Education Jobs in Buffalo, NY

POSITION: Middle School Special Education Teacher

SCHOOL YEAR: 2026-27

REPORTS TO: Middle School Building Principal

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt/10 month

Mission: To educate and inspire a diverse community of K-12 learners by engaging them in rigorous real-world learning experiences which prioritize intellectual, social and emotional growth.

Vision: Tapestry is a vibrant, sustainable school that empowers learners and leaders to make a positive impact in our communities and beyond.

Core Values: Perseverance, integrity, Responsibility, and respect (PIRR)

POSITION SUMMARY: Our teachers ensure that Tapestry provides our students and families with a world-class K-12 educational experience. Each of our classroom teachers makes this possible by leading students to achieve dramatic learning gains in all core academic disciplines including language arts, expedition, mathematics, and crew. At Tapestry, we believe that teachers are professionals and, as a result, we support their growth and development. We also implement a shared leadership approach that empowers our teachers to play critical decision-making roles in shaping how our schools produce outstanding outcomes for our students and families.

POSITION RATIONALE: Our middle school special education teachers are highly-qualified professionals who support students in accessing rigorous grade-level curriculum while implementing individualized supports and accommodations aligned to each student's IEP goals and services. Our special education teachers collaborate closely with general education teachers, related service providers, families, and administrators to ensure all students receive equitable access to learning opportunities and a supportive school environment. Our middle school special education teachers:

• Strengthen our school community by investing students and families in our shared values (Perseverance, Integrity, Responsibility and Respect).
• Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for students by implementing Tapestry's approach to social emotional learning and restorative practices.
• Manage student behavior in the classroom by building strong relationships; establishing and enforcing classroom and school norms; and implementing intentional systems and routines that maximize learning.
• Encourage parent and community involvement by keeping families informed of classroom activities, student progress, graduation requirements, and support plans and by promptly returning phone calls and emails from families.
• Conduct Student Led Conferences twice per year to ensure strong relationships with families and intentional communication about the progress of each of our students.
• Attend and participate in school events to help build strong trusting relationships with students and families.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and maintain compliant Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in accordance with federal, state, and school guidelines.
• Collaborate with general education teachers and service providers to ensure accommodations, modifications, testing supports, and transition services are consistently implemented.
• Utilize data from student observations as well as summative and formative assessments to inform instruction and monitor student progress toward IEP goals and graduation pathways.
• Adjust instruction as needed to meet the unique needs of students, including by differentiating instruction and implementing evidence-based intervention strategies.
• Provide specially designed instruction in individual, small group, co-teaching, and inclusion settings as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and timely special education documentation, progress monitoring, and compliance records.
• Attend all required campus meetings, CSE meetings, professional development sessions, and coach meetings to ensure the implementation of an effective instructional program for our students and continuous improvement.
• Assign and grade class work, homework, tests and assignments as appropriate.
• Attend all required campus meetings and coach meetings to ensure the implementation of an effective instructional program for our students and continuous improvement.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

• Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, Tapestry Charter School mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A commitment to exemplifying Tapestry's core values (Perseverance, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility).
• An unwavering commitment to the academic success and personal development of our students.
• An eagerness to set ambitious, challenging, and tangible goals, and a relentless drive to achieve them.
• An ability to thrive in a fast-paced, school environment and a capacity to remain calm and focused when faced with unexpected challenges.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, best practices in the areas of middle school education.
• Familiarity with the Expeditionary Learning model.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse community.
• Proficient in working with computers, including commonly used software like Google Documents, Google Sheets, and Excel.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Initial/Professional/Permanent certification in applicable grades/subject area.
• At least one prior year of successful teaching experience, preferably at a school serving a similar population of students or a school implementing similar academic models.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed primarily in a classroom environment, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion including walking, bending, standing. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers to complete typing, filing, and data entry. Required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading. Position requires talking, walking, driving, speaking and comprehension of complex matters.

The above job description is not a contractual or binding document; it is provided as a guide to the types of duties required to be undertaken. Duties may vary from time to time and this description is subject to review. Modifications will be made as needed to support changes in the business climate and requirements.