Job Description

Special Education Teacher

Empower Every Learner — and Find Purpose in Every Day

At Grafton, we’re guided by a shared purpose helping individuals with complex needs reach their fullest potential. As a Special Education Teacher, your work has meaningful impact—you’ll transform challenges into breakthroughs and see the difference you make in each student’s growth. You’ll join a culture of teamwork and collaboration, where educators, clinicians, and support staff work together to create a community of care and success. And because we care for you so you can care for others, we provide the resources, training, and support you need to grow both personally and professionally.

Join us — and make a lasting difference in how students learn, grow, and thrive!

Be part of a team that leads with Heart & GRIT, the Grafton Way!

Teachers at Grafton enjoy:

• Paid professional development: We invest in your growth by covering all professional development costs, including travel expenses, so you can focus on enhancing your skills without the financial burden.
• NO Out-of-Pocket Expenses for Classroom Needs: Your classroom should be a place of inspiration, not worry. Grafton provides all the supplies and materials you need to create an engaging and effective learning environment.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Balance is key. We offer a robust PTO package and ample sick leave to ensure you have the time to recharge and care for yourself when needed.
• Case Management Your focus can remain on teaching and your students’ success. Our dedicated case management team handles student plans, allowing you to concentrate on what you do best.

Under general supervision plans and implements academic lessons, activities and plans for students in an assigned program. Assesses student’s academic abilities and educational needs; develops goals and objectives for the academic portion of the student’s IEPs. Develops, plans and implements lesson plans that meet identified goals and which incorporate student behavioral characteristics and communication abilities. Documents and evaluates student progress. Leads the work of Instructional Assistants who assist with the planning and implementation of daily lesson plans. Reports to a Principal or an Assistant Principal.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Manages the daily operations of the classroom which involves ensuring a safe and supportive environment of students and staff. Manages student behaviors within the classroom or other instructional settings.
• Assesses student academic abilities and needs and identifies related goals and objectives. Works with parents and other program staff which comprise a student’s treatment team to develop a comprehensive IEP for each student. Develops lesson plans and activities which will teach and reinforce desired behaviors and targeted academic principles. Participates in treatment team meetings to discuss client needs, issues, progress, IEP modifications, etc.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of provided academic lessons and teaching approaches and techniques and incorporates changes as necessary to ensure maximum benefit to the student. Reviews and evaluates student’s work.
• Documents and reports on student progress with regard to academic goals; and consults with other members of the student treatment teams to share information, observations, etc regarding student progress and behaviors.
• Leads the work of academic support staff assigned to the class room. Oversees their implementation of identified lesson plans, and consults with support staff regarding observations and suggestions for student goals. Ensures appropriate documentation for progress reports, and daily data sheets. Provides guidance and assistance as needed.
• Identifies and obtains necessary classroom supplies and equipment.
• Implements crisis intervention strategies as needed. Documents and reports all incidents in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Responds to inquiries from agencies, parents and/or guardians regarding student progress, goals, lessons, etc.
• Prepares a variety of program related reports and documentation such as consequence records, incident reports, educational and behavioral logs, quarterly progress reports, etc.
• Attends conferences and workshops to keep abreast of professional trends, developments and techniques.
• Ensures the classroom is maintained, clean and safe
• Participates in taking students into the community for special events or learning experiences.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires a bachelor’s or masters in special education or a related field.
• Requires valid Virginia teaching license or eligibility for conditional license.
• Prefer 1 year of experience teaching students with special educational needs; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Requires State Teaching Certificate in Special Education
• Behavior management program(s) (such as MANDT certification and UKERU certification)
• A valid driver’s license.

COMPENSATION:

Check out our competitive Teacher pay scale FY2026

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

Caring for You, So You can Care for Others

• Medical, dental and vision
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Generous Paid Time Off plan & attendance incentives
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Short-term disability (STD)
• Long-term disability (LTD)

Stronger Together: Supporting Your Growth & Success

• Paid Career Development - we pay you while becoming certified in CPR, Ukeru, Mandt and other career training!
• 401(k), including an employer match up to $2,500 annually
• Education Assistance up to $5,250 annually
• As Grafton is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, you may be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness

If you require a reasonable accommodation or need assistance with the application or
interview process please contact us at hr@grafton.org

Grafton is an equal employment opportunity employer and tobacco-free workplace

#HP