Special Education Teacher (2026-27 School Year)

Status: Exempt, Full-Time

Calendar: Academic Year

Overall Objectives

Provides specialized instruction and related services to students with disabilities in compliance with state and federal special education regulations. Responsible for IEP development, direct instruction, progress monitoring, evaluation, and maintenance of legally required documentation to ensure students receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).

Principal Roles & Responsibilities

Academic Program

• Develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in collaboration with parents or guardians, the Special Education Coordinator, classroom teachers, and related service providers.
• Provides direct specialized instruction and support as outlined in student IEPs.
• Supports general education teachers in implementing accommodations, modifications, and intervention strategies.
• Collaborates with the Academic Team to modify assignments, assessments, and instructional materials in alignment with IEP requirements.
• Monitors, measures, and reports student progress toward IEP goals.
• Participates in professional development and Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) meetings, including those scheduled outside of regular school hours as required.
• Seeks guidance and collaborates regularly with the Special Education Coordinator, Academic Director, and Executive Director.

Curriculum and Instruction

• Prepares and submits lesson plans and instructional materials aligned to student IEP goals and state standards.
• Utilizes research-based instructional strategies and evidence-based interventions.
• Participates in all required professional development and ongoing compliance training 

Classroom/Behavior Management

• Implements Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and behavior plans as outlined in student IEPs.
• Follows school-wide behavioral and safety guidelines and policies.
• Applies classroom rules and behavioral expectations consistently and effectively.
• Collaborates with administration and Q-Comp lead teachers to strengthen classroom management practices.

Program Compliance

• Maintains accurate and confidential student records in accordance with state and federal special education regulations, including IDEA and Minnesota Department of Education requirements.
• Prepares progress reports, evaluation reports, and due process documentation within mandated timelines.
• Participates in initial evaluations, re-evaluations, and child study meetings; supports identification, referral, and eligibility processes as required by law.
• Ensures services are delivered as written in IEPs and documents service minutes accurately.
• Attends all required safety, health, and compliance training.
• Follows all school policies, procedures, and protocols.

Communication

• Advocates for students through proactive and collaborative communication with classroom teachers, specialists, and administrators.
• Clearly communicates academic expectations, behavioral goals, and self-management strategies to students.
• Maintains timely and professional communication with parents or guardians and attends IEP meetings well prepared.
• Responds promptly to school communications, emails, and phone calls.

Professional Conduct

• Upholds professional and ethical standards in all interactions, maintaining confidentiality and respect in all matters, including student-related information and sensitive organizational topics.
• Models and encourages all behavior outlined by the Board-approved Professional Conduct Policy.
• Maintains confidentiality in all areas related to students.
• Demonstrates reliability and good judgment.
• Participates in required training and ongoing relevant professional development.
• Commitment to Yinghua Academy’s mission, values, and guiding principles.
• Maintains a professional image and a positive attitude.
• Completes responsibilities in a timely and accurate manner.
• Meets set objectives and goals and requires minimal supervision.
• Takes pride in work and is committed to quality.

Additional Information

The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties performed for this position. The employee may perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director or school leadership to support the needs of the school.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees working a minimum of 30 hours per week. This includes health, dental, and vision insurance, Kavira (direct-to-employer healthcare), Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care, as well as life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, and long-term disability insurance.

Yinghua Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Yinghua Academy District 4140-07 prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at https://www.yinghuaacademy.org/ourteamadministration/school-management/

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Valid Minnesota teaching license in one or more Special Education categories, including ABS, SLD, EBD, ASD, or ECSE, or ability to obtain appropriate MN licensure.
• Knowledge of IDEA, due process requirements, and Minnesota special education regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to use technology as an instructional and documentation tool.

Employee Requirements

Must meet all employment requirements including, but not limited to, criminal background checks and reference checks.