WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS!
At IPS, we believe in the transformative power of education. We work collectively every day to prepare our students for success in the classroom and in life by providing equitable, high-quality educational experiences across our family of schools. IPS is a place to make an impact, grow your career, and ensure every student has access to a high-quality education, all while earning a good living in a district on the move. While the work is challenging, it is deeply meaningful and impactful. We seek innovators and trailblazers who bring varying experiences and expertise and share our belief that every child deserves access to an exceptional education. As part of TeamIPS, you’ll create lasting connections, find a sense of belonging, and feel supported to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.
In return, no matter your role here, we expect a commitment to excellence and accountability. You’ll be held to high standards. Resilience and passion are key—you must be adaptable, handling adversity with flexibility while putting students at the heart of everything you do. Ethical conduct, clear communication, and mutual respect are fundamental. Being a dependable, collaborative team player who builds meaningful relationships is essential.
Together, we are Proving What’s Possible by building a community where everyone belongs and each student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.
A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHING CAREER IN IPS OFFERS...
Purpose and Impact:
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Champion for Students: Special Education Teachers play a crucial role in ensuring students with disabilities receive the individualized instruction and support they need to thrive. Your work directly impacts students’ ability to learn, grow, and achieve their goals.
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Equity in Action: At IPS, we are committed to removing barriers and creating inclusive learning environments. As a Special Education Teacher, you will be a key advocate for equity, ensuring all students receive high-quality education and access to necessary supports.
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Collaborative Support System: You won’t do this work alone. IPS provides a strong network of professionals, including general educators, related service providers, and student support teams, all working together to ensure student success.
Professional and Personal Growth:
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Ongoing Development: IPS offers specialized professional development for Special Education Teachers, including training on best practices, compliance with Article 7, behavioral interventions, and innovative instructional strategies.
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Pathways for Advancement: Whether you are early in your career or an experienced educator, IPS provides opportunities to grow. Leadership development, mentorship programs, and coaching support are available to help you take the next step in your career.
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Generous Compensation: We’re proud to offer the highest teacher starting pay in Indianapolis and one of the most competitive in the state, with teachers starting at $55,600 depending on experience, plus a generous benefits package. Our teacher salaries are continually on the rise, as IPS regularly advocates for stronger teacher compensation.
Work-Life Balance and Well-being:
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Comprehensive Health Insurance: Access top-tier health plans covering medical, dental, and vision needs, plus IPS offers a private clinic for staff and their families through our partners at Ascension St. Vincent.
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Flexible Wellness Leave: Take the time you need to care for yourself and your family with our generous leave policies. Teachers receive 70 hours of sick leave in their first year (56 hours annually after) for illness, family, or mental health, plus three personal days, two floating holidays, and school breaks. Unlimited accumulated sick leave adds flexibility, supporting teachers’ health and work-life balance.
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Incentivized Discounts through IPS Wellness Program: Opportunities to earn hundreds of dollars off your medical premium by participating in proactive and simple health screenings, plus discounted group fitness classes, health and fitness assessments, personal training, and more.
WHAT WE EXPECT...
Commitment to Excellence:
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High Standards for Learning: We expect our Special Education Teachers to deliver rigorous, high-quality instruction that challenges and engages students while meeting their individualized needs.
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Equitable and Inclusive Classrooms: IPS is committed to breaking down systemic inequities. You will be responsible for implementing best practices in special education, advocating for inclusive environments, and ensuring each student has access to the supports they need.
Resilience and Passion:
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Dedication to Students: Special Education requires patience, flexibility, and a deep commitment to student success. You will be an advocate, ensuring that students receive the necessary accommodations and services to reach their full potential.
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Adaptability in a Dynamic Environment: Each day brings new challenges and opportunities. You must be resilient, creative, and solution-oriented, working to provide the best possible educational experience for students with disabilities.
Professional Integrity:
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Ethical and Collaborative Practice: Upholding the highest standards of professionalism is critical. You will be expected to work closely with families, general education teachers, and service providers while maintaining clear, ethical communication and documentation.
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A Team Player Mindset: Special Education is a collaborative effort. IPS seeks educators who thrive in a team-based environment, contribute positively, and build strong relationships with students, colleagues, and families.
