Special Education (SPED) English Teacher (26-27 SY) - IMMEDIATE VACANCY

Job Description

Job Description

JEFFERSON RISE CHARTER SCHOOL

Harvey, Louisiana  |  Grades 6-12  |  2026-2027 School Year

School Overview

Founded in 2014, Jefferson RISE is a tuition-free public charter school serving nearly 800 students in grades 6-12 in Harvey, Louisiana. At Jefferson RISE, we believe every student deserves a real path forward. Whether that means a four-year university, a skilled trade, the military, entrepreneurship, or something else entirely, our job is to make sure every student graduates prepared and ready. We get there through rigorous academics, strong relationships, consistent accountability, and a genuine commitment to each student's individual success.

Our student body reflects the diversity of the Westbank:

• We have a diverse population of students based on race and ethnicity:
  • 61% Black/African American
  • 16% Hispanic
  • 14% Middle Eastern
  • 6% White (Non-Middle Eastern)
  • 2% Asian
  • 1% Other
• 87% qualify as economically disadvantaged
• 13% Students with Disabilities
• 4% English Learners

Recent Achievements:

• Top Gains Award - Louisiana Department of Education (2023-24 SY)
• Average graduation rate of 98% since our first graduating class in 2022
• #6 for SPS Growth in Louisiana - High School: B rating, Middle School: C rating (2022-23 SY)
• Continued SPS growth: 72.5 in 2023-24 and 73.9 in 2024-25

Schedule and Calendar:

As a charter school, Jefferson RISE sets its own academic calendar and daily schedule based on the needs of its students. Teachers generally work from mid-July (beginning with professional development before students arrive) through late May.

Workdays are generally 7:10 AM-3:45 PM, Monday through Friday. Mondays extend to 4:30 PM and include mandatory Professional Development time. Anticipated school hours and days vary annually based on changes to the school calendar.

Position Title: English Special Education (SPED) Teacher

Position Information:

• Department: Special Education
• Reports to: Instructional Coach
• Work Schedule: 10-month (mid/late July - mid/late May)
• Employment Type: Full time, Exempt
• Location: Harvey, LA
• Start Date: Immediate

Position Overview

Jefferson RISE Charter School is seeking an experienced, results-driven English Special Education (SPED) Teacher who believes that every student can learn and is committed to ensuring students with disabilities thrive academically and socially. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of specially designed instruction, IEP implementation, and accommodations/modifications, and is skilled at delivering direct, targeted instruction in English/Language Arts to students with disabilities.

Our SPED Teachers provide direct instruction and intervention to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), ensuring they meet their academic and social-emotional goals. The right candidate is flexible, proactive, and deeply committed to equity—creating inclusive, supportive learning environments where students feel challenged and empowered.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver Targeted, Standards-Aligned Instruction

• Design and deliver direct, specially designed instruction in English/Language Arts to students with IEPs, using accommodations, modifications, and scaffolds as needed.
• Implement research-based interventions tailored to individual student needs while maintaining high expectations.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to align instruction with grade-level content and ensure consistency across settings.
• Support students in developing executive functioning, self-advocacy, and independent learning skills.

Use Data to Drive Student Growth

• Collect and analyze progress monitoring data aligned to IEP goals and use findings to inform instructional decisions.
• Collaborate with the SPED team and general education staff to adjust supports based on student progress and needs.
• Lead or actively contribute to IEP meetings, providing clear data and actionable input regarding student progress and next steps.

Foster a Positive, Supportive, and Inclusive Classroom Culture

• Model and reinforce Jefferson RISE's behavioral expectations of being safe, respectful, and responsible.
• Proactively address behavioral and academic challenges using positive interventions and supports.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with students, encouraging confidence, resilience, and independence.

Collaborate and Communicate Effectively

• Work closely with general education teachers, related service providers, and families to ensure alignment of supports.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress and strategies for success.
• Actively participate in professional development, coaching, and team meetings to continuously improve practice.

Ensure Compliance and Maintain Accurate Documentation

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of IEP implementation, accommodations, progress monitoring, and service minutes.
• Complete all required compliance tasks and documentation in a timely manner.
• Uphold confidentiality and adhere to all federal, state, and school-level SPED requirements.

Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• Special Education certification (preferred) or eligibility for certification
• Experience providing direct instruction to students with disabilities
• Knowledge of IEP process, accommodations/modifications, and progress monitoring
• Technological proficiency in Google Suite (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Culture and Fit

• Believes deeply in the mission and students of Jefferson RISE
• Passionate about inclusive education and equity for all students
• Eager to learn, grow, and improve their craft
• Open to feedback and committed to continuous improvement
• Acts with integrity, flexibility, and puts students first

COMPENSATION

Jefferson RISE offers competitive compensation tied to performance and qualifications. We do not follow a traditional salary schedule - annual salaries reflect the outcomes teachers drive and the value they bring to students and the school.

• Annual Salary Ranges: $40,000-$55,000 starting salary depending on degree level, certification, content, previous student outcomes, and experience
• Additional Stipends Available: Employees may be eligible for stipends or supplemental compensation for approved responsibilities that extend beyond the regular duties of their position. Examples may include athletic coaching, club sponsorship, leadership, special projects, additional workdays, extended hours, or other assigned duties. Eligibility and amounts are determined by the school and may vary from year to year.
• Raises and Bonuses: We believe exceptional performance should be recognized. Employees may be eligible for performance-based raises and bonuses. Eligibility and award amounts are determined based on demonstrated results, contributions to the organization, available funding, and other relevant factors.
• Paid twice monthly on the 15th and last day of each month

BENEFITS

All full-time employees receive the following employee-only coverage:

• Medical: RISE covers 85% of employee-only premiums; employee covers 15% (spouse and dependent costs are the employee's responsibility)
• Dental and Vision: 100% of employee-only premiums covered
• Short and Long-Term Disability: 100% of premiums covered
• 401(k): 100% employer match on first 3% deferred; 50% match on contributions from 3% to 5%; no vesting period

Jefferson RISE reserves the right to offer different or additional benefits at any time.