Special Education Teacher - Constellations Program

Crescent City Schools is seeking a full-time (10-month) Special Education Teacher experienced in working with students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other related disabilities to provide an individualized, supportive learning environment. This role involves adapting lesson plans, implementing evidence-based instructional strategies, and working closely with other educators, specialists, and families to meet the unique needs of each student. The Constellations Program’s special education teacher will report to the Director of The Constellations Program. 

Our Special Education Teachers impact students’ lives by:

• Developing and implementing individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with exceptionalities, in collaboration with other team members.
• Creating and modifying lesson plans to accommodate the learning needs of students, including social, communication, and behavioral goals.
• Providing direct instruction in academic subjects such as math, reading, and writing, using specialized techniques tailored to the students' learning styles.
• Using visual aids, assistive technology, sensory tools, and other strategies to engage students and support learning.
• Providing individualized support for students who exhibit challenging behaviors, using behavior modification techniques and data tracking.
• Monitoring and documenting students' progress in social, emotional, and behavioral development.
• Working closely with parents, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, counselors and other specialists to ensure the holistic development of students.
• Participating in multidisciplinary team meetings and IEP meetings to develop and review students' plans and progress.
• Using formal and informal assessments to measure student progress toward IEP goals and adjusting instructional strategies based on assessment results to ensure continuous student improvement.
• Maintaining a structured, organized, and supportive classroom environment with clearly established routines and expectations to reduce anxiety and promote a safe learning space for students with ASD.
• Attending training, workshops, and professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in autism, intellectual disabilities, and special education.

What We Offer:

• Click here for more information about our innovative compensation system. This role may be on the Lead Scale or the Associate Scale (depending on the applicant's experience and qualifications). It may include bumps for taking on leadership responsibilities, summer work, doing work outside of your regular duties, or longevity with CCS.
• Click here for more information about our award-winning benefits package, which includes fully-paid health insurance, immediate 4% 401k match, employer-paid mental health services, and generous leave policies.

Apply now if you: 

• Are willing to be a founding team member for a school dedicated to children with extensive support needs
• Believe in the mission and values of Crescent City Schools
• Have an outstanding record of leading academic achievement
• Have a BA or BS Degree
• Possess Louisiana Teacher Certification in Special Education (or equivalent certification in another state) or are currently enrolled in a Alternative Teaching certification program.
• Can demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of colleagues, parents, families, and community members.
• Are committed to meeting the needs of a diverse student population.
• Have a track record of being a team player and community-minded.
• Adhere to a high level of professional and ethical standards.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, kneel, crouch, bend, operate a computer and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds
• Must be physically able to perform Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training and techniques and react and intervene quickly during crisis situations, such as but not limited to the following circumstances: student elopement, physical altercations involving students, or any situation that requires physical intervention to maintain student safety
• This is an in-person role

About Crescent City Schools

Crescent City Schools is a nonprofit Charter Management Organization whose mission is to support and develop open-enrollment charter schools that raise student achievement and prepare students for college. Crescent City Schools currently operates three PreK-8th grade open-enrollment charter schools: Harriet Tubman and Dorothy Height Charter Schools on the West Bank and Mildred Osborne Charter School in the Kenilworth neighborhood. Our organization creates life-changing educational experiences for students and, through this work, transforms a city.

At Crescent City Schools, we believe in inspiring people. And we firmly believe our success is driven by dedicated and talented employees. Crescent City Schools is committed to attracting and retaining the best professionals in education with an array of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

About The Constellations Program

The Constellations Program is a preK through 4th grade school setting for students with low-incidence disabilities. At Constellations, we prepare students to achieve their highest independent level of functioning. The Constellations Program will support students in meeting their functional skill needs as well as the academic skills aligned to the LEAP Connect. While this program is geared primarily towards students with Autism, it is open to other students with limited to no verbal skills, intellectual impairments, and similar exceptionalities.