The ESE Teacher provides specialized academic and behavioral support to students with disabilities in grades K–8. This role ensures students receive services aligned to their Individualized Education Program (IEP), including instructional accommodations, modifications, and targeted interventions. The ESE Teacher collaborates with general education teachers, related service providers, administrators, and families to promote student success in both inclusive and pull-out environments.
Key ResponsibilitiesIEP Implementation & ComplianceRead, interpret, and accurately implement students’ IEPs.
Deliver specially designed instruction to support IEP academic and behavioral goals.
Ensure required accommodations and modifications are consistently provided across settings.
Support compliance with IDEA and state ESE requirements related to services and documentation.
Participate actively in IEP meetings, staffing meetings, and parent conferences.
IEP Goal Development & Progress Monitoring
Develop, write, and implement measurable IEP goals aligned to student needs, data, and grade-level expectations.
Collect and maintain data to measure growth toward IEP goals.
Provide progress reports aligned with reporting periods and IEP requirements.
Use student data to adjust instruction and intervention strategies.
Instructional Support (Inclusion and Pull-Out)
Provide ESE services in an inclusion classroom and/or pull-out resource environment.
Collaborate with general education teachers to adapt instruction and ensure students access grade-level standards.
Design and implement differentiated lessons and interventions for students with varying learning needs.
Support students in developing executive functioning skills such as organization, time management, and task completion.
Collaboration & CommunicationBuild strong relationships with students, families, and school staff.
Communicate consistently with parents/guardians regarding student progress, concerns, and support strategies.
Collaborate with:General education teachers
ESE case managers
Instructional coaches
Speech/OT/PT providersSchool counselors and behavior specialists
Serve as an advocate for students to ensure they are supported with dignity and high expectations.
Behavior & Social-Emotional SupportImplement behavior supports, intervention plans, and classroom strategies aligned to student needs.
Support social-emotional development, self-regulation, and positive decision-making.
Promote a safe, inclusive environment where students feel supported and empowered.
Qualifications
RequiredBachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (Education or related field).
Knowledge of:IEP development and implementation
accommodations vs. modificationsinclusion practices and differentiated instruction
Ability to implement services in both inclusionary and pull-out settings.
Strong ability to build relationships with students, parents, and staff.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
PreferredFlorida teaching certification in ESE or eligibility to obtain certification.
Experience working in K–8 ESE settings.
Familiarity with MTSS/RTI, intervention planning, and progress monitoring tools.
CPI, PCM, or other crisis prevention training (if applicable).