Founding Middle School Special Education Teacher | Cedar Rapids Prep

Founding Middle School Special Education Teacher | Cedar Rapids Prep

www.cedarrapidsprep.org 

About Cedar Rapids Prep

Cedar Rapids Prep is a new public charter school opening in August 2025 to serve 300 sixth and seventh grade students in its inaugural year. The school will add an additional grade level each year, building out a full comprehensive middle and high school that offers academic excellence, a wide array of extracurriculars, and hyper-focused college prep experience. As one of our flagship schools for Opportunity Education, Cedar Rapids Prep aims to set a model for schools nationwide.

About the Role: Middle School Special Education Teacher

The Special Education Teacher will play a critical role in shaping a rigorous, engaging, and supportive learning environment where all students develop a strong understanding of history, civics, geography, and global perspectives

As a founding teacher at Cedar Rapids Prep, you will have the opportunity to build a dynamic special education department that promotes growth and achievement for each student.  Your role will include designing instruction aligned to IEPs, collaborating with general education teachers, providing specially designed instruction, and leveraging data for continuous improvement. 

Reporting to the school principal, with regular coaching from the school's Dean of Academics, this role is ideal for an educator who is passionate about special  education, skilled in engaging students of diverse backgrounds, and excited about being part of an innovative school model that prioritizes academic excellence, student agency, and college readiness

Responsibilities

As a dynamic and growing organization, responsibilities will evolve; however, core areas of focus include

Essential Responsibilities

• Develops and implements curriculum and instruction aligned to individual student needs.
• Leverages student data for decision making and continuous improvement.
• Collaborates effectively with administration, general education teachers and paraeducators to meet the needs of each student.
• Communicates often and effectively with families to ensure they are leveraged as partners in their child's education.
• Plans effectively to ensure instruction is engaging and aligned to individual student needs.
• Partners effectively with outside agencies to deliver services outlined in the IEP.
• Serve as an Advisory teacher, mentoring a small group of students in academic and personal growth throughout their experience at Cedar Rapids Prep
• Conducts IEP meetings and completes corresponding paperwork according to IDEA and state/district requirements
• Build strong relationships with students, fostering a culture of high expectations, accountability, and support
• Reports to work as scheduled on a regular and reliable basis
• Participate in school-wide professional development to continuously refine instructional practice, including regular data and assessment reflection cycles

Ideal Candidate Experiences

• 3+ years of teaching experience, preferably in high school special education or related fields
• Strong track record of student growth and achievement
• Experience designing and implementing differentiated instruction to meet the needs of students based on services outlined within the IEP
• Proven success in collaborating with school staff and families

Ideal Candidate Traits

• Deep belief in all students’ potential and a commitment to holding high academic and behavioral expectations
• A growth mindset, constantly seeking to refine and improve instructional practice
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Passion for special education and engaging for students
• Adaptability and excitement about being part of a founding team at a new school
• Readiness to go above and beyond, including putting in extra time in and outside of your role, to build Cedar Rapids’ premier college prep school

Application Process

Interested applicants should at www.cedarrapidsprep.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with preference given to candidates applying before April 30, 2025. Candidates advancing through the process should expect multiple rounds of interviews with various stakeholders, a potential performance task, reference checks, and a blend of in-person and virtual interviews. The goal is to identify the ideal candidate by May 16, 2025

Compensation

Salary is currently budgeted in a range competitive with local district expectations. This role is eligible for IPERS (Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System) and a full suite of medical, dental, vision, and other benefits.

Start Date

The expected start date for the position is late July 2025, with onboarding and professional development before the school year begins to ensure a successful founding year

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Opportunity Education is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are valued and respected