Description

Do you see the spark in every child, even when the world doesn’t?

At Lafayette School, we serve students who need more than a traditional classroom—they need advocates, mentors, and educators who see their potential and won’t give up on them. We are a small, intentionally tight-knit therapeutic day school where every staff member wears many hats and works collaboratively to build an environment where students with emotional and behavioral challenges can succeed.

We’re seeking a Special Education Teacher who:

– Believes all students are capable of growth and success.

– Advocates fiercely for kids, especially those who’ve struggled in other settings.

– Brings energy, creativity, and flexibility to a hands-on environment.

– Thrives in a small, relationship-centered school where collaboration is key.

– Understands the value of positive regard for a student’s entire support system, even when working through tough situations.

– Models healthy, professional boundaries with staff, students, and families, fostering trust, mutual respect, and emotional safety for everyone.

– Can address challenging behaviors with a trauma-informed mindset, staying calm, consistent, and compassionate.

– Values a healthy workplace—showing up with focus, professionalism, and leaving personal drama at the door.

Why Join Lafayette?

– Small class sizes (you’ll actually have time to connect with students).

– A collaborative, mission-driven team that values your voice.

– Opportunity to truly make an impact in a student’s life, every single day.

– Professional growth in trauma-informed practices and therapeutic approaches.

– Physical Requirements: This is primarily sedentary work with occasional light physical effort (lifting up to 10 lbs). Most importantly, it requires patience, resilience, and a heart for kids who need more than a “typical” approach to learning.

Job Duties

What You’ll Do

– Create and implement individualized education programs (IEPs) that meet students’ academic, behavioral, and emotional needs.

– Deliver engaging, differentiated lessons that help students reach their goals.

– Collaborate with counselors, parents, and a multidisciplinary team to support each child’s success.

– Maintain accurate documentation of student progress, IEP goals, and behavioral updates.

– Participate in IEP meetings, eligibility determinations, and planning sessions.

– Help foster a safe, respectful, and structured classroom environment.

– Step in wherever needed—our staff shares duties (lunch, bus transitions, activity coverage) because every adult plays a role in building our school community.

Skills Required

What We’re Looking For

– Licensure: Virginia Special Education Teaching License (or eligibility).

– Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

– Skills: Strong understanding of child development, ability to develop age-appropriate curriculum, and effective communication (both written and verbal).

– Mindset: A growth-oriented, flexible educator who can balance structure with compassion.

– Bonus: Experience in therapeutic or trauma-informed education environments.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time, year-round salaried position. If you would like more information about the calendar, please visit our website at https://mylafayetteschool.org/calendars

Additional Info

Ready to Make a Difference?

Send your resume and a short note about why you believe in this work to JOMalley@mylafayetteschool.org.