Special Education Teacher (2027-2028 School Year)

Job Details: Job Location: KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools - Atlanta, GA, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $60000.00 - $100000.00, Organizational Overview:KIPP Atlanta Schools is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national network of free, open enrollment, college-preparatory schools dedicated to ensuring that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. There are 280 KIPP schools in 21 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 175,000 scholars and alumni. KIPP Atlanta currently operates 9 schools including four primary schools, five middle schools and one high school, as well as KIPP Forward which supports scholars on their journey to a choice-filled life. We are a social justice organization and our vision and mission require the work of dedicated, bold and skilled leaders, educators, and support staff who are committed to serving as the catalyst for joyful, academically excellent schools and the foundation for building a more just and equitable world for our scholars. What We Value: Good Decision-Making: “I make thoughtful decisions in alignment with my school’s and organization’s values.” Peer Accountability: “I hold all Big KIPPsters accountable to our schools’ and organization’s values, standards, and expectations.” Excellence Always: “I do all aspects of my work with excellence - the big and the little things, the parts being monitored as well as those not monitored.” Communication is Key: “I communicate with both honesty and love. How I communicate nurtures courage, belonging, partnership, and progress toward our promise to KIPPsters and families.” Scholars Over Everything: “I put our scholars first, 100% of the time, without fail. I quickly resolve any and all adult-centered concerns and qualms to reserve my individual and our collective time and attention for our KIPPsters.” Walk Trumps Talk: “I chose this social justice career. And so, I behave in alignment with my choice. My behaviors match our promise to our scholars and families.” “Us” Only: “I belong to every member of our organization, and every member of our organization belongs to me. I choose unity always - in both the good times and hard times.” Job Overview:KIPP Atlanta teachers are at the core of our mission to prepare scholars with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. Special Education Teachers at KIPP Atlanta Schools are committed to ensuring that every scholar with a disability has full access to a high-quality, college preparatory education. As a member of a dedicated and skilled team of educators, the Special Education Teacher plays a pivotal role in creating a joyous, inclusive, and academically excellent learning environment where scholars with diverse learning needs thrive.Job ResponsibilitiesSpecialized Instruction & IEP Management Plan standards-aligned instruction with clear learning targets and success criteria that preserve access to rigorous, grade-level content. Deliver explicit, systematic instruction using modeling, scaffolded practice, frequent checks for understanding, and actionable feedback. Use diagnostic, classroom, and IEP data to identify strengths and needs, plan targeted small groups, and adjust instructional intensity. Develop and implement IEPs with accurate present levels, measurable academic and functional goals, appropriate services, and progress measures; support team decisions that provide a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. Deliver specially designed instruction that adapts content, methodology, or delivery to disability-related needs through the service models, frequency, location, and duration specified in each IEP. Implement IEP accommodations and team-approved modifications; use accessible materials, assistive technology, and communication supports, and follow state assessment participation and accommodation requirements. Use evidence-based interventions and high-leverage practices to build foundational skills, engagement, independence, and application of learning across settings. Collect and analyze IEP goal data using the measures and schedule in each IEP; provide families progress reports as specified and seek timely team review when progress is insufficient. Manage assigned caseload timelines; coordinate annual IEP reviews, reevaluations, and eligibility processes with qualified team members, supporting family participation, procedural safeguards, and timely follow-through. Maintain accurate IEP records and service logs in approved systems; protect confidential scholar information and promptly report missed services, scheduling barriers, and compliance concerns to the APoSS. Co-plan and co-teach with general education colleagues; clarify instructional roles and share IEP responsibilities with staff who implement services, accommodations, and supports. Coordinate with related service providers and guide assigned paraprofessionals in instruction, data collection, and IEP supports while retaining responsibility for teacher-led planning and monitoring. Support transitions between grades and schools; for secondary scholars, coordinate age-appropriate transition assessments, postsecondary goals, and services by ninth-grade entry or age 16, whichever comes first, and review annually. Foster a Positive, Inclusive School & Classroom Culture Embody and uphold the school's values, policies, and culture while fostering a sense of belonging for scholars with disabilities inside and outside the classroom. Develop positive relationships with scholars, families, teachers, staff, and the broader community. Partner with families as members of the IEP team, consistently sharing progress, explaining services and rights, and incorporating their input. Collaborate on functional behavioral assessments and behavior intervention plans; implement positive supports, teach replacement skills, monitor effectiveness, and use prevention and trained de-escalation practices. Build scholars’ self-advocacy, self-regulation, independence, and participation in decisions about their learning and future goals. Collaborate with MTSS and multilingual learner teams to coordinate supports without delaying needed disability evaluation or IEP services. Attend and actively participate in school events, including staff meetings, open houses, parent-teacher conferences, and more. Create predictable, culturally responsive learning environments; follow safety and reporting procedures. Complete required crisis-response training; any restraint must comply with Georgia rules and KIPP policy. Seclusion is prohibited. Demonstrate a Growth Mindset  Set and pursue challenging professional goals each year to enhance effectiveness and impact. Give and receive constructive feedback with colleagues to foster continuous improvement. Participate in coaching, instructional planning, and special education professional learning; apply feedback and evidence-based practices to improve scholar outcomes. Demonstrate reliable attendance, timely planning and documentation, sound judgment, and prompt communication when barriers affect scholar services. Model the values of KIPP Atlanta Schools, demonstrating excellence and commitment to the mission. Qualifications: Candidate Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required Georgia teaching certification preferred  A minimum of two years of teaching experience in an underserved community (preferred) Demonstrate a proven track record of creating a joyful and academically excellent classroom Pass a criminal background check Have a passion for being a part of a team-oriented, mission-driven school culture Demonstrate commitment to closing the opportunity gap Leverage strong communication and relationship-building skills Be a collaborative team player Demonstrate a high level of integrity in decision-making  Compensation & Benefits:Compensation for this role is between $60,000 and $100,000+.  The starting pay will depend on various factors that may include but are not limited to professional experience, education, training, and certifications. KIPP Atlanta Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes: 10 days of Paid Time Off, in addition to identified holidays and regular school breaks including Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Mid-Winter Break, and Spring Break. Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance; and voluntary short-term disability coverage Paid Parental Leave  Participation in Georgia retirement plan and an optional 403(b) retirement plan Location & Work Conditions:This is a school-based position that requires regular in-person work at an assigned KIPP Atlanta Schools campus. The role requires frequent standing, walking, and movement throughout the school; regular interaction with students, staff, and families; and the visual and hearing abilities necessary to observe and respond to activities within a dynamic school environment. Employees may occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and lift, carry, push, or move up to 15 pounds. The position requires the ability to respond promptly to student behavioral, safety, and emergency situations in accordance with KIPP Atlanta Schools policies and applicable training. Additional in-person time, including occasional evening or weekend meetings, may be required based on school and organizational needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.Statement of Nondiscrimination:KIPP Atlanta Schools provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.