Special Education Teacher - job 1 of 2

As a Special Education Teacher at Hiawatha Academies, your primary responsibilities include developing personalized education plans for students with disabilities, collaborating with general education teachers to modify curricula, and implementing various teaching strategies to support diverse learning needs. You'll also communicate with families about their child's progress and participate in professional development to enhance your skills.

To become a Special Education Teacher at Hiawatha Academies, you typically need a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field, along with a state teaching license that includes special education certification. Experience working with children with disabilities and a commitment to equity in education are highly valued.

Hiawatha Academies supports its Special Education Teachers by providing ongoing professional development opportunities, access to collaborative planning time with peers, and resources to implement effective teaching strategies. The school fosters a team-oriented environment that encourages sharing best practices and continuous improvement.

The school culture for Special Education Teachers at Hiawatha Academies is inclusive and collaborative, emphasizing the importance of equity and student-centered teaching. Teachers work together in a supportive environment, celebrating successes and learning from challenges. You'll experience a community that values creativity, innovation, and fun in the learning process.

The expected salary for a Special Education Teacher at Hiawatha Academies is approximately $67,000, which reflects the school's commitment to providing competitive compensation for dedicated educators. This allows you to focus on what matters most—educating and uplifting your students.

When answering this question, highlight specific examples of your work with students who have various disabilities. Include strategies you have used to support their learning and how you adapted your teaching methods to meet their individual needs.

Discuss your approaches to promoting inclusivity, such as using differentiated instruction, fostering peer collaboration, and encouraging a culture of respect and acceptance. Provide examples of how you've implemented these strategies in past classrooms.

Talk about your willingness to communicate regularly with parents, seeking their input and feedback. Share methods you've used such as newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, and home visits that create strong partnerships in the educational journey.

Be honest and reflective in your answer. Choose a real-life example where you effectively managed a challenging situation, highlighting the problem, your response, and the positive outcome to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.

Explain how you use formative and summative assessments to track students' progress. Mention tools and techniques you utilize, such as data analysis, student portfolios, and frequent feedback sessions to adapt your instruction.

Emphasize your teamwork skills by discussing how you communicate and collaborate with general education teachers, aides, and other specialists. Share specific instances where collaboration led to improved student outcomes.

Mention specific resources that you have found beneficial, such as assistive technology, specialized teaching materials, and online platforms. Be sure to relate these tools to how they enhance learning for students with special needs.

Show that you've researched Hiawatha Academies and align your values with theirs. Discuss how their commitment to inclusivity, equity, and empowering students resonates with your personal teaching philosophy and professional goals.

Discuss your proactive approach to behavior management, which should include setting clear expectations and using positive reinforcement. Be prepared to provide examples of how you've successfully managed behavior and created a productive classroom atmosphere.

Explain how you believe differentiated instruction benefits all students, fostering an environment where students can succeed at their own pace. Provide specific examples of how you've implemented differentiation in your teaching practices.