Job Description
Special Education Teacher (Residency)
Friends School
Launch your career in special education and inclusive education with hands-on mentorship from an experienced master teacher.
Friends School is seeking a compassionate, energetic, and eager-to-learn Special Education Teacher in Training to join our Bridges to Inclusion Program. This position is designed for recent college graduates, new teachers, aspiring special educators, or individuals looking to build a career in inclusive education.
During the first year, the successful candidate will work closely alongside a master teacher, serving as a teaching assistant and co-teacher while learning the foundations of our nationally recognized inclusion program. Through coaching, observation, professional development, and hands-on experience, the Teacher in Training will develop the skills needed to support students with diverse learning, behavioral, communication, and developmental needs.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about helping children succeed and wants to gain meaningful experience before moving into a lead teaching role.
What You'll Learn
As a Bridges Teacher in Training, you will learn how to:
• Support children with a wide range of learning and developmental needs.
• Implement individualized educational and behavioral supports.
• Use evidence-based strategies to help students succeed in the classroom.
• Collaborate with families, therapists, teachers, and specialists.
• Collect and analyze student progress data.
• Develop and implement visual supports, sensory strategies, and communication systems.
• Create positive and inclusive classroom environments.
• Facilitate successful social, emotional, and academic growth for all students.
• Become an effective special education and inclusion teacher.
Responsibilities
Working under the supervision of the Bridges Coordinator, a master teacher, the Teacher in Training will:
• Build positive, respectful relationships with students.
• Assist in supporting students with individualized learning and behavioral needs.
• Help implement behavior support plans and classroom accommodations.
• Support classroom instruction in both small-group and whole-group settings.
• Assist with student observations and data collection.
• Participate in team meetings with teachers, families, and related service providers.
• Learn how to develop and implement individualized educational goals.
• Prepare classroom materials and learning supports.
• Help create visual schedules, communication supports, sensory tools, and other accommodations.
• Assist with transitions, routines, and daily classroom activities.
• Participate in school events, staff meetings, and professional development activities.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues and families.
• Perform general classroom and housekeeping duties as needed.
• Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and a willingness to learn.
Qualifications
We are looking for candidates who:
• Are at least 21 years of age.
• Hold a bachelor's degree or are graduating soon (within the next 6-12 months) in education, special education, or behavior analysis.
• Have a passion for working with children.
• Are eager to learn and receive coaching and feedback.
• Demonstrate strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Can maintain professionalism with children, families, and colleagues.
• Are committed to ongoing professional growth.
• Can pass required background checks.
• Are able to lift up to 60 pounds when necessary.
What We Offer
• One-on-one mentorship from an experienced master teacher.
• Extensive hands-on training in inclusive education and behavior support.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• A collaborative and supportive school culture.
• Meaningful work that makes a difference in the lives of children and families.
• Professional development opportunities throughout the year.
About the Bridges to Inclusion Program
The Bridges to Inclusion Program supports children with diverse learning and developmental needs within a nurturing, inclusive educational environment. Our goal is to help every child thrive socially, emotionally, and academically while providing individualized supports that promote independence and success.
If you are passionate about helping children, eager to learn from experienced educators, and interested in building a career in special education or inclusive education, we encourage you to apply. Salary is dependent upon education and experience. This position is expected to work 40+ hours each week, with regular classroom hours being 7:30am-3:30pm Monday through Friday.
Pay: $29,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance
Education:
• Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:
• Special education: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
• Teaching Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person