CERTIFIED TEACHER JOB DESCRIPTION

Browse Certified Teacher job descriptions across diverse educational settings, from Montessori and Head Start programs to online and hospital-based roles.

Certified Teacher Job Description Template

1. About the Role

A Certified Teacher in special education holds a defined legal and instructional mandate that most classroom roles do not. State licensure, IEP compliance under IDEA, and direct accountability for students with disabilities classified under ED, LD, and OHI categories set this position apart from general education teaching. The role sits within a school's special services structure, reporting to building administration while coordinating daily with general education staff, service providers, and families. When IEP goals go unmonitored and behavior intervention plans go unimplemented, students lose legally protected services and measurable ground.

2. Position Summary

As the Certified Teacher, you design and deliver individualized instruction for students with cross-categorical disabilities, ensuring IEP compliance, daily progress monitoring, and legally mandated documentation across a structured K-12 caseload. You work within a school-based special education team alongside general education teachers, coaches, and service providers, with direct accountability to building administration for student outcomes and regulatory compliance.

3. Why Join Us

Career Impact: Holding state licensure and a caseload of IEP-eligible students places you among the most credentialed and in-demand educators in the K-12 labor market, where special education certification consistently commands priority hiring status.

Business Impact: Students with disabilities depend on this role for access to legally protected instruction - without consistent IEP implementation and behavior intervention, districts face compliance risk and students lose measurable academic progress.

Growth Opportunity: Experience managing multi-category disability caseloads, facilitating annual IEP meetings, and applying restorative practices builds the specialized profile that advances into instructional coaching, special education coordination, or district-level compliance roles.

4. Key Responsibilities

  • Develop individualized education plans for students across ED, LD, and OHI disability categories to meet IDEA compliance requirements.
  • Differentiate daily instruction based on each student's documented learning profile and current performance data.
  • Design and facilitate Behavior Intervention Plans for students whose conduct affects access to the learning environment.
  • Evaluate student progress through formal assessments and daily observation, reporting findings at staff conferences and IEP meetings.
  • Collaborate with general education teachers, service providers, and coaches to implement unified support strategies for shared students.
  • Communicate student progress and behavioral strategies to families through scheduled conferences, workshops, and written reports.
  • Maintain required documentation including progress reports, report cards, attendance records, and IEP goal tracking logs.
  • Participate in grade-level planning teams and school-wide functions to integrate special education goals into broader curriculum development.

5. Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Education or Special Education, or equivalent work experience.
  • Two or more years of teaching experience working with students with learning or behavioral disabilities.
  • Current valid state teaching certification with special education endorsement or eligibility required.
  • Training in Safe Crisis Management or an equivalent crisis intervention framework required.
  • Ability to develop and implement multi-tiered classroom structures addressing multiple disability classifications.
  • Knowledge of IEP development processes, Common Core standards, and special education regulations including IDEA compliance.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills for reporting to administrators, families, and multi-disciplinary team members.
  • Valid driver's license and willingness to obtain additional licensing for student transport as required.

6. Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in a transfer school or alternative education setting serving at-risk youth populations.
  • Familiarity with electronic learning management systems used for IEP tracking and student progress documentation.
  • Commitment to restorative practices and strength-based approaches to student behavioral support.
  • Master's degree in Special Education or a related field.

7. Success Metrics and Environment

  • IEP goal attainment rate, measuring the percentage of students meeting annual benchmarks on schedule.
  • Behavior Intervention Plan compliance rate, tracking consistent daily implementation across documented student plans.
  • Family communication frequency, measured by completed conference logs and workshop attendance records per quarter.
  • Progress report accuracy and on-time completion rate across the full active caseload each grading period.
  • Staff collaboration touchpoints per week, reflecting coordination with general education teachers and service providers.

8. Compensation and Benefits (US Market Benchmark)

  • Base Salary Range: $42,000 to $62,000 annually, varying by state, district, and licensure level.
  • Bonus: Performance stipends available in some districts, typically $500 to $2,500 annually.
  • Equity: Not applicable in most public school settings.
  • Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, typically through a state or district employee benefits plan.
  • PTO: 10 to 15 paid school holidays plus summer recess, with sick leave accrual per district policy.
  • Common Perks: Pension or defined-contribution retirement plan, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, and professional development funding.


Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

9. EEO and Legal

Work authorization in the United States is required for all applicants. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process in accordance with the ADA - requests may be submitted at any time. Given the nature of this role's work with minor students, offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background check and any state-mandated clearances. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Certified Teacher Job Description Example

1. Certified Teacher (Special Education, Missouri)

The Certified Teacher owns the design and delivery of core curriculum instruction tailored to students with cross-categorical disabilities, including development of individualized education plans and behavior modification strategies. Working within a structured school environment, the teacher collaborates with administrators and families to ensure student progress, compliance with policy, and access to learning outside the instructional day.


Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and carry out lesson plans, tutoring programs, and individualized education plans for students with varying learning needs.
  • Devise specific instructional methods for students with cross-categorical disabilities.
  • Select books, materials, and teaching aids best adapted to the curriculum.
  • Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of all students.
  • Evaluate student progress daily and report behavior modification strategies at staff conferences.
  • Write progress reports, report cards, and individualized education plans.
  • Assist administration in implementing policies governing student life and conduct.
  • Participate in staff meetings and planning for individual students.
  • Make provisions to be available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day.


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Education or related field required.
  • Current valid teaching certification in the state of Missouri required.
  • Two or more years of teaching children with learning disabilities required.
  • Training in Safe Crisis Management (SCM) required.
  • Valid driver's license and current automobile insurance for transporting clients required.
  • Willingness to obtain a Class E Driver's License within 30 days of hire required.
  • Ability to adapt instructional material for students with behavioral and learning disabilities.
  • Patience and understanding in working with students with behavioral and learning disorders.

2. Certified Teacher (Special Education, Urban Sports School)

Embedded within a small, single-gender team model, the Certified Teacher differentiates instruction across multiple disability categories and leads IEP development, facilitation, and compliance with special education regulations. Working closely with classroom teachers, coaches, and service providers, the teacher ensures students with disabilities receive ongoing academic support, family communication, and data-driven progress tracking.


Core Functions

  • Differentiate instruction based on an array of student needs across multiple disability categories.
  • Develop IEPs, implement goals, facilitate annual IEP meetings, and comply with special education rules and regulations.
  • Design and implement differentiated assessments measuring progress toward Common Core standards.
  • Design and facilitate Behavior Intervention Plans for students with diverse needs.
  • Track individual progress of students with disabilities through an electronic learning management system.
  • Provide ongoing support and communication to parents of students with disabilities through family chats and workshops.
  • Collaborate with classroom teachers, coaches, and service providers to support student success.
  • Tutor individual students during extended day blocks.
  • Participate in collaborative curriculum development, grade-level teams, and school-wide functions.


Qualifications and Experience

  • Experience in a transfer school preferred.
  • Knowledge of SESIS preferred.
  • Ability to create multi-tiered classroom structures and behavior plans addressing multiple disabilities including ED, LD, and OHI.
  • Commitment to restorative practices and a strength-based, youth development approach.
  • Strong work ethic with excellent communication skills and a passion for serving at-risk youth.
  • Ability to function effectively both as part of a team and independently.

3. Certified Teacher (Online English Instruction)

Reporting to Preply's platform operations, the Certified Teacher delivers one-on-one English lessons to students worldwide using a flexible self-managed schedule and integrated calendar tools. Partnering with Preply's Tutor Academy, the teacher draws on professional development resources and curriculum support to produce consistent, measurable results for diverse learners across the globe.


Primary Duties

  • Teach one-on-one English lessons to students worldwide via an online platform.
  • Create lesson plans or use Preply's curriculum tailored to individual student needs.
  • Set availability and schedule lessons using Preply's integrated calendar.
  • Provide comprehensive materials and resources to meet diverse student needs.
  • Participate in training and professional development through Preply's Tutor Academy and webinars.


Skills and Qualifications

  • University degree or certificate to teach English including TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, DELTA, or equivalent qualification required.
  • Proficiency in English required.
  • Experience teaching one-on-one classes with proven results, preferably online.
  • High-speed internet connection required.
  • Energetic, patient, responsible, and cheerful approach to teaching.

4. Certified Teacher (Head Start Early Childhood)

Sitting at the intersection of early childhood education and family engagement, the Certified Teacher develops and implements a culturally relevant program aligned with Head Start guidelines while coordinating child developmental assessments and home visitation services. Operating across classroom instruction, parent mentorship, and multi-disciplinary collaboration, the teacher ensures each child's developmental needs are identified, documented, and supported in partnership with families and staff.


