Special Education Teacher

Vivo Missouri

At Vivo Missouri, we are building something different. Vivo Missouri is a nonprofit, private school network building innovative, recovery-focused high schools designed for young people desiring a substance-free lifestyle and ready to define success on their own terms. Our students are bright, capable, and resilient. They deserve schools built on deep relationships, meaningful work, and real-world learning.

At Vivo Missouri – a small innovative high school in partnership with the Big Picture Learning network – learning is personal, project-based, and rooted in internships, mentorship, and purpose. We hold high expectations and believe transformation happens when students are known well. Our schools align with Big Picture Learning's Ten Distinguishers, and our core values for Vivo staff and students are collective impact, unique autonomy, learning together, and transparent insight.

We are seeking high-energy, insightful, and relationship-driven educators who are excited to build something meaningful and ready to rethink what “school” can look like. If you believe rigor and humanity belong in the same classroom, we'd love to meet you.

Employment Status

This is a full-time, exempt, at-will position. Teachers report directly to the School Leader. 

Position Overview

As a Special Education Teacher at Vivo, you will ensure students with disabilities fully participate in the school's personalized, interest-driven learning model. This role provides specialized instruction, leads the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and works closely with advisors, content teachers, and families to ensure students have the support they need to access rigorous academics and real-world learning experiences. As a key member of the student support team, the Special Education Teacher helps integrate IEP goals into students' personalized learning plans and internships while maintaining compliance with federal and Colorado special education requirements. The role centers on strong relationships, high expectations, and preparing students for meaningful postsecondary pathways.

We seek educators who value "rigor, relevance, and relationships" in their professional practice, and who can engage families and community members as partners in the education of Vivo students.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) aligned with Missouri special education requirements.
• Conduct academic and behavioral assessments to determine student needs and appropriate interventions.
• Provide specialized instruction in core academic subjects using differentiated and scaffolded strategies.
• Modify curriculum and assignments to accommodate learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges.
• Collaborate with clinical staff, therapists, recovery coaches, and school leadership to support the whole student.
• Facilitate IEP meetings, ensuring parent/guardian participation and compliance with IDEA regulations.
• Track and document student progress toward IEP goals and maintain accurate special education records.
• Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and trauma-informed classroom management strategies.
• Support students in developing self-advocacy, coping skills, and executive functioning skills.
• Provide small-group or one-on-one instruction for students requiring intensive support.
• Coordinate with general education teachers to ensure appropriate accommodations and inclusion opportunities.
• Monitor and support transition planning, including goals for postsecondary education, employment, and independent living.
• Communicate regularly with families, case managers, and community support providers.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings focused on student recovery, academic progress, and behavioral support.
• Create a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment that reinforces recovery values and emotional regulation.
• Utilize data-driven decision-making to adjust interventions and instructional strategies.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal special education laws and documentation timelines.
• Participate in professional development related to trauma-informed care, addiction recovery, and behavioral health.
• Build strong relationships within the school community and support restorative justice practices
• Maintain patience and a sense of humor, and celebrate the successes of students and the school

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher
• Certified in special education (Acceptable certifications: Trad, ACP, TAC, or ABCTE)
• (Preferred) At least two years of teaching experience, ideally in a competency-based, Big Picture Learning, Deeper Learning, project-based, or other similar environment
• Fingerprint background check clearance; current eligibility to work in the U.S.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary $55-70K
• Participation in the health benefits package
• Eligible for participation in the 401K and Roth plans (eligible for rollover from PSRS/PEERS/KCPSRS)
• Paid time off / Paid sick leave / FMLA
• Approximately 7-8 weeks of summer vacation; approximately 5 weeks of school holidays and vacation throughout the school year

Equal Employment Opportunity / Non-Discrimination Statement:

Vivo Missouri is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions—including hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, discipline, and termination—are made without regard to these protected characteristics.