Severe/Profound SPED Teacher (2026-2027 SY)

JEFFERSON RISE CHARTER SCHOOL

Harvey, Louisiana | Grades 6-12 | 2026-2027 School Year

School Overview

Founded in 2014, Jefferson RISE is a tuition-free public charter school serving nearly 800 students in grades 6-12 in Harvey, Louisiana. At Jefferson RISE, we believe every student deserves a real path forward. Whether that means a four-year university, a skilled trade, the military, entrepreneurship, or something else entirely, our job is to make sure every student graduates prepared and ready. We get there through rigorous academics, strong relationships, consistent accountability, and a genuine commitment to each student's individual success.

Our student body reflects the diversity of the Westbank:

We have a diverse population of students based on race and ethnicity:

61% Black/African American

16% Hispanic

14% Middle Eastern

6% White (Non-Middle Eastern)

2% Asian

1% Other

87% qualify as economically disadvantaged

13% Students with Disabilities

4% English Learners

Recent Achievements:

Top Gains Award - Louisiana Department of Education (2023-24 SY)

Average graduation rate of 98% since our first graduating class in 2022

#6 for SPS Growth in Louisiana - High School: B rating, Middle School: C rating (2022-23 SY)

Continued SPS growth: 72.5 in 2023-24 and 73.9 in 2024-25

Schedule and Calendar:

As a charter school, Jefferson RISE sets its own academic calendar and daily schedule based on the needs of its students. Teachers generally work from mid-July (beginning with professional development before students arrive) through late May.

Workdays are generally 7:10 AM - 3:45 PM, Monday through Friday. Mondays extend to 4:30 PM and include mandatory Professional Development time. Anticipated school hours and days vary annually based on changes to the school calendar.

Position Title: Severe/Profound Special Education Teacher

Position Information

Department: Special Education

Reports to: Self-Contained SPED Instructional Coach

Work Schedule: 10-month (mid/late July–mid/late May)

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Harvey, LA

Start Date: Immediate

Position Summary

Jefferson RISE Charter School is seeking a skilled, compassionate, and adaptable Severe/Profound Special Education Teacher to provide individualized instruction to middle and high school students with significant disabilities in a self-contained setting.

The teacher will deliver instruction in core academics, functional academics, life skills, and transition readiness while adapting instruction to each student’s abilities, needs, and Individualized Education Program (IEP). Students may be nonverbal or minimally verbal and may require mobility or personal-care support.

The ideal candidate sets high expectations, meets students where they are, and helps each student build the skills, confidence, and independence needed for continued growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Instruction & Student Support

Deliver individualized instruction in academics, functional skills, communication, daily living, social skills, and transition/workplace readiness.

Adapt curriculum, materials, activities, and assessments to meet individual student needs and IEP goals.

Use student data to adjust instruction and monitor academic and functional progress.

Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive classroom that promotes student independence, dignity, and success.

IEP Implementation & Collaboration

Implement IEP goals, accommodations, modifications, and required student supports with fidelity.

Collect progress data, maintain required documentation, and contribute to IEP meetings and progress reporting.

Coordinate with paraprofessionals and related-service providers to support instructional, mobility, toileting, hygiene, and personal-care needs.

Communicate and collaborate with families, the Self-Contained SPED Instructional Coach, and the Special Education team.

School & Professional Responsibilities

Administer or support required assessments and follow student-specific health, safety, mobility, and emergency protocols.

Model Jefferson RISE expectations of being Safe, Respectful, and Responsible .

Participate in professional development, coaching, team meetings, schoolwide responsibilities, and other duties as assigned.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required

Louisiana teaching or Special Education certification preferred, but not required

Knowledge of specially designed instruction, IEP implementation, accommodations and modifications, and progress monitoring

Ability to adapt curriculum and instruction for students with significant disabilities

Experience working with students with severe/profound disabilities or significant support needs preferred

Experience in a self-contained Special Education setting preferred

Experience with functional academics, life skills, vocational, or transition instruction preferred

Strong communication, collaboration, organization, and documentation skills

Proficiency with Google Workspace, including Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides

Physical Requirements

Ability to move throughout the classroom and school environment; stand, walk, bend, reach, and change positions throughout the workday; assist with student transitions and mobility needs; push or maneuver wheelchairs or mobility equipment when necessary; and respond safely when students require physical assistance.

Culture & Fit

Believes students with significant disabilities are capable of meaningful learning, growth, and increased independence

Maintains high expectations while responding to individual student needs

Demonstrates patience, consistency, flexibility, and respect for student dignity

Communicates and collaborate effectively with colleagues and families

Open to feedback and committed to continuous improvement

Act with integrity and put students first

COMPENSATION

Jefferson RISE offers competitive compensation based on performance and qualifications. We do not follow a traditional salary schedule; annual salaries reflect the outcomes teachers drive and the value they bring to students and the school.

Annual Salary Range: $40,000–$55,000 starting salary, depending on degree level, certification, content area, previous student outcomes, and experience

Additional Stipends: Employees may be eligible for supplemental compensation for approved responsibilities beyond their regular duties.

Raises and Bonuses: Employees may be eligible for performance-based raises and bonuses based on demonstrated results, organizational contributions, available funding, and other relevant factors.

Pay Schedule: Paid twice monthly on the 15th and last day of each month

Benefits

All full-time employees receive the following employee-only coverage:

Medical: RISE covers 85% of employee-only premiums; employee covers 15%

Dental and Vision: 100% of employee-only premiums covered

Short- and Long-Term Disability: 100% of premiums covered

401(k): 100% employer match on the first 3% deferred and a 50% match on contributions from 3% to 5%, with no vesting period

Jefferson RISE reserves the right to offer different or additional benefits at any time.