Special Education Teacher Intern

About the Job

Job Title: Special Education Teacher Intern

Location: Building Connections Academy - Martinez

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 K-8 students with disabilities and 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, develop greater independence, and gain the confidence to thrive both in and outside the classroom. Learn more at bcaschools.com.

Position Overview:

The Special Education Teacher Intern supports the instructional program at our Martinez campus while gaining hands-on teaching experience under the supervision and guidance of a credentialed Special Education Teacher.

This position is designed for individuals pursuing a career in special education who are passionate about supporting K-8 students with Extensive Support Needs (ESN) and eager to develop their instructional, classroom management, and collaborative teaching skills.

Using a collaborative co-teaching model, the Teacher Intern provides instruction to small groups of students, assists with lesson planning and curriculum development, implements accommodations and behavior support strategies, and helps maintain a structured, engaging, and student-centered learning environment. Through ongoing coaching, observation, mentorship, and professional development, the Teacher Intern gradually assumes increased instructional responsibilities as their skills develop.

Key Responsibilities:

• Co-teach alongside a credentialed Special Education Teacher using a collaborative instructional model.
• Provide direct instruction to small groups of students while the supervising teacher works with other individuals or groups.
• Assist with planning, preparing, and delivering engaging lessons aligned with California curriculum standards.
• Support the development, adaptation, and implementation of curriculum and instructional materials based on students' individual learning needs.
• Implement accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategies under the direction of the supervising teacher.
• Support the implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and behavior support plans.
• Collect and maintain accurate academic, behavioral, and IEP goal data to monitor student progress and support instructional decision-making.
• Assist with preparing student progress reports, IEP progress updates, and report card comments under the supervision of the credentialed teacher.
• Help maintain a positive, structured, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes student engagement, independence, and social-emotional growth.
• Participate in project-based learning activities that encourage critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and real-world application.
• Collaborate with Special Education Teachers, Paraprofessionals, Behavior Interventionists, BCBAs, related service providers, and school leadership to support student success.
• Assist with classroom organization, preparation of instructional materials, and maintenance of classroom resources.
• Learn and implement evidence-based instructional, behavioral, and classroom management practices through ongoing coaching and mentorship.
• Gradually assume additional instructional responsibilities while continuing to work under the guidance of the supervising Special Education Teacher.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, professional development opportunities, IEP meetings as appropriate, and required school functions or family events.
• Maintain student confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism, dependability, and a willingness to receive and apply feedback.

Required Qualifications:

• Clear DOJ/FBI background check.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance.
• Bachelor's degree in Education, Psychology, Child Development, Special Education, or a related field; or current enrollment in a bachelor's degree or teacher preparation program with relevant experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to pursuing a career in education or special education.
• Passion for working with students with disabilities.
• Ability to develop positive and professional relationships with students, families, and team members.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organization, and time management skills.
• Ability to follow instructional guidance and adapt support based on individual student needs.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing coaching, observation, and professional development.
• Patience, flexibility, and a compassionate approach when supporting students with diverse learning and behavioral needs.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Required immunizations and clearances, including:
  • MMR.
  • Tdap.
  • Varicella.
  • Hepatitis B.
  • TB clearance within the past four years.

Desired Qualifications:

• Current enrollment in a California Special Education credential program.
• Previous experience working with children or students with disabilities.
• Experience in a classroom, childcare, camp, tutoring, behavioral, or similar setting.
• Background or experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) services, or behavioral intervention.
• Experience collaborating with BCBAs, Behavior Interventionists, Paraprofessionals, or other education and behavioral professionals.
• Basic understanding of classroom management and positive behavior support strategies.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for qualifying employees.
• 401(k) with employer matching.
• Paid holidays, paid days off, and paid time off (PTO).
• Mileage reimbursement for travel between worksites.
• Company-provided laptop and phone.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a school environment serving K-8 students with Extensive Support Needs.
• Ability to remain actively engaged with students throughout the school day.
• Physical demands may include standing, sitting, walking, running, kneeling, squatting, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to support students safely during behavioral or crisis situations in accordance with company training, policies, and procedures.

Note:

This job description provides a general overview of the position and may be modified based on the needs of Building Connections Academy and its students. The Special Education Teacher Intern works under the supervision and guidance of a credentialed Special Education Teacher and is not expected to independently perform duties that require a valid teaching credential.