Job Description

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely

Job Posting End Date:

04-04-2026

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

Under direction of the Principal and/or Assistant Principal, the Special Education Career Changer teacher provides direct instruction and instructional support to students with disabilities and works in collaboration with the general education teacher and the student’s team members. Special Education Teachers must possess knowledge of differentiated instruction, data collection, best instructional practices, research-based reading instruction, and other pertinent special education policies/laws. Special educators perform special education case management responsibilities that include the development, implementation and monitoring of Individual Education Program plans in collaboration with the teachers, related service providers, families, and the student. Must apply for and complete a Maryland Approved Teacher Licensure.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy. 

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree  

Certification/Licensure: 

• Meets the Maryland State Department of Education licensure requirements for Special Education conditional licensure. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Previous teaching experience. 

• Experience working with individuals with disabilities. 

• Degree in education or related field (i.e. Child Development, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, coursework in subjects related to education)

• Undergraduate 3.0 grade point average or above

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. 

• Plans and implements instructional programs and interventions that adhere to HCPSS goals and priorities. 

• Provide direct instruction and instructional support to students with disabilities and general education teachers. 

• Serves as liaison between school staff and administration including the special education supervisor. 

• Prepares for IEP team meetings and provides case management for assigned students with disabilities. 

• Serves as a member of the IEP team as appropriate 

• Interprets both informal, and classroom-based assessment for students in order to make instructional decisions. 

• Collects data on student performance to improve student outcomes and direct instruction. 

• Administers and interprets formal assessments as appropriate 

• Selects and adapts materials to assist students with disabilities to access the general education curriculum, as appropriate 

• Communicate effectively with students and families in an effort to share updates and progress. 

• Participates in professional development activities designed to advance teacher knowledge in the areas of instruction, best practices, differentiated instruction, changes in educational policy, and other information as may be necessary to improve classroom instruction and programming for students with disabilities. 

• Supervises and plans for the continuing professional development of paraeducators assigned to the classroom. 

• Sets up and operates equipment; uses assistive technology to support student learning and communication and other equipment. 

• Helps maintain order and discipline and assists in managing the behavior of students, including crisis intervention. 

• Assists with routine care, including personal hygiene, toileting, feeding and other custodial tasks, as required or requested 

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Knowledge of the HCPSS curriculum for the grade/content range of the position. 

• Thorough knowledge of IEP, learning theory, differentiated instruction, data collection, best instructional practices, research-based reading instruction, multicultural education, assessments. 

• Ability to provide differentiated instructional techniques that inspire, motivate and meet the individual educational needs of all students. 

• Ability to develop and nurture an atmosphere and educational environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of all students. 

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of special education including Individualized Education Programs (IEP).

• Skilled in classroom behavior management. 

• Skilled in preparing and implementing lesson plans and modifying curriculum for special-needs students. 

• Skilled in communicating with students, their parents and/or families, administrators, related service providers, paraprofessionals and other stakeholders. 

• Knowledge of and skill in the use of database, internet, spreadsheet, word processing, and related applications. 

• Knowledge of and skill in the use of technology, audio-visual aids and other equipment to supplement instruction.  

• Ability to maintain confidential information. 

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.  
 
Supplemental Application Question(s)  

This position requires applicants to provide responses to the below supplemental application question to determine whether you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please upload your responses in a separate file to the supplemental application questions section of the application. 

1. Please describe any prior experience you possess working with children, including but not limited to teaching, tutoring, mentoring, substituting, volunteer work, coaching, etc. Include any experience you have working with individuals with disabilities (e.g. students or adults)

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION 

SELECTION CRITERIA  

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.  

Applicants who are selected will be hired on a provisional, one-year contract. To transition to an MSDE professional license, applicants who are hired must complete aMaryland Approved Program within three (3) years of hire, including the successful completion of all tests required for professional licensure.

Applicants who are selected will be required to enroll in a Maryland Approved Program aligned with the licensure area of theirMaryland Approved Program, and remain teaching in that area for the duration of the conditional license. Included here is information about programs through Howard County Public Schools Tuition Reimbursement Programs.

Compensation 

This is a 10-month per year position in the Howard County Educators Association (HCEA) employee bargaining unit. The current salary ranges for this position are on the 10-Month Teacher Special Education  salary scale. Actual placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCEA Master Agreement which considers education and relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime.  

Retirement 

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.  

Benefits 

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit. 

Pre-Employment Requirements 

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors. 

All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing. 

Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship. 

For questions regarding this vacancy, please contact:  

Cathleen Maloney  

Recruitment Specialist  

Office of Human Resources  

cathleen_maloney@hcpss.org  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email humanresources@hcpss.org

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.