Special Education Teacher Jobs in Iowa
Special Education Teacher jobs in Iowa are open across Waterloo, Des Moines, and Waukee and other Iowa metros, with employers like Waterloo Community School District, Des Moines Public Schools, and Waukee Community School District hiring at every experience level. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
DMPS is seeking a special education teachers for our alternative high school programs at Options Academy. This role will support students at Starts Right Here and Urban Dreams. Applicants with a K-12 Strat 2 BD endorsement, or licensed teachers willing to obtain a conditional endorsement, are encouraged to apply.
DMPS will pay for required coursework for a Strat 2 BD endorsement in exchange for a multi-year commitment to remain teaching in the district.
Experience working with students in alternative education settings is preferred!
There is a $2,500 hiring bonus (paid spread across all checks of 26-27) for this position.
TITLE: Special Education Teacher (PreK-12)
POSITION TYPE: TCHR
HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:
Required:
- Valid Iowa teaching license (appropriate endorsement code for teaching assignment).
- Demonstrate effectiveness in oral and written communications.
Desired:
- Experience in an urban school district
- CPR certification.
BASIC FUNCTION:
Responsible for planning and delivering a high-quality educational program to meet children’s academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs. The special education teacher is a partner with the guardian and support team in developing, implementing, and monitoring the student Individual Education Plan (IEP).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:
- Deliver daily lessons, aligned to state and district standards, that meet students’ individual needs and ensure growth.
- Establish and maintain standards of student behavior needed to achieve learning.
- Participate in building and district professional learning communities to plan for instruction, analyze data, and create assessments.
- Work with colleagues to make accommodations to instruction and curriculum to meet the learning needs of student with IEPs.
- Monitor student learning on a daily basis. Use multiple data points to guide and individualize instruction.
- Communicate with families on a regular basis.
- Participate in professional development.
- Demonstrate consistent progress on meeting the eight Iowa Teaching Standards
ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (for every DMPS position):
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Attend work promptly and on a regular basis.
- Maintain a satisfactory working relationship with staff, students, and families.
- Assist with other duties as needed to maintain a safe and orderly school.
DEPARTMENT: Student & Family Services
REPORTS TO: Building Administrator, Director of Student Services
RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM: Special Education Consultant
BARGAINING GROUP: DMEA
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
FT/PT: Fulltime
DAYS: 195 OR 199 day contract
HOURS: 7.75
Physical Requirements:
Standing, walking, sitting, bending/stooping, reaching/pushing/pulling, lifting carrying
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mostly indoors with some outdoor responsibilities during recess and arrival/dismissal
All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
Employee Benefits Information
All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check. Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check.
Approved By: Emily Behrens
Date: 10/14/2018
See All 14 Special Education Teacher Jobs in Iowa
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Find JobsSpecial Education Teacher Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Special Education Teacher Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Waterloo Community School District9

- Des Moines Public Schools4

- Waukee Community School District1

Top Industries Hiring
- Education14
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in special education teacher jobs across Iowa.
- Valid state special education teaching license or certification for the relevant disability category
- Experience developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities
- Knowledge of IDEA compliance, accommodations, and least-restrictive environment requirements
- Proficiency with IEP management software such as Frontline Special Ed or IEP Direct
- Bachelor's or master's degree in special education or a related field
- Experience collaborating with general education teachers, therapists, and families in a team-based model
Special Education Teacher Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How many special education teacher jobs are there in Iowa?
There are 14+ special education teacher openings in Iowa on Migrate Mate as of June 2026, with the most roles in Waterloo, Des Moines, and Waukee. New positions post regularly as employers across Iowa hire.
How much do special education teachers make in Iowa?
Special education teachers in Iowa earn a median of about $63,540 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $36,250 for the lowest 10% to over $72,980 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which Iowa cities have the most special education teacher jobs?
Waterloo, Des Moines, and Waukee have the most special education teacher openings in Iowa right now, with additional roles spread across smaller metros statewide.
Which companies hire special education teachers in Iowa?
Employers hiring special education teachers in Iowa include Waterloo Community School District, Des Moines Public Schools, and Waukee Community School District, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026.
Are there remote special education teacher jobs in Iowa?
Yes. About 0% of special education teacher openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of June 2026. The rest are on-site roles based in Iowa metros.
How do I apply for special education teacher jobs in Iowa?
You can apply to special education teacher jobs in Iowa directly on Migrate Mate. Search the listings above, find roles that match your experience and preferred Iowa location, then apply to each one that fits.
See All 14 Special Education Teacher Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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