RI Teacher of Students with Intellectual Disabilities (2026-27)

School Year: 2026-27

Teaching at Achievement First: 

Achievement First invites you to apply for a teaching role! This is an exciting opportunity for teachers dedicated to delivering exceptional instruction while continually growing in their craft. At AF, you'll be part of a vibrant, supportive community where professional development, collaborative planning, and personalized coaching from school leaders are a part of your weekly experience.

In this role, you won't just be preparing students for college and career—you'll be inspiring them to lead lives of purpose, leadership, and impact. You'll create a learning culture in which scholars can discover their fullest potential and become agents of change, making a difference within their communities and beyond.

At AF, we believe in nurturing the whole child, setting high academic standards, and fostering a classroom environment where students thrive both intellectually and emotionally—and can be their authentic selves. Together, we are building a more just and equitable world, one classroom at a time.

The Special Education Teacher – Severe and Profound Program provides specialized instruction and educational programming for students with significant cognitive, developmental, medical, physical, communication, behavioral, and/or multiple disabilities. The teacher is responsible for developing and implementing individualized educational programs that support students in achieving academic, functional, communication, social-emotional, adaptive, vocational, and life skills goals.

The teacher collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, related service providers, families, and community agencies to ensure students receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE) in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) regulations, and district policies.

The Severe and Profound Special Education Teacher creates a structured, safe, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment utilizing evidence-based instructional practices, positive behavioral supports, and individualized programming designed to maximize student independence and participation.

Join us, and be part of a team that is transforming lives through the power of education.

Responsibilities of an Achievement First Teacher will include but are not limited to:  

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with severe and profound disabilities.
• Provide specialized instruction in academic, functional, communication, adaptive, social-emotional, behavioral, vocational, community-based, and daily living skill areas.
• Differentiate instruction and adapt curriculum, materials, equipment, and environments based on individual student needs.
• Utilize evidence-based instructional methodologies and data-driven decision-making practices.
• Implement positive behavioral supports, behavior intervention plans, and de-escalation strategies consistent with district and state procedures.

Outstanding academic achievement and personal development  

• Create a positive, achievement-oriented and structured learning environment that excites and invests students to reach ambitious goals. 
• Build classroom community by partnering with families to facilitate children’s academic success and personal development.  
• Utilize data from Achievement First’s interim assessments to drive instruction and intervention. 
• Implement unit and lesson plans with the grade or subject team.
• Exemplify AF’s core values in all interactions with students, families, and colleagues. 

Professional learning, development and growth 

• Collaborate with coach, grade-level chair and school team to improve instructional, culture-building and leadership skills. 
• Attend all professional development, team planning and data analysis meetings.

Skills and Characteristics 

• Strong instructional and classroom management skills. 
• High level of personal organization and planning. 
• Embraces feedback as an opportunity for growth, openly listening and reflecting on input from others.

Educational Background and Work Experience 

• Experience working with K-12 students, with two years of teaching experience preferred. 
• Bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.0; Master’s degree preferred.
• If your GPA is between 2.5 and 3.0, you may submit additional recommendations to be considered.
• • Rhode Island certified or in process of obtaining a certification. 
    • RI: https://ride.ri.gov/teachers-administrators/educator-certification-0
  • Certification for role: Severe & Profound Special Ed certificate

Compensation & Benefits

• Employees at Achievement First are provided with a competitive salary. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on an individual’s skills, education, and years of experience relevant to the role. Teacher salaries in RI range from $50,500-$ 94,336.  

• As a regular full time employee of Achievement First, you will be eligible for benefits that include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as a 403(b) retirement benefit package with match and paid