Special Education Teacher School Year 26-27

About Sankofa Montessori

Sankofa Montessori embarked on its educational journey as a public charter school, receiving its charter from the Georgia State Charter School Commission in 2021. We officially opened our doors in July 2023, starting our adventure with Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades. As we chart our course, we added a 3rd grade in our second year, 4th grade in our third year and will be adding 5th grade during the upcoming school year, school year 26-27. Our mission is to empower children with the knowledge, skills, and agency needed to lead purposeful lives. Join our team and help us continue to chart our course.

At Sankofa Montessori, we bridge standards-based instruction with the Montessori approach. If you think you would be a great fit, we invite you to apply for one of our Special Education Teacher roles for the 26-27 School Year.

Start Date: July 2026

Location: 5881 Phillips Drive, Forest Park, GA, 30297

• Provide direct service to students in one-on-one or small group settings to implement school-wide Special Education, ensure appropriate identification of and goal-setting for special student needs, help teachers in providing behavioral, social-emotional, and academic interventions, and support compliance of overall special education program
• Participate in a holistic child study process. Coordinate with classroom teachers, special educators, families, and other key stakeholders to ensure that the needs of all children are met. 
• Use a variety of instructional strategies at an appropriate instructional level for teaching students from diverse backgrounds with different learning styles and special needs
• Maintain appropriate student behavior in the classroom and out of the classroom by monitoring behavior and intervenes when necessary
• Communicate high learning expectations for all students; assess, monitor, and encourage student progress
•  Use ongoing assessments to monitor student progress; interpret and use data (including but not limited to standardized and other test results) for instructional planning and program evaluation
• Follow professional practices consistent with school and system policies in working with students, students records, parents, and colleagues
• Provide accurate and timely information to parents and students about academic and behavioral performance of students; expectations; and developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in school and in the home environment by such means as holding conferences, telephoning, and sending written communications
• Maintain lesson plans as required by school policy
• Develop, implement and complete all prescribed activities outlined in the Professional Development Plan annually in accordance with state and system requirements
•  Maintain accurate complete and appropriate records and file reports promptly
•  Create or select long-range plans and writes student’s annual IEP based on a review of system and state curriculum priorities, instructional priorities, and student’s handicapping condition; revise plan/s based on student needs
• Maintain confidentiality of students and other professional information
• Perform other related duties as assigned 

What Teaching Looks Like at Sankofa Montessori (and How You’re Supported)

Teaching at Sankofa Montessori is demanding and deeply purposeful. As a founding school, teachers are asked to do meaningful, high-impact work that challenges the status quo, with real support built into the structure of the day.

Teachers at Sankofa Montessori:

• Teach a standards-aligned core curriculum that integrates Montessori principles.
• Plan collaboratively with peers during daily planning period and weekly time dedicated to collaboration, student work analysis, and professional learning.
• Use student data regularly - with support from a dedicated coach with a strong track record of student success - to refine instruction and close gaps.
• Build strong classroom cultures grounded in identity affirmation, restorative practices, and high expectations.
• Receive the materials needed to be successful, including curriculum for every subject (for Lead Teachers to adapt and improve), classroom supplies, and teacher/student laptops.

While the work is harder than the status quo, teachers are not asked to build in isolation. We believe challenge should be purposeful, supported, and shared - and we invest accordingly.

This role is not for educators seeking comfort or predictability, it is for those who want to build something new, more just, and more powerful than what currently exists.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

For this position, we’re looking for candidates that possess a combination of the following skills:

• Bachelor's degree (required)
• Hold a valid professional certification in  Special Education (preference given if in K-6) (required)
• Two or more years of effective teaching experience as a Special Education teacher
• Has demonstrated impact on the growth of students.
• Knowledge of Montessori curriculum content and children’s developmental needs, a plus
• Willing to serve all children, regardless of background or needs, in an inclusive and supportive setting
• Skills in instructional practices and classroom management for student achievement
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Warm and firm demeanor
• Work collaboratively with a growth mindset. Give and receive feedback in a spirit of craftsmanship.
• Strong learning orientation and desire to work in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
• Can complete physical demands of the role (including standing and walking for extended periods of time and lifting heavy objects up to 40 Ibs)
• Unwavering commitment to Sankofa Montessori’s mission and willingness to go above and beyond to meet the needs of Sankofa Montessori students, families, and staff
• Successful background check results required

Benefits

COMPENSATION

• Sankofa Montessori’s compensation philosophy is to pay competitively for the PK-12 charter market to ensure equity across our institution. Please click HERE to view our salary scale.
• We offer contributions to the Teacher Retirement System of Georgia (TRS) in accordance with Georgia state law, as well as an additional, optional 403(b) retirement account.
• Sankofa Montessori also offers competitively-priced health benefits.

Supports:

• A dedicated coach with a track record of success with students
• A daily planning period and weekly student early release for teacher collaboration, student work analysis, and peer professional development.
• Materials needed to be successful in your classroom, including teacher/student supplies/laptops, etc.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Sankofa Montessori provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.