Special Education Teacher Jobs in California

The impact you will have: As an Education Specialist, you will serve as an instructional leader dedicated to empowering students with diverse learning needs to reach their full potential. You will support students in building strong academic foundations, developing social-emotional skills, and strengthening the life skills necessary for independence and long-term success. Our district offers a continuum of programs from preschool through postsecondary, providing meaningful opportunities to make an impact at every stage of a student’s journey. We are seeking passionate, student-centered educators who believe in high expectations, inclusive practices, and inspiring every learner to discover their own greatness. A more detailed job description is available at https://sjusd.box.com/v/educationspecialist.

Who you are: You are a compassionate and skilled educator who believes every student can thrive with the right supports and high expectations. You are committed to inclusive practices, collaboration, and implementing IEPs with fidelity while focusing on meaningful student growth. Above all, you are passionate about empowering students with diverse learning needs to build confidence, independence, and lifelong skills.

A SDC teacher (Special Day Class teacher) is a credentialed special education teacher who provides specialized, intensive instruction to students with IEPs who require more support than can be provided in a general education classroom alone. SDC teachers work with smaller class sizes and tailor instruction to meet students’ academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and life skill goals.

A RSP teacher (Resource Specialist Program teacher) supports students with IEPs who spend most of their day in general education classrooms. The RSP teacher provides specialized instruction, targeted academic support, and helps implement accommodations and modifications to ensure students can access grade-level curriculum. RSP teachers also collaborate closely with general education teachers and families to monitor progress and support student success.

A TSDC Teacher (Therapeutic Special Day Class Teacher) is a credentialed special education teacher who provides specialized instruction in a highly structured, supportive setting for students with significant social-emotional and behavioral needs. These students have IEPs and require therapeutic supports in addition to academics to be successful in school. TSDC teachers integrate behavioral strategies, social-emotional learning, and individualized instruction to help students build self-regulation, develop coping skills, and make academic progress, while collaborating closely with families and support staff to ensure consistent, comprehensive support.

What you will need to apply:

• Resume and Letter of Introduction outlining desire and qualifications for this position
• Two (2) letters of reference from prior supervisors
• Transcripts of your undergraduate degree, and graduate degrees if applicable. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes only.
• Evidence of meeting the Basic Skills Requirement, such as CBEST, PRAXIS, SAT, ACT results or coursework evaluation by uploading additional transcripts including community or junior colleges and unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes only.
• Education Specialist Mild/Moderate Credential including Autism Authorization or Extensive Support Need | Mod/Severe | Mild Moderate Support Need Credential - attachment should include document number assigned by the CTC. Please note that your assigned role will be dependent on which credential you have.
• EL Authorization
• Entry of all past employers in the work history section of this application (please see Education Code section 44939.5 - as amended by California AB2534)

AB-2534 Employment History

As of January 1, 2025, in accordance with Education Code section 44939.5 (as amended by California AB2534) applicants for certificated positions are required by law to provide a complete list of every school district, county office of education, charter school and/or state special school with which you have previously been employed, regardless of the length of service. For all certificated positions, please be comprehensive in disclosing any part-time, full-time and substitute employment.

Failure to disclose any previous educational employment may result in the disqualification of your application.

You must list all previous LEAs (Local Education Agencies) where you have been employed. If multiple LEAs are within the same district, only the district information is required. An LEA is a local entity involved in education including but not limited to school districts, county offices of education, direct-funded charter schools, and special education local plan area (SELPA).

When will you hear back from us: Within seven days of applying, we will inform you if you will be moving forward in our hiring process and share next steps. If there is a delayed response, feel free to reach out to credentials@sjusd.org.

Note to internal applicants:

• Even though we may have some information on file for you, we encourage you to submit a letter of introduction highlighting your qualifications and interest in this role, as well as any other information you would like to share. Where applicable, please also note which available location you are applying to.
• To be eligible to interview, you will need to be in permanent status and have passed probation.