Special Education Teacher - Extensive Support Needs (ESN)

About the Job

Job Title: Special Education Teacher

Location: Building Connections Academy

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Salary (Exempt)

About Building Connections Academy:

At Building Connections Academy (BCA), we believe every child deserves a place where they feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow. We are a nonpublic school serving students with mild to moderate and extensive support needs (ESN), creating a learning environment that is inclusive, engaging, and full of possibility. Our team is passionate about empowering students to discover their strengths, build meaningful relationships, and develop the confidence to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Learn more at bcaschools.com.

Position Overview:

The Special Education Teacher is responsible for providing specialized instruction and support to K-8 students with disabilities, including mild to moderate support needs and extensive support needs (ESN) - Depending on location and classroom assignment. This role involves developing and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), adapting curriculum, and providing targeted interventions that address students' academic, behavioral, social, and emotional growth. The Special Education Teacher works closely with parents, BCBAs, Paraprofessionals, and other school staff to ensure students have access to appropriate educational opportunities and achieve their individual goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Teach and support small groups of students in inclusive and specialized settings.
• Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs based on student needs, abilities, and goals.
• Attend and actively participate in IEP meetings.
• Provide specialized instruction across academic, social, emotional, and behavioral domains.
• Implement evidence-based instructional strategies, adapting curriculum to meet diverse learning needs.
• Collect, analyze, and report on student progress regularly.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and support staff to ensure effective delivery of accommodations and modifications.
• Design and implement behavior support plans, teaching social and emotional regulation skills to promote positive student outcomes.
• Provide coaching and guidance to paraprofessionals and behavior support staff in the classroom.
• Collaborate with parents and guardians to foster positive relationships, advocacy, and consistent communication about student progress.
• Design and deliver project-based lessons aligned with California state curriculum standards, promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and real-world application.
• Guide students through the full project-based learning cycle, including problem identification, research, solution development, and presentation.
• Maintain a positive, inclusive classroom environment that encourages collaboration, engagement, and a love of learning.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to remain current with best practices and compliance in special education.
• Attend school functions and events as required (e.g., back-to-school nights, family events, and other school-wide activities).

Required Qualifications:

• Clear DOJ/FBI background check.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance.
• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Special Education, or a related field.
• Valid California Special Education Teaching Credential (Mild/Moderate or Extensive Support Needs (ESN) depending on classroom type) or out-of-state equivalent approved by CDE. A Provisional Internship Permit (PIP) or Short Term Staffing Permits (STSP) issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing may be considered on a case-by-case basis in lieu of a Teaching Credential.
• Patience, flexibility, and a compassionate approach when working with students with disabilities.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Required immunizations including MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis), Varicella (Chicken Pox), Hep B, and TB clearance (within 4 years).

Desired:

• Master's Degree in Special Education or a related field.
• Background or experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and/or collaboration with BCBAs and Behavior Interventionists.
• Experience teaching and supporting students with disabilities, preferably in K-8 or elementary settings.
• Strong knowledge of IDEA, special education law, and evidence-based instructional practices.
• Familiarity with adaptive curriculum, instructional technology, and classroom differentiation.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for qualifying employees.
• 401K with employer matching.
• Paid Holidays, Paid Days Off, and PTO.
• Mileage reimbursement between worksites.
• Laptop and company phone provided.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a school environment serving students with a wide range of needs, including mild to extensive support needs.
• Physical demands may include standing, sitting, kneeling, squatting, running, walking, lifting up to 50 lbs., and actively supporting students in crisis situations.

Note:

This job description is a general overview and may be subject to modification based on the needs of Building Connections Academy and its students.