree is $50,500. 

We are a fast-paced, energetic team and family with passionate people who are leading a movement, and to cultivate their best working environment, we provide the following:

• $0 deductible healthcare plan option, including medical, vision, and dental. 

• Employer-Paid Short-Term Disability. 

• $50,000 life insurance policy at no cost to the employee. 

• Retirement plan through PSSRSSL with an employer match up to 14% and an optional 403b as a supplement to our pension program

• Public Service student loan forgiveness program qualified employer. 

• Ongoing professional development.

Generous time off:

• Paid leave for illness, personal days, bereavement, jury duty, and military-related leave

• Paid parental leave for new families

• Paid holidays, as well as a one-week Thanksgiving break, a two-week winter break, a week-long spring break

• Wellness days provided throughout the year

KIPP St. Louis is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all our students, families, teachers, staff and community members. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.