JOIN US
Indianapolis Public Schools is more than a workplace—it’s a community where purpose, impact, and belonging come together to help Prove What’s Possible in your career and in our schools. If you’re ready to make a difference, advocate for students, and bring excellence to Special Education, IPS is the place for you.
SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY
IPS is seeking passionate Special Education Teachers to provide high-quality instruction and support to students with disabilities. Our Special Education Teachers play a critical role in ensuring that students receive rigorous, individualized instruction aligned with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). As a member of our Unified Student Supports Team, you will have access to excellent benefits, professional development, and a collaborative, student-centered work environment.
ROLE(S) • KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • GRADE LEVEL(S) • LICENSURE & CREDENTIALS
Special Education Arches Teacher
• Provide highly individualized instruction in a self-contained classroom for students with significant cognitive, developmental, and physical disabilities • Implement IEPs with a focus on functional academics, communication, life skills, and social-emotional learning, collaborating with OT, PT, SLP, and behavior specialists • Support students’ daily living needs, including toileting, feeding, mobility assistance, and adaptive communication • Use assistive technology, structured routines, and sensory strategies to enhance student engagement, independence, and behavioral regulation.
Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, High
• Indiana Special Education License • Bachelor’s in Education (B.A. or B.S.) • Knowledge of IDEA, Article 7
Special Education Autism Teacher
• Work in the IPS REACH ABA Program • Implement Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) interventions • Collaborate with BCBAs & RBTs to develop behavior plans
Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, High
• Indiana Special Education License • Bachelor’s in Special Education • 3+ years experience with autism preferred
Special Education Certified Behavior Specialist
• Provide behavioral support & coaching for teachers working with students with intensive needs • Develop and monitor Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) • Support school teams in using positive reinforcement strategies
Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, High
• Indiana Special Education License OR Social Work/School Counseling Certification • Experience with MTSS, trauma-informed practices, & behavior coaching
Special Education Developmental Preschool Teacher
• Teach students ages 3-5 in a developmentally appropriate early childhood setting • Serve as Teacher of Record for students with IEPs • Adapt curriculum & implement early intervention supports • Collaborate with speech, OT, PT, and student support teams • Support social-emotional & cognitive development aligned with early learning standards
Early Childhood (Preschool)
• Indiana Special Education License (must have PreK)• Bachelor’s in Education (B.A. or B.S.) • Understanding of early childhood development & intervention strategies
- Completion of required items (fingerprinting, CPR and Drug Screen) to qualify for working at a certified preschool location.
Special Education Emotional Disabilities (ED) Teacher
• Provide instruction & behavioral supports for students with emotional and behavioral needs • Develop Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) • Collaborate with counselors, psychologists, & support teams
Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, High
• Indiana Special Education License • Bachelor’s in Education • Experience with PBIS preferred
Special Education Inclusion/Resource Teacher
• Provide push-in and pull-out instructional support for students with IEPs in general education and small-group settings • Collaborate with general education teachers to implement accommodations, modifications, and differentiated instruction• Support students with disabilities through co-teaching, small-group instruction, and individualized interventions •Monitor student progress, adjust instruction based on data, and provide targeted interventions aligned with IEP goals • Work as part of a collaborative team, supporting students in various instructional settings as determined by the supervisor.
Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, High
•Indiana Special Education License • Bachelor’s in Education (B.A. or B.S.) • Experience with inclusive education and instructional support preferred
Special Education Life Skills Teacher
• Provide instruction to students with significant cognitive disabilities in a self-contained setting • Develop and implement functional life skills curriculum • Collaborate with related service providers to support student success,
Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, High
• Indiana Special Education License • Intensive Intervention or Severe Disability • Bachelor’s in Education • Experience in self-contained classrooms preferred
NEXT STEPS
1️⃣ Review each opportunity carefully to determine which positions align with your skills and experience.
2️⃣ Submit a single application, indicating all positions of interest and school preferences.
3️⃣ Be prepared for a selection process that ensures the best fit between your expertise and the needs of our students.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FLSA Classification: Exempt
- In-Person Position
- Physical Requirements: This role requires standing, walking, sitting, reaching, and occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as necessary.
