Self Contained Elementary Special Education Lead Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

For the upcoming 2026-2027 school year, Bridges is seeking a Special Education Lead Teacher for an elementary-level non-categorical self-contained classroom for students with high-level special needs.

Who We Are

Our mission is to provide an exemplary educational program that includes all students. Our developmentally appropriate, student and family-centered educational approach nurtures students to expand their developmental skills, in order to build a foundation for life-long learning. Our Core Values are:

• Responsibility
• Engagement
• Acceptance
• Creativity
• Honesty

Who Are We Looking For

We are seeking passionate educators to build an inclusive PK-5 school community. We are seeking committed individuals to provide high-quality and innovative instruction to a diverse student community.  We are seeking individuals that recognize that they are in a position of public trust and are held to a high standard of personal and professional conduct.  If you are a dedicated educator who is passionate about creating a culture of inclusion and respect, we invite you to join our team. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students and build a brighter future for our community.

Our Graduate Profile

A Bridges “Graduate”

• Is a unique and independent individual who is prepared to pave their own path.
• Self advocates through their preferred communication modalities.
• Welcomes diversity with inclusion, openness, acceptance, and respect for others.
• Demonstrates empathy and a desire to help and support others in need.
• Perseveres in the face of challenges to meet their individual academic, social, and extracurricular goals. 
• Is prepared for the next steps after leaving Bridges Public Charter School.

As a Special Education Teacher, you will be responsible for...

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• Plan and manage an elementary non-categorical self-contained classroom with high-level special needs students and assistant teachers.
• Develop and implement the classroom discrete trial instruction, social skills instruction, and behavior plan implementation in collaboration with the lead teacher under the supervision of the BCBA
• Contribute to Social/Emotional progress reports and IEP development under the supervision of the BCBA
• Assess student progress regularly using VBMAPP Milestones, Transitions, and Barriers assessments.
• Regularly collect data to track students’ progress in 3 program areas: curriculum, IEP, and ABA/VB.
• Complete quarterly progress reports (IEP progress reports and curriculum progress reports).
• Collaborate with related service providers, special education coordinator, curriculum coordinator, ELL Teacher, and student parents to plan for student needs.
• Implement and maintain students’ Functional Communication Protocols and Behavior Protocols to respond to students' behavior appropriately and successfully.
• Participate in the IEP process by writing present levels, IEP goals, and providing thoughtful reflections during team meetings.
• Coordinate with general education teachers to create opportunities for inclusive learning.
• Support the creation of a classroom culture and environment that develops and nurtures the emotional, cognitive, and social abilities of the students.
• Engage parents and families in their student's learning and act as an ambassador for the school in the community.
• Contribute productively to the school as a whole.
• Attend and participate in school events outside of regular school hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Adhering to the 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. work day
• Regularly attends work and adheres to all attendance policies.
• Be on time for classes, duties, team meetings, and professional development activities. Communicate about and plan for absences in advance with teaching teams and the Principal.
• Participate in weekly Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings.
• Contribute to PLC sessions by being prepared to share data,  ideas, student work,  materials, feedback, facilitating sessions, and/or discussions.
• Participate in a Summer Professional Development. Summer Professional Development will be two weeks in August before students return.
• Seek out additional opportunities for professional development that will lead to achieving personal and school-wide professional development goals.
• Reading provided school information and adhering to all deadlines.
• Respond to all emails within 24 hours or the next business day. 
• Other professional duties as assigned.   

SCHOOL CULTURE 

• Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for students. 
• Communicate respectfully to students, staff and families at all times. 
• Model, practice and discuss respectful, unbiased and effective communication with students.
• Other school culture expectations as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education
  • Bachelor's Degree (required)
  • Master's Degree in Elementary Education and/or Special Education (preferred)
  • Certification in Special Education (preferred)
  • Passed the Praxis SPED exams (preferred)
• Have 1 to 2 years of successful classroom teaching experience in an urban school setting. 2 or more years of teaching experience is preferred.
• Be a strong classroom manager.
• Be committed to meeting the needs of a diverse student population.
• Have a track record of being a team player and community-minded.
• Be committed to their own learning, including training in ABA/VB.
• Excellent time-management skills and ability to work independently.
• Passion for public schools.
• Adherence to a high level of professional and ethical standards.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary range: $60,000-$92,000/Per Year

View Teacher Pay Scale Here    

$3,000 is awarded for leading a high-level special education classroom

$2,000 is awarded for Spanish language proficiency

An employee's salary is based on educational level, certification(s), and years of experience. Employees will be contracted yearly. Contracts will be renewed according to evaluations and staff interest. Bridges PCS benefits package includes health care, disability insurance, and a retirement plan: 401 (k) or the continuation of the DCPS retirement plan, in addition to other optional benefits. To ensure the safety of all students, all staff members will be fingerprinted, and background checks will be conducted on all school staff prior to their service as employees, without exception. Bridges is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate all applicants without unlawful consideration of race, religion, age, color, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

To ensure safety for all students, all staff members may be fingerprinted. Background checks will be conducted on all school staff prior to their service as employees.