Duties

  • Develop and implement a culturally relevant educational program aligned with Head Start guidelines and the APM Head Start Plan.
  • Organize the classroom into specific learning centers with developmentally and culturally appropriate materials.
  • Complete child developmental assessments and identify children who may need developmental intervention.
  • Provide individual home visitation services at least twice a year to support child development in the home environment.
  • Communicate and involve families in each child's educational program on an ongoing basis.
  • Mentor classroom staff and volunteers and provide education on child development and appropriate expectations.
  • Oversee completion of required record keeping including attendance forms, volunteer logs, and meal participation sheets.
  • Participate in pre-service and in-service training to increase knowledge of Head Start components.


Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field required, Master's degree in Education preferred.
  • Massachusetts Educator Licensure required, Special Education license desired.
  • Previous experience working in education or with program-specific populations of children highly desirable.
  • Knowledge of child development, behavior management principles, and crisis intervention including TCI training.
  • Computer literacy including Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer with ability to learn new software applications.

5. Certified Teacher (After-School Enrichment Program)

A key member of an after-school program team, the Certified Teacher implements instructional activities and lesson plans that engage students across academic, health, fitness, and enrichment areas in a structured out-of-school setting. Collaborating across school personnel, partner agencies, and departments, the teacher ensures continuous student growth by adapting curricula, maintaining records, and motivating diverse learners toward measurable outcomes.


Functions

  • Implement instructional activities and lesson plans that actively engage students in meaningful learning experiences.
  • Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
  • Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and special needs.
  • Maintain effective and efficient record-keeping procedures.
  • Communicate effectively with students, parents, and other professionals on a regular basis.
  • Collaborate with peers to enhance the instructional environment.
  • Assess changing curricular needs and offer plans for improvement.
  • Ensure student growth and achievement is continuous and appropriate for age group and subject area.


Position Requirements

  • Knowledge of common core standards, core knowledge and competencies, and out-of-school time standards.
  • Ability to prioritize, manage competing priorities, and adapt to a changing environment.
  • Ability to organize, manage, and run a classroom incorporating behavior management strategies.
  • Ability to partner with other agencies, departments, and school personnel as required.
  • Ability to inspire, motivate, and influence others to achieve desired outcomes.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills with ability to work independently and collaboratively.

6. Certified Teacher (Hospital Community Education)

Consistent community health outcomes depend on the Certified Teacher, who delivers curriculum to expectant parents, new parents, grandparents, and children within a hospital education setting while tracking program activity and reporting results on a weekly and monthly basis. Based within a hospital community relations structure, the teacher serves as a direct link between the institution and the public, presenting program information at health fairs and community events.


Accountabilities

  • Teach curriculum to expectant parents, new parents, grandparents, and children in a hospital setting.
  • Prepare site, classroom setup, and takedown for each session.
  • Monitor, evaluate, and report on program success, modifying programs as needed.
  • Track all program activity and attendance and provide weekly and monthly reporting.
  • Participate in community education events and health fairs.
  • Present information about available programs and services to patients and the community.
  • Attend meetings to stay current on hospital information and program updates.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of adult learning principles required.
  • Knowledge of health English, spelling, and pronunciation required.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to translate complex information into accessible content for a lay audience.
  • Ability to stay current with hospital objectives and resources for information dissemination.
  • Ability to inspire class members through a variety of teaching methods.

7. Certified Teacher (Montessori Early Childhood)

As the Certified Teacher, this role leads the delivery of an authentic Montessori program by supervising the classroom, guiding children in self-motivated learning, and ensuring daily care standards meet all licensing and company requirements. The Montessori program relies on this work to spark imagination, build student self-esteem, and maintain open communication with parents and prospective families throughout the school year.


Job Functions

  • Supervise the classroom and help children think creatively, solve problems independently, and respect themselves and others.
  • Guide children in self-motivated learning to stimulate their natural desire to learn.
  • Spark imagination, build self-esteem, and help children discover new things each day.
  • Report challenges, successes, and competencies of each student to the Director or parents on a regular basis.
  • Communicate directly with parents and prospective parents to achieve success for the child.
  • Ensure the daily care of every child by following all licensing guidelines and implementing all company standards.


Professional Experience

  • Montessori Certification from AMS, AMI, or a MACTE-accredited training program required.
  • Bachelor's degree preferred, High School diploma or equivalent required.
  • Experience working in a licensed childcare facility, preferably a Montessori school.
  • Ability to meet state and accreditation requirements for education and experience.
  • Flexibility in hours and schedule of work.

Editorial Process and Content Quality

This content is developed by the Lamwork Editorial Team using structured analysis of real-world job data, skill requirements, and hiring patterns.

Research framework by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead.

Reviewed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor.

Learn more about our editorial standards.