2025-2026 Special Education Teacher K-5

As a 2025-2026 Special Education Teacher at ZEST Preparatory Academy, your primary responsibilities will include leading instruction for special education students, ensuring their social and academic needs are met. You'll provide guidance to classroom teachers regarding the implementation of interventions, review lesson plans for necessary modifications, and teach in small group settings. Additionally, you'll be involved in monitoring progress, attending IEP meetings, and collaborating with a diverse team to foster an environment conducive to learning.

To qualify as a Special Education Teacher at ZEST Preparatory Academy, you need a Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, with preference given to candidates holding a Master’s degree. You must possess Georgia SRT4 Certification in Special Education and ideally have three years of teaching experience, particularly in a charter school environment. A deep commitment to our mission and a clear criminal background check are also required.

At ZEST Preparatory Academy, we are committed to the ongoing professional development of our Special Education Teachers. Regular professional development activities are provided to ensure you maintain the skills and knowledge necessary for success in your role. Support is also available through collaboration with colleagues and leadership to promote best practices in special education and effective instruction.

ZEST Preparatory Academy fosters a collaborative culture among its educators. As a Special Education Teacher, you’ll work closely with classroom teachers and other staff members to ensure that all students' needs are met effectively. This teamwork is essential for developing individualized instruction plans, sharing resources, and providing support, creating a unified learning environment for every student.

ZEST Preparatory Academy holds a deep-seated belief that all students deserve an excellent education regardless of their needs. Our core values emphasize academic rigor, supportive relationships, leadership development, and community service. We strive to empower special education students by equipping them with the necessary skills to succeed academically and contribute positively to their communities.

When modifying a lesson plan for a student with learning disabilities, it's crucial to first assess their specific needs and abilities. Consider breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps, using visual aids, and incorporating interactive elements to facilitate engagement. Be ready to adapt the lesson in real-time based on their understanding, and always maintain open communication with the student to gauge their comfort level and comprehension.

In discussing your experience with IEP meetings, highlight your collaboration with colleagues and families to set realistic, measurable goals for students with special needs. Emphasize your role in contributing to the development of Individual Education Plans and your commitment to ensuring that each student receives the necessary accommodations and support to succeed in the classroom.

Building relationships with students requires a personalized approach. Share your strategies, which may include understanding each student's background, interests, and learning styles. Be approachable and show genuine interest in their well-being. Implement regular one-on-one check-ins to foster trust and encourage open dialogue about their learning experiences and challenges.

To ensure lessons are engaging for special education students, I focus on incorporating hands-on activities, technology, and real-world applications into the curriculum. Tailoring lessons to their interests and preferred learning modalities helps maintain their attention. Regularly seeking student feedback also allows me to adjust my teaching methods to better suit their needs and enhance engagement.

My approach to behavioral management is rooted in positive reinforcement and clear expectations. I set specific, achievable goals for behavior, consistently acknowledge when those goals are met, and use constructive redirection when necessary. Creating an inclusive environment where students feel safe and respected is essential, which helps minimize behavioral issues.

Communication with parents is key to successfully supporting special needs students. I strive to keep an open line of communication through regular updates, scheduled meetings, and active listening to their concerns and suggestions. Employing various forms of communication, such as phone calls, emails, and newsletters, ensures they remain informed and actively involved in their child's educational journey.

Share your experience in applying differentiated instruction by providing examples of how you've tailored lessons based on each student's learning preferences and abilities. Discuss methods such as flexible grouping, offering various assignment options, and employing various instructional strategies to ensure that every student remains engaged and challenged according to their individual needs.

Assessing progress in special education students involves using varied assessment methods, such as formative assessments, anecdotal records, and standardized testing. I make data-driven decisions to monitor their academic and social-emotional growth regularly, adjusting interventions as needed to ensure a supportive learning environment that addresses their evolving needs.

Collaboration is integral to my teaching approach, especially when working in special education. I regularly communicate with colleagues, parents, and support staff to share insights and strategies that benefit our students. This collaborative effort helps ensure that everyone involved is aligned in their support of the student, promoting a unified and holistic approach to education.

Discussing a successful intervention involves providing specific examples of the strategies you've implemented in the classroom. Detail how you identified the need for intervention, the steps you took, the collaboration involved, and the positive outcomes that followed. This demonstrates your proactive approach and ability to yield effective results in challenging situations.