Special Education Teacher

Description

About Us

Purdue Polytechnic High Schools (PPHS) is a mission-driven network of schools founded in partnership with Purdue University. Our vision is to inspire students through STEM-focused, real-world experiences, empowering them to become problem-solvers and skilled achievers who succeed in technical and STEM-related postsecondary programs and high-tech careers. At PPHS, we are committed to academic rigor and providing every student with the resources to succeed in higher education, particularly at institutions of the caliber of Purdue University.

Our core values guide everything we do:

• Act as 1
• Nurture student genius
• Start from Yes
• Do the right thing
• Get it done

Job Summary

The Special Education Teacher provides specially designed instruction and coordinates individualized services for high school students with disabilities. The teacher serves as Teacher of Record for an assigned caseload, develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and supports access to rigorous learning, graduation pathways, and postsecondary opportunities.

Working within the PPHS STEM-focused, design-based learning model, the Special Education Teacher collaborates with general education teachers, families, school leaders, and related service providers to remove barriers, monitor student progress, and promote student independence and belonging.

Responsibilities and Duties

Specially Designed Instruction and Curriculum Access

• Plan and deliver individualized, evidence-based instruction aligned with IEP goals, Indiana academic standards, and each student's disability-related needs.
• Provide direct instruction, small-group interventions, resource support, and co-teaching or classroom consultation consistent with assigned services and student IEPs.
• Adapt the content, methodology, and delivery of instruction; implement required accommodations, modifications, accessible materials, and assistive technology.
• Collaborate with teachers to make STEM projects, design-based problem solving, and other learning experiences accessible while maintaining appropriate academic expectations.
• ·Teach academic, organizational, executive functioning, self-advocacy, and functional skills as identified in student IEPs.

IEP Development and Caseload Management

• Serve as Teacher of Record for an assigned caseload and coordinate the development, implementation, review, and revision of individualized IEPs.
• Prepare present levels of performance, measurable annual goals, services, accommodations, and other required IEP components using assessment data and student and family input.
• Coordinate and participate in case conference committee meetings, including required notices, scheduling, preparation, and follow-up, in collaboration with designated special education leadership.
• Communicate relevant IEP responsibilities to teachers and service providers and monitor implementation across instructional settings.
• Maintain accurate IEPs, service records, and related documentation in Indiana IEP (IIEP) or the designated system; track deadlines and promptly elevate service or compliance concerns.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

• Use classroom assessments, work samples, observations, and other appropriate data to establish baselines, measure progress, and adjust instruction.
• Collect and analyze data on IEP goals and document services provided, including alignment with required service minutes.
• Provide progress reports to students and families according to IEP reporting schedules and communicate concerns promptly.
• Collaborate with school counselors and other qualified personnel on referrals, evaluations, and reevaluations; contribute assessment information within the teacher's training and assigned role.
• Coordinate implementation of IEP assessment accommodations and modifications consistent with applicable district, state, and national testing requirements.

Positive Behavior and Student Support

• Create a safe, accessible, supportive learning environment that promotes engagement, dignity, and student independence.
• Implement positive behavior supports, explicitly teach social and self-regulation skills, and use restorative practices consistent with student needs and PPHS expectations.
• Contribute to functional behavioral assessments and development of behavior intervention plans with qualified team members; implement plans and monitor their effectiveness.
• Collaborate with counselors, student support staff, and families to address attendance, engagement, and other barriers to learning; follow established safety and escalation procedures.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree required; degree in special education or a related education field preferred.
• Valid Indiana special education teaching license appropriate to the assigned grade levels and disability area required. An Indiana-approved alternative special education license may be accepted when it authorizes the assignment and Teacher of Record responsibilities.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with secondary students preferred; high school special education experience strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of IDEA, Indiana Article 7, IEP development and implementation, transition planning, and student confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to deliver specially designed instruction, differentiate curriculum, implement positive behavior supports, and use assessment data to improve learning.
• Experience using Indiana IEP (IIEP) or comparable special education documentation systems preferred.
• Strong organization, deadline management, written and verbal communication, and collaborative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with diverse students and families and collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to use instructional and assistive technology; experience in a nontraditional or project-based high school setting preferred.

Requirements

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Employer HSA contribution
• Flexible Spending Account - Dependent Care
• Wellness Reimbursements
• Short Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Parental Leave
• 403(b) or TRF retirement plans, as applicable
• Paid Time Off

Work Environment

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a school and office environment; to stand or sit for extended periods; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; and to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight up to 20 pounds.

This role operates in a highly student-centered environment and requires regular interaction with students throughout the school day. The position may also require coordination with employers, postsecondary institutions, community organizations, and other off-campus partners in support of student learning experiences.

At-Will Employment

Employment at Purdue Polytechnic High Schools (PPHS) is at will. This means that either PPHS or the employee may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any lawful reason. Nothing in this posting or any communication should be interpreted as a guarantee of continued employment.