Special Program Teacher (2025–2026 School Year)

Written By Steven Carney

The Opportunity

At Rooted School Vancouver, we believe every student should graduate with both a college acceptance letter and a job offer in hand. Our mission is to close the wealth gap within a generation by providing students—especially those from historically underserved communities—with the academic foundation, career readiness, and social-emotional skills they need to thrive.

Rooted School Vancouver is a tuition-free public charter school committed to inclusive education that empowers every learner. We are seeking a Special Program (SP) Teacher to join our team and provide high-quality, individualized instruction and behavioral support for students with diverse learning needs.

Inclusion and Specialized Support Statement

Rooted School Vancouver (RSV) follows an inclusionary learning model, where students with disabilities learn alongside their peers in general education classrooms to the maximum extent possible. Special education and general education teachers co-plan instruction to ensure that accommodations, supports, and specialized instruction are provided in alignment with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

This Specialized Program (SP) teacher serves in  a specialized program within RSV to ensure students receive the full continuum of supports outlined in their IEPs, as required by federal and state law (IDEA). These supports may include:

  • Modified pacing or curriculum to meet individual learning needs

  • Alternate assessments to demonstrate mastery

  • Embedded supports and coaching during academic tasks

  • Flexible scheduling or learning formats to optimize engagement and success

  • Implementation of student’s IEP within the structure of RSV

  • Progress monitoring and reporting on student progress, including communication with related service providers

As a Special Program (SP) Teacher, you will:

  • Deliver Individualized Instruction & Support

      • Implement effective, research-based instructional strategies aligned with students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

      • Prepare and deliver specially designed instruction (SDI) while differentiating to meet each learner’s developmental and academic needs.

      • Employ positive behavioral supports and interventions to help students succeed in inclusive and structured learning settings.

      • Provide daily support for student requiring assistance with feeding protocol, toileting, and/or other daily living needs, collaborating with contracted occupational therapists and other specialists.

    1. Lead the Development and Implementation of IEPs

      • Write and maintain IEPs through IEP.Online in accordance with federal and state special education requirements.

      • Lead IEP meetings and operate as the case manager. 

      • Collaborate with students, families, and multidisciplinary teams to set meaningful goals and monitor progress

      • Collect, analyze, and report data on student achievement and behavioral growth.

      • Develop and follow Individual Health Plans (IHPs) for students with medical needs, including seizure management, asthma, or other health conditions, and train staff as needed.

    2. Create a Safe and Supportive Classroom Environment

      • Establish clear expectations, routines, and structures that promote student independence and self-regulation.

      • Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and use trauma-informed, restorative, and culturally responsive practices.

      • Foster a learning environment built on respect, empathy, and accountability.

      • Implements individualized strategies to support students’ fine motor development, including using assistive technology and adaptive tools.

      • Designs and delivers lessons that build students’ hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and functional writing skills.

      • Modifies classroom materials and activities to accommodate students’ motor skill needs and ensure participation in learning tasks.

      • Monitors and assesses students’ progress in fine motor skills, adjusting interventions and supports as needed.

      • Collaborates with occupational therapists, aides, and families to reinforce fine motor skill development across environments.

    3. Collaborate Across Teams

      • Coordinate with paraeducators, bus aides, related service providers, and general education teachers to ensure inclusive practices and consistent support.

      • Coordinate with speech, physical, occupational therapists.

      • Participate actively in grade-level and school-wide professional learning communities (PLCs).

      • Communicate regularly with families to celebrate progress and align support strategies.

    4. Engage in Continuous Professional Growth

      • Participate in school and district professional development aligned with Rooted’s mission and student success goals.

      • Reflect on instructional practices, seek feedback, and adapt approaches based on student data and outcomes.

      • Contribute to a culture of learning, collaboration, and high expectations for all students.

Who You Are

You believe in the brilliance of every student. You are an empathetic educator who sees ability—not disability—and who creates learning spaces where every student can grow, contribute, and succeed. You are a systems thinker, a collaborative problem-solver, and a relentless advocate for educational equity.

We’re looking for someone who:

  • Brings a deep commitment to Rooted School’s mission and the full inclusion of students with disabilities in both academic and career pathways.

  • Possesses strong cultural humility and awareness, and consistently centers diversity, equity, and inclusion in their work.

  • Builds strong, trusting relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

  • Thrives in a startup school environment, where flexibility, initiative, and learning-by-doing are part of the daily rhythm.

  • Is deeply invested in trauma-informed practices, restorative approaches, and student agency.

  • Has experience designing and implementing supports for students across the continuum of needs, including in project-based and blended learning environments.

Required Qualifications:

  • You are an equity-driven educator who believes all students can achieve excellence when given the right support, relationships, and opportunities.

    You bring:

    • Certification & Education

      • Valid Washington State teaching certificate with an endorsement in Special Education.

      • Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

    • Experience & Expertise

      • Previous experience with IEP Online, highly preferred 

      • Successful teaching experience with students in special education, preferably in a Structured Learning Classroom or similar setting.

      • Demonstrated ability to develop and implement individualized behavior intervention programs.

      • Familiarity with MTSS, PBIS, restorative practices, and trauma-informed approaches.

      • Experience assessing student needs, writing measurable objectives, and using data-driven instruction to guide growth.

      • Advanced ability to use technology (e.g., IEP.Online, learning platforms, communication tools) for instruction and record-keeping.

    • Skills & Dispositions

      • Enthusiasm for teaching and a belief in students’ potential.

      • Strong communication and collaboration skills with students, families, and colleagues.

      • Commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness.

      • Ability to maintain calm and consistency while supporting students with diverse emotional and behavioral needs.

Why Rooted School Vancouver

Rooted School Vancouver is:

  • A community built on student-centered innovation and unwavering belief in equity.

  • A place where diversity is celebrated, and BIPOC students and educators thrive.

  • A team of people who are mission-driven, radically collaborative, and constantly learning.

  • A part of a national network redefining what’s possible for public high schools across the country.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary Range: $53,000 – $82,000 annually (based on experience and qualifications)

  • Benefits: Employees anticipated to work at least 630 hours annually may be eligible for health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, as well as flexible spending accounts.

  • Retirement: Eligibility for Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) benefits.

  • Time Off: Paid sick leave (8 hours per month) and 3 personal days per school year, plus other leave as provided by policy.

  1. Professional Growth: Opportunities for ongoing training, coaching, and leadership development within a mission-driven school community.

How to Apply

If you believe that every student deserves an education rooted in possibility, we invite you to apply. Click this link to submit your application.

For questions, please contact us at: info@rootedschoolvancouver.org

Rooted School Vancouver (RSV) values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBT individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Rooted School Vancouver is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

The following employee has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Jamila Singleton, Executive Director

Mailing Address: 10401 NE Fourth Plain Blvd Vancouver WA 98662

Email: jsingleton@rootedschoolvancouver.org

Steven Carney