A Special Education Teacher teaches students who have disabilities, and adapts teaching methods to meet the needs of students. Assesses students and helps to develop individualized education plans that specify the services and accommodations needed for each student. Works in a classroom that includes only students with IEPs, or works with students and teachers in regular classes. For students with severe disabilities, may focus on developing skills for independent living. Works as part of a team that includes therapists, school counselors or social workers.
7:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. About Easterseals Florida Easterseals Florida is a mission-driven organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families through compassionate, high-quality services. With programs throughout Florida, we create opportunities that help people of all abilities reach their full potential and lead meaningful, independent lives. Located in Daytona Beach, Empowerment Academy is a private school designed specifically to meet the educational needs of students with disabilities. Our program provides a highly individualized, supportive learning environment with a strong focus on student growth, independence, communication, and social-emotional development. About Explorer Empowerment Academy Explorer Empowerment Academy is launching its Kindergarten Program for the 2026-2027 school year . Our kindergarten classroom will serve students with disabilities, with a primary focus on supporting neurodiverse students and children with autism and related developmental differences. The program is intentionally designed with a low student-to-teacher ratio to provide individualized instruction, targeted support, and meaningful opportunities for each student to learn and participate successfully. Our instructional program utilizes TeachTown , an evidence-based curriculum designed to support students with autism and other developmental disabilities. TeachTown provides structured, individualized instruction in academic, communication, social-emotional, and functional skill areas while allowing instruction to be tailored to each student's developmental level and learning needs. As a member of our founding kindergarten team, the ESE Teacher will have an important role in establishing a positive classroom culture and helping shape the educational program as the Academy grows.
A Snapshot of What You'll Be Doing:
Provide individualized instruction to kindergarten students with disabilities using the TeachTown curriculum and other appropriate instructional strategies Adapt instruction and learning activities to meet individual student needs and abilities Create a structured, positive classroom environment that promotes learning, communication, independence, and student success Implement appropriate instructional and positive behavior support strategies for students with autism and other developmental disabilities Monitor student progress through observation, assessment, and data collection, and maintain required student records and documentation Collaborate with families, teacher assistants, and related service providers, including occupational, physical, and speech-language therapists, to support student success What We're Looking For Bachelor's degree or higher in Exceptional Student Education, Special Education, Elementary Education, or a related field Experience working with children with disabilities, autism, developmental disabilities, or other neurodiverse learners is strongly preferred Knowledge of evidence-based instructional and behavioral strategies for students with disabilities Ability to develop and implement individualized instruction based on student needs and abilities Strong classroom management and organizational skills Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to collaborate effectively with families, teachers, therapists, and other professionals A genuine passion for working with children with disabilities and a commitment to helping each student reach their individual potential Ability to remain calm, patient, and effective when responding to challenging behaviors or situations What We Offer Live and on-demand professional development opportunities, both internal and external Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time Employee Assistance Program Several Supplemental Insurance Policies 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan Easterseals Cares Wellness Program Work-life balance The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in our community In addition to our outstanding benefits, Easterseals Florida offers a discounted childcare rate at our Explorer Academy for eligible children of employees. If you are passionate about exceptional student education and want to be part of building a specialized educational program from the ground up, we invite you to apply to join the Empowerment Academy team for the 2026-2027 school year. Easterseals Florida has been rated a Great Place to Work (2020 - 2025) by our employees! We provide services daily that are leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion and access for people living with disabilities, families and communities. Working at Easterseals is more than just a job - it's an opportunity to be part of something bigger! If you want to translate your talent, your passion, and your commitment to help people with disabilities, families and the community, you might be exactly what we are looking for. Easterseals Florida is a Drug Free Workplace (DFWP). Easterseals Florida is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Easterseals Florida is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact our HR department at (407) 629-7881, hr@fl.easterseals.com, 2010 Crosby Way, Winter Park, FL 32792. Under the directive of Florida House Bill 531, our organization utilizes the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. More information regarding the background screening requirements for this position can be found on the Florida HealthSource Background Screening website or at this specific link: https://info.flclearinghouse.com.
