4th Grade Special Education Teacher (ICT) in Rochester, New York at Exploration Elementary Charter School for Science & Tech

*Sign on Bonus up to $4,000 available for Eligible Candidates!

Job Title: 4th Grade Special Education Teacher (ICT)
Organization: Exploration Elementary Charter School for Science and Technology
Reports To: Director of Academics
Duration: 10-Month Position
Position Summary
The Special Education Teacher in an Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classroom at Exploration Elementary Charter School works in partnership with a general education teacher to plan, instruct, and assess students with and without disabilities in the same classroom. This role requires a strong commitment to collaboration, inclusive practices, and differentiated instruction. The teacher will provide specially designed instruction aligned with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) while also contributing to the overall academic and social-emotional growth of all students in the classroom. This educator will model the core values of innovation, inquiry, and a passion for science and technology while promoting equity and high expectations for all learners.

Essential Job Responsibilities
● Co-plans and co-delivers instruction with a general education teacher using a variety of co-teaching models (e.g., parallel teaching, station teaching, team teaching).
● Ensures the implementation of IEP goals, accommodations, and modifications within the general education setting.
● Supports the development of differentiated lessons that challenge and engage all learners, including those with disabilities.
● Utilizes state standards and curriculum maps to design rigorous, objective-driven, interdisciplinary lessons.
● Applies data from ongoing formative and summative assessments to adjust instruction and support student growth.
● Collaborates on lesson planning to ensure equity and access in classroom activities and assessments.
● Identifies in each lesson what cognitive, physical, and content skills are being taught and how students will assess mastery.
● Collects and analyzes student data to monitor progress on IEP goals and academic standards.
● Engages students using instructional strategies that meet diverse learning styles, including hands-on learning, technology integration, and movement.
● Creates a supportive classroom culture that fosters risk-taking, perseverance, and inclusive practices.
● Attends weekly PLC (Professional Learning Community) meetings to engage in professional dialogue, share instructional practices, and support school-wide improvement goals
● Offers ongoing, constructive feedback to students to support their creative development and STEM integration.
● Maintains accurate, up-to-date documentation of IEP implementation and student progress.
● Manages and updates IEPs for students on caseload, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
● Attends and actively participates in CSE meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and school-based support team meetings.
● Implements behavior intervention plans in collaboration with the general education teacher and support staff.
● Reinforces age-appropriate rules and logical consequences; uses individual behavior plans as needed.
● Maintains open, culturally responsive communication with families, respecting diverse values and backgrounds.
● Collaborates with parents/guardians to share student progress, build partnerships, and support learning at home.
● Participates in school-wide data analysis, professional learning communities, and instructional planning sessions.
● Supports implementation of Exploration’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework.
● Actively participates in staff meetings, school committees, family engagement events, and professional development.
● Uses Google Workspace for planning, communication, and documentation.

Student Supervision Responsibilities:
The Employee acknowledges that maintaining a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment is a shared responsibility of all school employees. In addition to the primary responsibilities of the position, the Employee may be assigned student supervision duties, including but not limited to student arrival and dismissal, lunch and recess supervision, hallway and transition monitoring, school events, emergency drills, and other operational or student support responsibilities as needed. These responsibilities are considered an essential function of employment and are included within the scope of the Employee's position under "other duties as assigned." Such assignments may be adjusted throughout the school year to meet the operational needs of the School.

Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
● Knowledge of co-teaching models and inclusive special education practices.
● Deep understanding of STEM education and strategies for integrating science, technology, engineering, and math into daily instruction.
● Skilled in differentiating instruction and assessments to support diverse learners.
● Knowledge of IEP development, implementation, and special education law (IDEA, Section 504).
● Strong data analysis skills to support student progress monitoring and academic decision-making.
● Familiarity with culturally responsive and sustaining education (CRSE).
● Effective interpersonal and communication skills for collaborating with colleagues, students, and families.
● Commitment to continuous professional growth and reflective practice.
● Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Qualifications Profile
● Fingerprint clearance from the NYS Department of Education
● Ability to work some flexible hours for school events, family nights, and required meetings
● Uses standard office and classroom equipment (e.g., computers, projectors, athletic equipment)

Education
● Bachelor’s Degree in Education
● Master’s Degree in Special Education preferred

Certification
● Current, valid New York State Teaching Certificate in Students with Disabilities (Grades 1–6 or appropriate level) required
● Dual certification in General Education and Special Education highly preferred

Experience
● Prior experience teaching elementary students
● Experience in integrating STEM concepts into instruction preferred
● Experience working with high-needs or urban student populations strongly desired
● Experience using project- or inquiry-based learning methods

Additional Details
The hiring process for this position will require a fingerprinted background check through the New York State TEACH System. Any written or verbal offer is contingent upon satisfactory results, as determined by NYSED and the HR/Director of Operations. Exploration Elementary Charter School does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, or disability. The school promotes diversity and provides equal opportunity for all qualified applicants and will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities as required by law.