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Lead Special Education Teacher
JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION STATUS: 1.0 FTE
START DATE: 26-27 SY
COMPENSATION: Salary is negotiable and ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 depending on experience.
BENEFITS: Health Insurance, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, Paid Time Off (PTO), TRA or PERA Contributions, Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and access to a range of additional benefits, such as short-term disability and accident insurance.

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ABOUT NORTH LAKES ACADEMY:

Serving the Forest Lake and surrounding areas since 1999, North Lakes Academy provides a personalized learning environment designed to meet a wide variety of academic needs. Currently, we are consolidating to one campus that will serve approximately 400 students K-12.  We’re a safe and caring community, connecting learning with the environment, and building curiosity and confidence from day one. NLA is truly the BEST place to be a special education teacher in MN, offering a unique environment where teachers are supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work. With a full time,  on-site Special Education Director, you'll never feel like you're doing it alone—support and collaboration are always close by. 

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Licensed as a Special Education teacher

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in special education or a related field

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PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Master’s degree in special education or a related field

  • Experience working with diverse student populations and individualized education plans (IEPs)

  • Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with general educators, administrators, and support staff

  • Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues

  • Experience conducting and interpreting educational assessments

  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

  • Knowledge of evidence-based interventions and behavior management techniques

  • Familiarity with Minnesota state special education laws and compliance requirements

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JOB DESCRIPTION:

North Lakes Academy is seeking a passionate and student-centered Lead Special Education Teacher for the 2026–2027 school year. NLA is truly the BEST place to be a special education teacher in Minnesota, offering a unique environment where teachers are supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work.

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NLA has a high percentage of students receiving special education services, meaning you’ll work in a setting where supporting students with disabilities is proactive, collaborative, and deeply embedded in our school culture. With relatively small caseloads, you’ll have the time and capacity to build strong relationships and provide meaningful, specially designed instruction.

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At NLA, you’ll be part of a student-first community that genuinely believes in inclusive practices and whole-child success. If you’re ready to teach where your work matters and your impact is lasting, North Lakes Academy is where you want to teach special education.

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Key responsibilities include:

  • Coordinate & lead child study meetings

  • Chair evaluation team & conduct teacher components for all initial and re-evaluations

  • Coordinate paraprofessional schedules

  • Demonstrate organizational skills for keeping track of students in all settings, special education paperwork, and planning

  • Assure due process compliance by planning for and meeting deadlines regarding IEP development, evaluation process, and progress reporting.

  • Assist in program development and curriculum

  • Collaborate with the MTSS team to ensure seamless support of students while fulfilling child find requirements

  • Maintain effective communication with the director of special education, principal, special education teachers, and parents

  • Establish positive working relations with school staff 

  • Other duties as assigned.

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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

To apply, please submit the following materials directly to lclaiborne@northlakesacademy.org: a current resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation.

Please also verify that the job is still open by checking whether it is listed on our website. Positions will remain open until filled.

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LEARN MORE:

NLA website: http://www.northlakesacademy.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nlacharterk12
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nlacharterk12/

 

For more information about this posting, please reach out to:
Executive Assistant, Lauren Claiborne:
lclaiborne@northlakesacademy.org

 

North Lakes Academy, where who you BECOME is as important as what you ACHIEVE.

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