Job Description

6th–8th Grade Self-Contained Severe and Profound Special Education Teacher

Location: Park Ridge Achievement Academy – Baton Rouge, LA Employment Type: Full-Time School Year: 2026–2027

About Park Ridge Achievement Academy

Park Ridge Achievement Academy is committed to providing a supportive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. We strive to meet the diverse academic, social, emotional, and developmental needs of our students through individualized instruction, collaboration, and a commitment to student growth.

Position Overview

Park Ridge Achievement Academy is seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and highly qualified 6th–8th Grade Self-Contained Severe and Profound Special Education Teacher to provide specialized instruction and support to middle school students with significant cognitive, developmental, and physical disabilities.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with students with severe and profound disabilities, developing individualized education programs (IEPs), and implementing instructional strategies that promote academic growth, functional life skills, communication, independence, and social development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized, standards-aligned instruction tailored to students with severe and profound disabilities.
• Create, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in compliance with federal, state, and local special education regulations.
• Provide instruction in functional academics, daily living skills, communication, social skills, and adaptive behaviors.
• Adapt curriculum, instructional materials, and teaching strategies to accommodate diverse student needs and abilities.
• Utilize assistive technology, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, and specialized instructional resources as appropriate.
• Develop and implement positive behavior intervention strategies and individualized behavior support plans.
• Monitor student progress, maintain accurate records, and use data to guide instructional decisions.
• Collaborate with paraprofessionals, related service providers, administrators, and families to support student success.
• Provide guidance and supervision to classroom paraprofessionals to ensure consistent instructional and behavioral support.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive classroom environment that promotes student dignity, independence, and engagement.
• Support students with personal care, mobility, and daily living activities as required by their individual needs and support plans.
• Participate in IEP meetings, professional development, faculty meetings, and other school-related activities.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable special education policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education or a related field.
• Valid Louisiana teaching certification in Special Education with the appropriate endorsement or eligibility for certification for the assigned student population.
• Knowledge of IEP development, implementation, and special education compliance requirements.
• Strong classroom management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to provide individualized instruction and support to students with significant disabilities.
• Commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.

Preferred:

• Previous teaching experience in a self-contained special education classroom.
• Experience working with middle school students with severe and profound disabilities.
• Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), positive behavior supports, and evidence-based instructional practices.
• Experience with assistive technology and alternative communication systems.
• Experience collaborating with paraprofessionals, therapists, and multidisciplinary teams.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of differentiated and individualized instruction.
• Patience, compassion, adaptability, and a student-centered approach.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Strong problem-solving and behavior management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary educational environment.
• Commitment to maintaining student confidentiality and professional standards.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Park Ridge Achievement Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.