Elementary School DES Teacher (2026-2027 School Year)

Job Title: Elementary School DES Teacher (2026-2027 School Year)

About Utopian Academy for the Arts

Utopian Academy for the Arts is the 2023 Georgia Charter School of the Year! The mission of Utopian Academy for the Arts is to develop, through a structured and supportive environment, academic and artistic students to enter and to succeed in the global society with proficiency to enroll in a college, university, or specialty school of their choice. Utopian Academy for the Arts is the only public charter school network in Georgia to offer a comprehensive educational program in the dramatic, media, and creative arts. Our educational model leverages the positive effects of arts education to engage and inspire students, develop their academic and artistic potential, and prepare them to be leaders in their communities.

The Utopian Academy for the Arts was founded in 2013 as the first state-approved charter school by the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia, to expand public school choice options for families that reside in Clayton County, GA. Recognizing its unique approach and access to arts-based education, the Clayton County Public Schools System subsequently approved the vertical expansion to add the Utopian Academy for the Arts Elementary (est. 2020) and Utopian Academy for the Arts High School (est. 2022). In 2023, the charter school network launched its second state-approved middle school, Utopian Academy for the Arts-Trilith, which features a state-wide attendance zone in Fayette County, GA.

The Role

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Developmental and Exceptionalities Services (DES) Teacher to join our charter school team. The DES Teacher will be responsible for providing specialized instruction and support to students with developmental disabilities, learning differences, or other exceptionalities, ensuring access to a quality education and promoting academic and social-emotional growth. The ideal candidate will possess strong instructional skills, knowledge of special education, best practices, and a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of students. This position reports to the Elementary School Principal and will be assigned to be physically present in the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities, in collaboration with special education team members, parents, and other stakeholders.
• Provide direct instruction to students with disabilities in academic subjects, social skills, life skills, and functional academics, adapting curriculum and materials to meet individual student needs.
• Differentiate instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, abilities, and needs of students with disabilities, providing scaffolding, accommodations, and modifications as needed to support learning.
• Assess student learning and progress using a variety of formal and informal assessments, including observation, portfolio assessment, and progress monitoring tools, and use data to inform instructional decisions and interventions.
• Implement behavior management strategies and interventions to support students with disabilities in developing self-regulation skills, managing emotions, and making positive behavioral choices.
• Collaborate with general education teachers, support staff, and related service providers to ensure coordinated services and supports for students with disabilities, including accommodations, modifications, and assistive technology.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress, goals, and interventions, providing updates on IEP progress, behavior, and academic achievement.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training opportunities related to special education best practices, evidence-based interventions, and strategies for supporting students with disabilities.
• Support inclusive practices and opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in general education classrooms and activities, collaborating with general education teachers to provide appropriate supports and accommodations.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations related to special education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and state-specific special education laws and regulations
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in-person and be available to work on-site, in-person during regular business hours and as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by an appropriate administrator or their representative.

Qualifications:

CERTIFICATION:

• Minimum of SRT4-Certification in Special Education General Curriculum P-12 or related field; OR
• Passed the GACE Special Education General Curriculum AND completion of the GACE Ethics Program Entry Assessment

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree required with at least a 2.5 GPA

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Work experience gained through education and certification/license requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated communication skills
• Model correct use of language - oral and written;
• Demonstrated willingness to be held accountable for students’ results.
• Ability to work with diverse high school children.
• Ability to be flexible and to work in a pleasant and cooperative manner
• Ability to work effectively as a team member;
• Possess a high degree of professionalism and discretion;
• Knowledge of school safety & security procedures
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

HOW TO APPLY:

Professional resume (with dates associated with your roles) and a cover letter (see below) should be submitted electronically via Indeed. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

• Cover letter/letter of interest defining your strengths in your subject matter, including your experience with supporting a charter school, or arts integrated school. Please cite specific and measurable examples that make you a fit for our school.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person