Job DetailsJob Location: RKES - Los Angeles, CA 90057Salary Range: $63,600.00 - $137,400.00 Salary/yearBright Star Schools
Special Education Teacher Job Description
Job Description: Special Education Teacher
Reporting to: School Principal or another administrator as designated by the Principal
Status: Fulltime, Exempt, 11-month
Who we are:
Bright Star Schools is a free, publicly funded and open enrollment non-profit organization with nine public charters in urban Los Angeles. Across all of our Bright Star sites, over 90% of our students are eligible for free and reduced lunch.
Our mission is to provide holistic, inclusive support for all students to achieve academic excellence and grow their unique talents so that they find joy in higher education, career, and life. Bright Star students will become leaders who act with integrity and champion equity to enrich our communities and the world. The framework to our success is our core operating principles, which are Integridad, Ubuntu, Kohyang (고향), and Growth.
Our educators join a family that is passionate and committed to developing all students to become well-rounded citizens. We offer small class sizes, comprehensive coordinator support, and numerous collaboration opportunities across the organization and within school sites. We strongly believe in listening to all stakeholders’ voices, and we work to increase teaching practice and effectiveness through our data-driven and feedback-derived professional development.
We provide a culture of learning and growth for educators, with an emphasis on job-embedded, differentiated professional development, which includes:
Organization-wide content specific professional development sessions throughout the year
An instructional coaching program
A no-cost induction program for new teachers with a preliminary credential (Our two- year induction program allows teachers with preliminary credentials to earn their CA clear credential at no cost to the teacher.)
Paid professional development (pupil-free) days
Professional learning communities at the school site and by grade level or content area.
Overall, our educators receive 200+ hours of job-embedded professional development opportunities to support teacher growth and advancing student achievement over the course of each year.
Bright Star Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, pregnancy, or veteran status.
What you’ll do
Basic Components of the Job Description for the Special Education Teacher position include (but are not limited to):
Special Education Teacher Responsibilities:
Whole School Responsibilities
Uphold Bright Star Schools’ mission, values, and high standards for student behavior.
Build positive, restorative relationships with students and create safe, inclusive learning environments.
Collaborate with leaders and colleagues; participate in professional development and school-wide culture events.
Communicate effectively with students, families, and staff while modeling professionalism.
Support school operations as needed (attendance, supervision, calendar commitments, and other duties).
Instructional Responsibilities
Plan and deliver rigorous, standards-aligned lessons that meet diverse student needs.
Differentiate instruction for English Learners, students with IEPs, and a range of learning styles.
Maintain accurate gradebooks, provide timely feedback, and communicate with families about student progress.
Create a positive classroom culture and implement school-wide programs to support learning.
Engage in weekly coaching, implement feedback, and collaborate with the Inclusive Education team.
Instructional Specialist Teachers (ISTs) will support the inclusion model by collaboratively planning with their general education peers to ensure all push-in and pull-out instruction is aligned to the grade-level instruction occurring within the classroom
Instructional Specialist Teachers (ISTs) and Special Day Class (SDC) Teachers are responsible for planning lessons that support students in meeting their IEP goals
Special Day Class (SDC) teachers will support the SDC model by serving a combination of students, at times spanning 3-4 grade-levels with up to 12 students per grade span.
Special Day Class (SDC) teachers serve as the primary instructors or classroom teacher by planning and delivering grade-level instruction in a smaller setting.
Compliance & Instructional Responsibilities (Special Education)
Develop, manage, and uphold IEPs, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws.
Facilitate IEP meetings, track services in Welligent, and provide timely progress reports.
Collaborate with General Education, ELD, and Inclusive Education teams to support accommodations and co-teaching.
Conduct academic assessments (e.g., Woodcock Johnson IV) and complete compliance documentation.
Support student achievement through data-driven instruction, tutoring, and individualized interventions
What you’ll bring
Bachelor’s degree
CA Education Specialist Credential
Candidates with an intern credential are also considered
Possession of either an English Learner Authorization (EL Authorization), Bilingual, Cross-Cultural, Language and Academic Development (BCLAD) certificate; Cross-Cultural, Language and Academic Development (CLAD) certificate; or Bilingual Certificate of Competence (BCC) required.
Two years of urban teaching experience preferred
Bilingual Spanish or Korean desirable, but not required
Teacher Traits:
Commitment to Educational Excellence – Belief that every child deserves a high-quality education that prepares them for college and beyond.
Whole-Child & Inclusive Teaching – Ability to support all students with modifications, accommodations, and high expectations in an equitable, anti-racist classroom.
Growth Mindset & Collaboration – Open to feedback, self-reflection, and continuous learning while working closely with colleagues.
Problem-Solving & Innovation – Willingness to analyze challenges, implement creative solutions, and adapt to meet student needs.
Data-Driven & Engaging Instruction – Uses student data to inform teaching while fostering a joyful and well-managed classroom.
Tech-Savvy & Adaptable – Competent with technology and eager to leverage it for student success.
