Special Education Teacher

**Job Title:** Special Education Teacher **Pay Range:** $55-60/hour ** Job Description:** **Special Education Teacher | University Place, WA | 2026–2027 School Year |** Ampersand Therapy is hiring a **Special Education Teacher** for the 2026–2027 school year in **University Place, Washington**. We are a women- and therapist-founded company working to elevate the employment experience for school-based professionals. Join a supportive team and make a lasting impact in the lives of students with disabilities in a welcoming, local school district. **Job Highlights:** Location: University Place, WA Position: Special Education Teacher Grade Levels: Kindergarten–4th Grade Setting: Self-contained classroom for students with emotional and behavioral needs Schedule: Full Time, Monday–Friday School Year: 2026–2027 **Responsibilities:** * Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) * Provide specially designed instruction in core academic subjects, social skills, life skills, and behavior * Create a positive, structured classroom environment that supports student learning and safety * Design and implement programming for students with intensive social-emotional and behavioral learning needs * Provide program support to students accessing resource-room and general education classes * Assist with the development and analysis of Functional Behavioral Assessments * Develop and implement positive behavior support plans * Use direct instruction, social stories, visual supports, assistive technology, and other appropriate teaching strategies * Collect and analyze data to guide instruction and monitor student progress * Complete IEP documentation, evaluations, progress reports, grading, and attendance records using online systems * Collaborate with general education staff, families, administrators, multidisciplinary teams, and outside service providers * Participate in IEP meetings, professional development, staff meetings, and team-planning sessions * Adapt instruction and interventions to address students’ academic, physical, behavioral, and emotional needs * Maintain a classroom environment based on mutual respect, fairness, consistency, and positive rapport **Qualifications:** * Valid **Washington State teaching certificate** * Special Education endorsement **required** * Must obtain and maintain current Right Response certification * Must have current fingerprints on file with OSPI or be willing to complete * Must provide at least two supervisory references * Experience in a school or self-contained special education setting preferred **Benefits & Perks:** * Paid Sick Leave * Healthcare Benefits\* * 401(k) with company matching\* * Reimbursement for licensure, CEUs, and professional development * W-2 employee status with liability insurance coverage * Referral bonuses * No non-compete clause (\*Healthcare benefits available for 0.8 FTE or higher after a short waiting period) **Why Work With Ampersand Therapy?** Ampersand Therapy is a local, women- and therapist-operated company founded by providers who understand what it’s like to work in schools. Our mission is to build a community of professionals who feel supported, appreciated, and empowered to make a difference. We proudly serve school districts throughout Western Washington and across several other states. You’ll work alongside a small, passionate team of school-based specialists—some of whom are still active providers in schools themselves. We offer mentorship and support, especially for professionals who are newer to school-based practice, and are deeply committed to equity, sustainability, and community involvement. **Our Values:** * Equity & Inclusion * Community Engagement * Environmental Sustainability Apply today to join a team of passionate educators and make a difference as a Special Education Teacher in University Place, WA!