Teacher, Special Education (Self-Contained)

Background/Mission
Sela PCS was created to help tackle educational inequity racial segregation and cultural isolation - to create a place where students would be celebrated as they begin their global citizenship journey. Sela is a dual language Hebrew and English school that proudly serves and educates 300 PreK-3 - 5th grade students in Washington DC.

Mission: Sela PCS offers children of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds in the District of Columbia from Pre-K to 5th grade the opportunity to achieve academic excellence in a safe nurturing environment that focuses on dual-language instruction in English and Hebrew promotes the value of diversity and provides skills for engaging with the world.

The Opportunity
We are seeking a compassionate skilled and dedicated Special Education Teacher to lead a self-contained multi-age classroom serving students in grades K-5. This is a unique opportunity to support a diverse group of learners in a structured trauma-informed and collaborative setting. The Special Education Teacher will create and maintain a safe supportive and engaging classroom environment that meets the academic behavioral and social-emotional needs of students with a range of disabilities. The ideal candidate will have experience with differentiated instruction behavior management individualized education plans (IEPs) and co-regulation strategies for students with complex learning profiles.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide instruction aligned with IEP goals in core academic areas (ELA math science social studies).
• Differentiate lessons to support students across multiple age and ability levels.
• Create and implement structured daily routines and behavior plans tailored to student needs.
• Monitor student progress and maintain accurate documentation.
• Develop and lead IEP meetings in collaboration with families specialists and school staff.
• Collaborate with paraprofessionals related service providers and general education staff.
• Maintain a classroom environment that is positive inclusive and trauma-informed.
• Engage in ongoing professional development related to special education and inclusive practices.
• Mentor the SPED Apprentice Teacher which includes but is not limited to: co-planning observation and feedback and any other requirements of the apprenticeship program.

Job Qualifications Skills and Characteristics

• Bachelors degree in Special Education or related field (Masters preferred).
• Experience working with students with emotional disabilities autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disabilities preferred.
• Strong understanding of behavior management sensory supports and individualized learning strategies.
• Experience in a self-contained or multi-age special education setting (preferred).
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care practices (preferred).
• Knowledge of assistive technology and adaptive curriculum tools (preferred).
• Ability to build trusting relationships with students and families.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Commitment to equity inclusion and culturally responsive teaching.
• Ability to accept feedback and make changes and commitment to constant improvement.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Professionalism in speaking with and in reference to Selas students and families.
• Commitment to being a team player.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Maturity humility strong work ethic and sense of humor.
• Understanding of and commitment to Selas mission and core values.
• Ability to use Google Docs and Microsoft Office.
  

Job Information

• This is a 40-hour non-exempt full-time position. The hours are from 7:45 am to 3:45 pm with one 30-minute break.
• This position reports to the Director of Special Education.
• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.