Cognitive & Behavioral Competencies
Must be able to analyze written, spoken, visual, and other sensory stimuli
Must have ability to understand and analyze written and spoken English
Must be able to cope effectively with stressful situations and time constraints
Must be able to make sound judgments based on available information
Must be able to engage in frequent student/parent/coworker contact
Must be able to remain calm in emergency situations
Must be able to perform effectively under pressure and tight deadlines
Must be able to maintain accuracy in tasks requiring meticulous attention to detail
Must have flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work demands
Must be able to logically solve problems
Must be able to provide and follow detailed written and verbal instructions
Must be able to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and students
Must demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills
Must demonstrate strong classroom management skills
Must have a passion for teaching and student success
Must demonstrate strong organizational Skills
Working Conditions/Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is generally expected to work indoors in typical school and office environments. This position involves:
Occasional exposure to extreme or varying temperatures.
Occasional exposure to outdoor elements such as sun, precipitation and wind or wet/humid surroundings.
Occasional/ exposure to loud noise, fumes, smoke, dust.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job.
Prolonged sitting/standing.
Frequent walking
Must be able to occasionally/frequently lift, carry push, and/or pull objects of not more than 20 pounds.
Must be able to frequently bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, climb, crawl, and/or squat
Frequent reaching and twisting, including reaching above shoulder height
Manual dexterity, and finger/wrist and hand repetitions are needed; frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing and typing; frequent grasping, holding and reaching.
Frequent computer use, including use of keyboard and mouse.
Speaking and hearing are essential to the communication needs of the position; constant hearing and speaking in person and on the phone, via remote video teleconferencing platforms.
Must be able to be physically present at the worksite and occasionally travel for meetings or conferences.
What we offer:
Salary: BSS salary is based on experience. You can find our current salary scale here.
Status: Full Time, exempt
Start Date: An exceptional candidate will assume a full time role no later than August 2026. Please click here to see this year’s academic calendar for reference, but please note that the 26-27 calendar will be provided to you as soon as you’re hired.
Benefits: Health, dental, vision, CalSTRS retirement matching, life insurance, short-term disability, optional 403b plan, sick and vacation paid time off, and holidays.
Other Benefits:
Job-embedded induction program for new teachers with a preliminary teaching credential to earn their CA clear credential at no cost to the participant
Weekly instructional coaching or mentoring (through our in-house induction program referenced above) for all teachers
Instructional leaders as principals
Pupil-free planning days for teachers
Staff wellness program
School counselors to support with family engagement and communication
Opportunity to participate in stipended out of area and out of state life experience lessons (field trips)
Please note:
Effective, January 1, 2025: Under Education Code section 44939.5, you must provide a complete list of all prior employment with any school district, county office of education, charter school, or state special school, including part-time and substitute roles. You can provide your complete prior employment history within the work experience section of the application. Failure to disclose this information may be considered dishonesty in the hiring process or during employment.
QualificationsWhat you’ll bring
Bachelor’s degree
CA Education Specialist Credential
Candidates with an intern credential are also considered
Possession of either an English Learner Authorization (EL Authorization), Bilingual, Cross-Cultural, Language and Academic Development (BCLAD) certificate; Cross-Cultural, Language and Academic Development (CLAD) certificate; or Bilingual Certificate of Competence (BCC) required.
Two years of urban teaching experience preferred
Bilingual Spanish or Korean desirable, but not required
Teacher Traits:
Commitment to Educational Excellence – Belief that every child deserves a high-quality education that prepares them for college and beyond.
Whole-Child & Inclusive Teaching – Ability to support all students with modifications, accommodations, and high expectations in an equitable, anti-racist classroom.
Growth Mindset & Collaboration – Open to feedback, self-reflection, and continuous learning while working closely with colleagues.
Problem-Solving & Innovation – Willingness to analyze challenges, implement creative solutions, and adapt to meet student needs.
Data-Driven & Engaging Instruction – Uses student data to inform teaching while fostering a joyful and well-managed classroom.
Tech-Savvy & Adaptable – Competent with technology and eager to leverage it for student success.
Cognitive & Behavioral Competencies
Must be able to analyze written, spoken, visual, and other sensory stimuli
Must have ability to understand and analyze written and spoken English
Must be able to cope effectively with stressful situations and time constraints
Must be able to make sound judgments based on available information
Must be able to engage in frequent student/parent/coworker contact
Must be able to remain calm in emergency situations
Must be able to perform effectively under pressure and tight deadlines
Must be able to maintain accuracy in tasks requiring meticulous attention to detail
Must have flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work demands
Must be able to logically solve problems
Must be able to provide and follow detailed written and verbal instructions
Must be able to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and students
Must demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills
Must demonstrate strong classroom management skills
Must have a passion for teaching and student success
Must demonstrate strong organizational Skills
Working Conditions/Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is generally expected to work indoors in typical school and office environments. This position involves:
Occasional exposure to extreme or varying temperatures.
Occasional exposure to outdoor elements such as sun, precipitation and wind or wet/humid surroundings.
Occasional/ exposure to loud noise, fumes, smoke, dust.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job.
Prolonged sitting/standing.
Frequent walking
Must be able to occasionally/frequently lift, carry push, and/or pull objects of not more than 20 pounds.
Must be able to frequently bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, climb, crawl, and/or squat
Frequent reaching and twisting, including reaching above shoulder height
Manual dexterity, and finger/wrist and hand repetitions are needed; frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing and typing; frequent grasping, holding and reaching.
Frequent computer use, including use of keyboard and mouse.
Speaking and hearing are essential to the communication needs of the position; constant hearing and speaking in person and on the phone, via remote video teleconferencing platforms.
Must be able to be physically present at the worksite and occasionally travel for meetings or conferences.
