Special Education (SPED) Teacher - Small Charter School

Job Type


Full-time

Description

At Freedom Academy, we believe every child deserves to feel seen, supported, challenged, and capable of success.

We believe students thrive when they are surrounded by adults who genuinely care about their growth - academically, socially, emotionally, and personally. We are committed to building classrooms that are structured, encouraging, relational, and deeply student-centered.

We are building a school culture rooted in Integrity, Honor, and Leadership - where students are challenged academically, developed relationally, and supported by adults who genuinely love what they do.

We are currently seeking a compassionate, organized, and student-focused Special Education (SPED) Teacher who is passionate about supporting students with diverse learning needs and helping them grow in confidence, independence, and academic success.

This role is far more than compliance or paperwork. Our SPED teachers play a critical role in helping students feel capable, supported, encouraged, and equipped to succeed. We are looking for someone who can combine strong instructional support with warmth, patience, structure, collaboration, and genuine care for students and families.

If you love helping students overcome obstacles, building strong relationships, collaborating with a team, and creating meaningful impact in students' lives - we would love to meet you.

What Makes Freedom Different

Freedom Academy is a K-8 charter school committed to:

• Defending childhood
• Reclaiming academic excellence
• Restoring parental trust in education

We believe students thrive in environments that are both structured and relational. Our goal is to create a campus that feels joyful, safe, encouraging, and deeply human - not cold, chaotic, or institutional.

Our classrooms prioritize strong academics, healthy childhood development, character formation, and meaningful partnership with families.

Our team genuinely cares about one another. We laugh together, problem-solve together, support one another through challenges, and work hard to create a school environment where both students and staff can flourish.

Our Commitment to Families

At Freedom Academy, we believe strong schools are built through strong partnerships with parents.

We are committed to creating a learning environment that prioritizes academic excellence, student safety, character development, healthy childhood experiences, and transparent communication with families.

Applicants are encouraged to review our Freedom Academy Pledge to Parents to better understand our school culture, values, and educational philosophy:

Freedom Academy Pledge to Parents


We believe clarity builds trust, and we are committed to ensuring strong alignment between our team, our mission, and the families we serve.

We're Looking For Someone Who:

• Loves working with students and believes every child is capable of growth
• Is patient, compassionate, organized, and relational
• Maintains high expectations while providing individualized support
• Understands differentiated instruction, accommodations, and modifications
• Communicates warmly and professionally with families and staff
• Maintains strong classroom structure and positive student support
• Is dependable, adaptable, and solution-oriented
• Works collaboratively with teachers, leadership, and support staff
• Is teachable, growth-minded, and open to feedback
• Believes school should feel safe, relational, encouraging, and uplifting for every student

Our Core Values
Integrity

We do the right thing with honesty, professionalism, accountability, and sound judgment.
Honor

We treat students, families, staff, and community members with dignity, kindness, and respect.
Leadership

We take ownership, communicate clearly, solve problems, and contribute positively regardless of title.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Instruction & Student Support
  • Provide direct instruction to students in individual, small group, and inclusion settings based on IEP goals
  • Adapt curriculum and teaching strategies to meet diverse learning needs
  • Implement accommodations and modifications as outlined in students' IEPs
• IEP Development & Implementation
  • Develop, write, and maintain IEPs in compliance with IDEA and state guidelines
  • Collect and analyze data to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly
  • Conduct assessments for initial, annual, and triennial evaluations
• Collaboration & Communication
  • Work closely with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and administration to support inclusive practices
  • Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and services
  • Participate in and lead IEP meetings, ensuring parents and team members are fully informed
• Compliance & Documentation
  • Maintain accurate records of student progress, services, and communication
  • Ensure all timelines, reports, and documentation meet legal and district requirements
  • Support the school in maintaining compliance during audits and reviews

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related field (Master's degree preferred)
• Valid Arizona Special Education teaching certificate or eligibility to obtain one
• Knowledge of IDEA, state-specific special education regulations, and instructional best practices
• Strong classroom management, organizational, and communication skills
• Proficiency with IEP software platforms and educational technology tools

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Experience working in a K-8 setting
• Experience with co-teaching models
• A growth mindset, commitment and passion for serving all learners
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus

Work Environment

• Full-time position located at Freedom Academy (K-8 campus)
• Classroom setting with occasional off-site meetings or professional development
• May include occasional evening IEP meetings or school events

Salary Description


$45,000 to $62,000 per year DOE