Centers-Based Special Education Teacher (Fed Setting III) (Grades 5-8) (2026-27 School Year)

Start Date: 2026-2027 School Year

Location:  St. Paul Middle Academy

Reports to: Principal

FLSA Status: Exempt

Updated: December 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

The Centers-Based Special Education Teacher is a committed member of a collaborative school team dedicated to closing the opportunity gap for students with disabilities. This educator provides highly individualized, evidence-based instruction for students with the most intensive academic, behavioral, social-emotional, communication, and adaptive learning needs. Students may qualify for services under a variety of disability categories, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD), Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (EBD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and multiple disabilities.

The Centers-Based Special Education Teacher creates a highly structured, predictable, and supportive learning environment where students develop the academic, communication, behavioral, self-regulation, and independence skills necessary to make meaningful progress toward their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and access increasingly inclusive educational opportunities whenever appropriate.

Working in close partnership with paraprofessionals, related service providers, families, school leaders, and general education teachers, this teacher designs individualized instructional programs, implements proactive behavioral supports, and ensures compliance with all local, state, and federal special education requirements.

This role is ideal for an educator who thrives in complex instructional environments, believes every student can make meaningful growth, approaches teaching with cultural responsiveness and a strong equity lens, and is committed to continuous learning and collaboration.

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 individualized, IEP-aligned instruction through whole-group, small-group, and one-to-one instruction within a highly structured centers-based classroom.
• Deliver explicit, systematic instruction using evidence-based practices appropriate for students with significant cognitive, behavioral, communication, and social-emotional needs.
• Teach academic, communication, executive functioning, adaptive behavior, self-regulation, and functional life skills as identified in students' IEPs.
• Differentiate instruction through visual supports, task analysis, prompting hierarchies, assistive technology, sensory supports, and other individualized accommodations.
• Develop structured classroom routines that maximize predictability, student engagement, and independence.
• Collect, analyze, and use progress-monitoring data to adjust instruction and intervention.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to increase meaningful access to grade-level curriculum and inclusive educational opportunities whenever appropriate.
• Implement approved curricula, instructional strategies, and evidence-based interventions with fidelity.
• Create a classroom culture built on high expectations, positive relationships, and student dignity.

Classroom Management & Student Support

• Create and maintain a safe, predictable, and highly structured classroom environment that promotes student success.
• Implement individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), sensory supports, and other individualized behavioral interventions.
• Teach replacement behaviors, emotional regulation, communication, problem-solving, and self-management skills through explicit instruction and daily practice.
• Collect and analyze behavioral data to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and inform instructional decisions.
• Utilize approved de-escalation, crisis prevention, and safety procedures while maintaining student dignity and preserving instructional time whenever possible.
• Maintain continuous supervision and ensure student safety throughout the instructional day.
• Foster trusting relationships with students through consistency, empathy, and high expectations.

Data Analysis & Team Collaboration

• Set ambitious, individualized goals based on student assessment data, present levels of performance, and IEP objectives.
• Collect and analyze academic, behavioral, communication, and functional performance data to guide instructional decisions.
• Participate actively in data meetings, problem-solving teams, and multidisciplinary planning meetings.
• Collaborate closely with general education staff, paraprofessionals, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, social workers, behavior specialists, nurses, and administrators to coordinate student supports.
• Partner with general education teachers to identify opportunities for inclusion and ensure successful implementation of accommodations and modifications.
• Share data, instructional recommendations, and student progress with team members to support collaborative decision-making.

Case Management & Due Process

• Case manage students with disabilities in accordance with IDEA, Section 504, and Minnesota special education regulations.
• Coordinate the development, implementation, and monitoring of evaluations, IEPs, progress reports, and required documentation.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of all due process requirements.
• Facilitate and participate in IEP meetings, evaluations, and eligibility determinations.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with families regarding student progress, services, behavioral supports, and educational programming.
• Collaborate with families and multidisciplinary teams to ensure consistency of supports across school, home, and related service providers whenever appropriate.

Professional Development

• Attend all required professional development, including the annual three-week August training.
• Participate actively in Prodeo Academy's instructional coaching and feedback model.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning in evidence-based instructional practices, autism supports, behavior intervention, and inclusive programming.
• Implement feedback to improve instructional effectiveness and student outcomes.
• Contribute positively to professional learning communities by sharing effective strategies and resources.

Communication & Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain positive, collaborative relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community partners.
• Communicate professionally and respond to family and staff communication within 24–48 business hours.
• Maintain accurate instructional, behavioral, and due process documentation.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support students and the mission of Prodeo Academy.

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

Required

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Active Minnesota Special Education teaching license (or ability to obtain).
• Demonstrated success working with students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of IDEA and Minnesota special education regulations.
• Experience implementing progress monitoring and data-based instructional decision-making.

Preferred

• Experience teaching in a Centers-Based (Federal Setting III) special education program.
• Experience working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Cognitive Disabilities, Emotional or Behavioral Disorders, or students with intensive support needs.
• Experience implementing Behavior Support Plans, Functional Behavior Assessments, and individualized behavior interventions.
• Training in crisis prevention and de-escalation (CPI or comparable program).

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.