Special Education Teacher in San Jose, California at The Creekside School

A student’s interests, strengths, and ways of communicating offer a starting point for meaningful learning. At The Creekside School, you’ll use that understanding to create experiences that help students connect with others, develop independence, and build skills for everyday life.

We’re seeking a thoughtful, creative Special Education Teacher who values relationships, welcomes collaboration, and brings curiosity to understanding what works for each student.

The Creekside School is a nonpublic school serving students with profound autism in San Jose. Founded by families seeking an education that truly met their children’s needs, we continue to place individualized learning and family partnership at the center of our work.

Our approach honors students’ preferences, makes room for joy, and recognizes that meaningful progress looks different for every learner.

You’ll work alongside paraprofessionals, therapists, and families to create an engaging, responsive classroom. From functional academics to community experiences, you’ll help students practice skills that support participation, communication, and greater independence.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and implementing IEPs with meaningful, measurable goals.

• Adapting instruction to each student’s strengths, interests, preferences, and support needs.

• Teaching functional academics, communication, social skills, and daily living skills.

• Supporting emotional, sensory, and behavioral regulation with guidance from the multidisciplinary team.

• Incorporating student choice and assent into classroom learning and routines.

• Using observations and progress data to adjust instruction, recognize growth, and identify next steps.

• Helping students apply skills during community outings and everyday experiences.

• Guiding classroom support staff and maintaining consistent communication with families.

• Experience teaching students with autism and significant support needs.

• Skills in individualized instruction, IEP development, and monitoring student progress.

• A collaborative approach to working with paraprofessionals, specialists, and families.

• Patience, curiosity, flexibility, and a commitment to each student’s dignity.

• Willingness to reflect, ask questions, and adapt as you learn more about each student.

Small classes, full-time paraprofessional support, and a six-acre campus give you space and resources to develop meaningful learning experiences.

You’ll collaborate with specialists in speech, occupational therapy, behavior, music, art, and mental health. Shared planning and learning across disciplines bring different perspectives to your classroom and help the team provide consistent, individualized support.

Families are essential partners in this work. Together, we build on each student’s strengths and connect classroom learning to the experiences that matter in their lives.

• Fully paid health, dental, and vision insurance premiums.

• Fully vested 401(k) with a 4% company match.

• Seven weeks of paid time off according to the school calendar, plus holiday pay.

• Professional development across disciplines and shared planning time.

• Employee Assistance Program.

Bring your creativity, care, and teaching experience to a school where knowing each student shapes everything we do. Apply to join The Creekside School as a Special Education Teacher and help students build meaningful, connected lives.