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STRIDE Academy in St. Cloud, MN, stands out as a K-8 public charter school with a strong focus on the whole child, celebrated for fostering academic excellence and a nurturing learning environment. Our mission emphasizes individualized learning and innovative teaching, preparing students for future success. Notable for our community involvement and award-winning programs, STRIDE offers a unique, supportive educational experience that cultivates curiosity and character development, making a significant impact on our students and the wider community. POSITION DETAILS Grade: K-4 School Year: 2026-2027 Full Time FTE: 1.0 OVERVIEW The Special Education Teacher at STRIDE Academy will provide individualized instruction, support, and case management for students with diverse learning needs, with a particular focus on students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The teacher will design and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), use evidence-based instructional and behavioral practices, and collaborate with families, general education teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and other members of the special education team. This position requires an understanding of how autism may impact communication, social interaction, sensory regulation, executive functioning, behavior, and access to the educational environment. The Special Education Teacher will create structured, supportive, and inclusive learning environments that promote student independence, self-advocacy, academic achievement, functional skills, and meaningful participation in the school community. KEY DUTIES Develop instructional materials and lesson plans, provide specialized instruction, and evaluate student progress using appropriate assessments, observations, and progress-monitoring data. Provide individualized and small-group instruction aligned with students? IEP goals and identified educational needs. Implement evidence-based practices and appropriate accommodations, modifications, visual supports, communication strategies, sensory supports, and structured routines for students with ASD and other disabilities. Support students in developing academic, communication, social-emotional, behavioral, functional, and independent living skills as appropriate to their individual needs. Collaborate with general education teachers to support student access, participation, and progress within the general education environment. Work collaboratively with speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, school psychologists, social workers, behavior staff, paraprofessionals, and other service providers to provide coordinated student support. Provide direction, support, and guidance to paraprofessionals working with students on the teacher?s caseload, including implementation of IEPs, behavior plans, accommodations, and instructional strategies. Use student data to monitor progress, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and supports, and adjust instruction as needed. Support positive student behavior through proactive strategies, skill development, regulation supports, and implementation of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and other individualized supports when applicable. Meet with parents/guardians to discuss student progress and communicate student strengths, needs, goals, and areas of growth. Facilitate Individualized Education Program (IEP) and evaluation meetings and complete required special education documentation in accordance with federal, state, and local due process requirements. Maintain accurate and timely records related to IEP implementation, progress monitoring, evaluations, services, and other special education requirements. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Participate in regular professional development, professional learning communities, team meetings, and staff meetings to strengthen instructional practices and student outcomes. Collaborate and communicate professionally with school leadership, special education staff, general education teachers, families, and other staff members. Participate in student problem-solving, behavior, and multidisciplinary team meetings as appropriate. Support consistency in student programming across classrooms and school environments. Meet professional obligations by honoring schedules, timelines, documentation requirements, deadlines, and other professional responsibilities. Maintain student confidentiality and comply with applicable special education laws, school policies, and professional standards. Demonstrate effective teaching practices and a commitment to creating an inclusive, respectful, and student-centered learning environment. Perform other duties as assigned. SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES Strong knowledge of special education instructional practices, IEP development, progress monitoring, and due process requirements. Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder and evidence-based educational practices for supporting students with ASD. Understanding of communication differences, sensory processing needs, social-emotional development, executive functioning, and behavioral needs commonly associated with ASD. Ability to create predictable, structured, and supportive learning environments while responding flexibly to individual student needs. Ability to implement visual supports, differentiated instruction, positive behavior supports, communication systems, and other individualized strategies. Ability to recognize behavior as a form of communication and use proactive, skill-based approaches to address student needs. Strong classroom and behavior-management skills with an emphasis on prevention, de-escalation, regulation, and student dignity. Ability to collaborate effectively with families, teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and multidisciplinary teams. Strong communication, organization, documentation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to foster student independence, self-determination, self-advocacy, and meaningful inclusion. Proficiency in educational technology and data systems used for instruction, documentation, and progress monitoring. REQUIREMENTS Valid Minnesota teaching license in Special Education appropriate to the assignment, such as Academic and Behavioral Strategist (ABS) or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), or eligibility to obtain appropriate Minnesota licensure through the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). Candidates eligible for Tier 1 or Tier 2 licensure may be considered. Tier 1 and Tier 2 licenses require a job offer from a Minnesota public or charter school and have additional PELSB eligibility requirements. Bachelor?s degree required for traditional special education licensure pathways. Experience working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and knowledge of evidence-based ASD instructional, communication, behavioral, and sensory supports preferred. BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION Salary Range: Starting salary of $60,000 or higher based on experience Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and professional development opportunities APPLICATION PROCESS Application Materials: Submit a resume, cover letter, references, and complete online application Application Deadline: Until Filled Contact Information: Niki Krier, Director of of Special Education nkrier@strideacademy.org Apply here: https://www.strideacademy.org/employment EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT STRIDE Academy is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. CALL TO ACTION Join our dedicated team at STRIDE Academy and make a difference in the lives of our students. Apply today to contribute to our vibrant learning community where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!