Self-Contained Life Skills Teacher (Special Education)

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) serves more than 1,600 students from PreK–12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school system located in Kansas City, Missouri. Over 97% of our students identify as Latinx, and many are bilingual or English learners. Our network includes Guadalupe Centers Elementary School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers High School.

GCCS grew out of Guadalupe Centers’ educational programs — part of the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the United States since 1919. Our deep community roots shape our mission: to prepare all students academically, socially, and emotionally for college, career, and life success.

Why Work at GCCS

Students & Families:
Our teachers form strong relationships with students and families through a community-driven approach. The connection between our schools and Guadalupe Centers’ historic mission fosters trust and collaboration that support student success.

Staff Autonomy:
GCCS teachers are empowered to innovate. We value professional judgment and encourage creative, research-based classroom practices that cater to the diverse needs of learners.

Coaching & Development:
Each staff member collaborates with their instructional coach and building leadership to set annual professional growth goals aligned to district priorities. Our development model focuses on reflection, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Competitive Benefits:

• Competitive salary aligned to experience and certification level
• Relocation stipend (for qualifying hires)
• Bilingual stipend (Spanish-speaking staff)
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education (up to lifetime cap per GCCS policy)
• Mental health and well-being support through expanded employee assistance and wellness programs
• 403(b) retirement match up to 5% (for eligible staff)
• Perfect attendance incentive program (up to $1,600 annually)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage 

Reports To: Building Principal

Summary

The Self-Contained Life Skills Teacher position exists to provide specialized instruction and supports to students with significant cognitive, adaptive, behavioral, and/or physical disabilities. The teacher is responsible for developing students’ functional academic skills, communication, social-emotional skills, independence, and activities of daily living within a self-contained life skills setting. This role emphasizes individualized instruction aligned to each student’s IEP, collaboration with families and service providers, and preparation of students for increased independence at school, home, and in the community.

This position is distinct from resource or mild/moderate special education roles in that students served require intensive, ongoing support and accommodations and may have complex medical, behavioral, or adaptive needs that prevent success in a general education setting without substantial modifications.

Essential Functions

Instructional Support

• Assists the teacher in implementing individualized, standards-referenced, and functional life skills instruction aligned with students’ IEP goals and Missouri Learning Standards–Extended as appropriate.
• Provides direct support to students during instruction in functional academics, communication, social skills, self-regulation, vocational readiness, and activities of daily living (e.g., hygiene, toileting, feeding, mobility, organization).
• Supports differentiated instruction by preparing materials, adapting activities, and using assistive technology or communication systems as directed.
• Reinforces learning through small-group instruction, one-to-one support, and practice of skills across settings.

Assessment & Data Collection

• Collects and documents data on student progress toward academic, behavioral, adaptive, and functional goals as directed by the teacher.
• Assists with informal assessments, observations, and documentation needed for IEP progress monitoring and compliance.
• Maintains accurate and timely records related to student performance, behavior, and daily activities.

Behavior & Student Support

• Implements Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), positive behavior supports, and de-escalation strategies under teacher guidance.
• Supports a structured, safe, and respectful learning environment that promotes student dignity, independence, and inclusion.
• Provides physical management or crisis intervention only when required to ensure student and staff safety, following district and state guidelines and training.

Health, Safety & Personal Care

• Assists students with personal care and medical needs (e.g., toileting, diapering, feeding, mobility assistance) in accordance with training, care plans, and health protocols.
• Monitors student health and safety and reports concerns promptly to appropriate staff.
• Responds appropriately to medical or safety emergencies and follows established reporting and documentation procedures.

Collaboration & Communication

• Works collaboratively with the classroom teacher, related service providers (speech, OT, PT, counseling), and other staff to support student success.
• Communicates professionally and respectfully with staff and, as directed, with parents/guardians.
• Participates in team meetings, training sessions, and IEP meetings as requested.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintains confidentiality of student records and information in accordance with FERPA and district policies.
• Follows all school procedures, special education regulations, and ethical standards.
• Participates in required professional development, safety training, and certifications.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support the mission of Guadalupe Center Charter School.

Job Requirements

Education & Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Valid Missouri Special Education teaching certification (or ability to obtain appropriate certification).
• Completion of required background checks and clearances.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of special education law (IDEA), IEP development, and compliance requirements.
• Strong understanding of life skills instruction, functional academics, adaptive behavior, and transition planning.
• Ability to manage a self-contained classroom with students who have intensive needs.
• Skills in behavior management, data collection, collaboration, and communication.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, demonstrate patience and professionalism, and adapt to changing student needs.
• Proficiency with educational technology, data systems, and standard office software.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work is performed primarily in a self-contained classroom and school community settings.
• Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, and movement; may require lifting, transferring, or physically assisting students with mobility.
• May involve exposure to challenging behaviors and requires adherence to safety and crisis-management protocols.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the school day.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds as needed.
• Ability to access and navigate all areas of the school and related facilities.

Application Process: 

Please complete an application, which may be found at www.gck12.org/o/gc/page/work-for-gccs. If a position requires a degree, please upload a copy of your transcripts and/or degree certification to your application. Other attachments, such as a cover letter or resume, can also be uploaded and attached to the application.

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools complies with all applicable laws, statutes, and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, who fully and actively supports equal access for all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, and prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.