Description

Position Overview

Lakeland Christian School seeks a compassionate, skilled ESE teacher who is passionate about serving students with diverse learning needs in a Christ-centered environment. This position offers the unique opportunity to support students with mild to moderate disabilities as they pursue academic excellence while growing spiritually. The ideal candidate will combine expertise in special education with a vibrant Christian faith, viewing each student as a beloved child of God with inherent worth and God-given potential.

The Special Programs Teacher collaborates closely with general education teachers, families, and administrators to ensure students receive appropriate accommodations. The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong skills in supporting, guiding, and managing student behavior while fostering a positive and productive learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Support & Remediation

• Provide direct, intensive instruction in reading, writing, and/or math using research-based, evidence-backed curriculum and methodologies
• Deliver specialized instruction in small group or one-on-one settings to address specific skill gaps identified through formal and informal assessments
• Implement and monitor accommodations and individualized instructional strategies for students with documented disabilities
• Support students in developing executive functioning skills, study strategies, and self-advocacy skills
• Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure appropriate supports are implemented in mainstream courses
• Monitor student progress through ongoing assessment, data collection, and analysis
• Adjust ESE instruction and remediation based on student performance data and psychoeducational recommendations
• Serve as a middle school advisor with class supervision and mentoring responsibilities for approximately 20-25 students, if responsible for middle school SP grade levels.
  

Case Management & Compliance

• Develop and maintain Service Plans for students transitioning from public school IEPs or 504 Plans. Student load in Special Programs is usually 20-25 daily students and a total of 40-45 students to connect with on a regular basis.
• Coordinate accommodations and communicate with faculty regarding student needs
• Maintain accurate, confidential records in compliance with FERPA and best practices
• Participate in admissions reviews and student placement decisions
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress, challenges, and celebrations
• Collaborate with outside providers (therapists, diagnosticians, medical professionals) as appropriate

Collaboration & Advocacy

• Partner with general education teachers to support students in mainstream courses
• Serve as an advocate and encourager for students with exceptionalities
• Educate faculty and staff on disability awareness, accommodation implementation, and best practices
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings regarding student support
• Build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Contribute to a culture of inclusion and grace within the LCS community
  

Spiritual Formation

• Point students to Christ's love, grace, and truth in all interactions
• Help students understand their identity as image-bearers of God with unique gifts and purpose
• Pray with and for students, providing spiritual encouragement
• Model Christ-like patience, compassion, perseverance, and hope
• Integrate biblical principles naturally into instruction and student support
• Participate in chapel services and school spiritual formation activities

Requirements

Required Qualifications

Educational Background

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Exceptional Student Education, or related field (required)
• Master's degree in Special Education or related field (preferred)
• Valid Florida teaching certification in Exceptional Student Education K-12 or willingness to obtain
• Florida Reading Endorsement or willingness to obtain (preferred)
• Training in research-based reading interventions (Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, Barton, etc.) strongly preferred
  

Specialized Knowledge & Experience

• Demonstrate experience working with students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and other mild to moderate exceptionalities
• Strong understanding of psychoeducational evaluations and how to apply recommendations instructionally
• Knowledge of accommodations and evidence-based interventions
• Experience developing and implementing accommodations within a Service Plan, IEP or 504 Plan
• Familiarity with assistive technology and educational supports
• Math aptitude at a 10th-12th grade level, if responsible for high school SP grade levels
  

Faith & Character

• Personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior with evidence of spiritual maturity
• Agreement with and commitment to LCS's Statement of Faith
• Active involvement in a local Christian church
• Passion for integrating biblical truth into special education practice
• Demonstrable Christ-like character including patience, gentleness, compassion, perseverance, and hope
• Heart for seeing every student as created in God's image with inherent worth and potential
  

Professional Competencies

• Exceptional patience, flexibility, and problem-solving abilities
• Strong organizational and case management skills
• Strong skills in supporting, guiding, and managing student behavior while fostering a positive and productive learning environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with students, families, and colleagues
• Ability to collect, analyze, and apply data to drive instructional decisions
• Collaborative spirit and willingness to work as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Comfort with technology, educational platforms, and assistive technology tools
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding student information
  

Desired Qualities

• Experience in a Christian school setting
• Background in secondary education or content-area instruction
• Understanding of college-preparatory curricula and high school graduation requirements
• Experience with transition planning and college preparation for students with disabilities
• Knowledge of executive functioning strategies and study skills instruction
• Training in social-emotional support for adolescents with exceptionalities