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Special Education Teacher (SPED) - Job Opportunity at The Stepping Stones Group

Temecula, US
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 7, 2025
On-site
USD 45-55 per hour

Benefits

Competitive hourly compensation with flexible spread pay structure ensuring consistent year-round income stability
Comprehensive health insurance coverage with additional wellness stipends for holistic employee well-being
Professional development financial support with access to continuing education units and approved webinars for career advancement
401(k) retirement savings plan with structured future financial security
Full relocation assistance package for geographic mobility and career opportunities
Employee referral program with incentive compensation for team building and network expansion
Travel position opportunities with comprehensive relocation support for diverse professional experiences
Online resource library with therapy tools, educational materials, and professional development content

Key Responsibilities

Deliver innovative special education instruction using evidence-based teaching methodologies to maximize student learning outcomes and developmental progress
Implement individualized education programs (IEPs) with strategic modifications to support students with moderate to severe disabilities in achieving academic and behavioral milestones
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including therapists, administrators, and families to create comprehensive support systems that drive measurable student success
Assess and document student progress using data-driven approaches to inform instructional decisions and demonstrate educational impact
Adapt curriculum and learning environments to accommodate diverse learning needs while maintaining high academic standards and expectations
Mentor and support paraprofessionals and teaching assistants to build effective classroom teams that amplify student support capabilities
Participate in professional development initiatives to stay current with special education best practices and regulatory compliance requirements

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in Special Education from an accredited institution

Experience

Experience working with children in a school setting, with a strong emphasis on supporting those with special needs

Required Skills

compassionate educator with a big heart and a passion for making a difference innovative teaching techniques supporting those with special needs

Certifications

Valid state license or certification for Special Education Teaching (Mod/Severe credentials)
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Special education is experiencing unprecedented demand due to increased identification of students with disabilities and growing awareness of neurodiversity, with enrollment in special education programs rising consistently over the past decade. This trend is driving significant expansion in specialized teaching positions nationwide. The education sector is witnessing a critical shortage of qualified special education teachers, with turnover rates in special education reaching 25% annually compared to 16% in general education. This shortage is creating premium compensation opportunities and enhanced benefits packages for qualified candidates. Technology integration in special education is rapidly evolving, with assistive technologies, adaptive learning platforms, and data-driven instruction becoming standard practice. Teachers who can effectively utilize these tools are increasingly valuable in the marketplace. Regulatory emphasis on inclusion and least restrictive environment principles is reshaping special education delivery models, requiring teachers to have stronger collaboration skills and ability to work across diverse educational settings.

Salary Evaluation

The offered hourly rate of $45-55 represents competitive compensation for the Temecula market, translating to approximately $93,600-$114,400 annually based on standard teaching schedules. This range aligns well with California's higher cost of living and reflects the premium placed on specialized credentials and the current teacher shortage.

Role Significance

Special education teachers typically work within collaborative teams of 8-12 professionals including general education teachers, related service providers, paraprofessionals, and administrative staff. They often directly supervise 2-3 instructional assistants while serving caseloads of 15-25 students.
This mid-level position requires advanced educational credentials and specialized certification, positioning it as a professional role with significant autonomy and decision-making authority. The requirement for master's-level education and specialized credentials indicates this is not an entry-level position but rather one requiring demonstrated expertise and professional judgment.

Key Projects

Development and implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs) with measurable goals and data tracking systems Transition planning initiatives for students moving between educational settings or preparing for post-secondary life Assistive technology integration projects to enhance student communication and learning capabilities Collaborative inclusion program development to support students in least restrictive environments Professional learning community leadership focused on evidence-based practices and student outcome improvement

Success Factors

Exceptional emotional intelligence and patience to work effectively with students experiencing diverse behavioral and learning challenges while maintaining therapeutic relationships that promote growth and confidence Strong data analysis capabilities to interpret assessment results, track progress, and make informed instructional decisions that demonstrate measurable student improvement over time Collaborative leadership skills to effectively coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community partners while advocating for student needs and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations Adaptability and creative problem-solving abilities to modify curricula, develop alternative teaching strategies, and create inclusive learning environments that accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities Professional resilience and self-care practices to maintain effectiveness in a demanding role that requires sustained emotional investment and advocacy for vulnerable student populations

Market Demand

Extremely high demand driven by nationwide special education teacher shortages, increasing student enrollment in special education programs, and California's commitment to robust special education funding and compliance requirements.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Master's-level special education knowledge is absolutely essential as it provides the theoretical foundation and evidence-based practices necessary for effective instruction of students with disabilities, while also meeting federal and state certification requirements that ensure program compliance and quality Valid specialized credentials (Mod/Severe) are mandatory for legal compliance and represent specialized training in serving students with significant disabilities, making this certification a non-negotiable requirement for position success Demonstrated experience with special needs populations is crucial because working with students with disabilities requires specialized skills in behavior management, adaptive instruction, and crisis intervention that can only be developed through direct experience

Beneficial Skills

Bilingual capabilities, particularly Spanish fluency, would be extremely valuable in Southern California's diverse educational environment and could significantly enhance family engagement and student support effectiveness Technology proficiency with assistive devices, educational software, and data management systems is increasingly important as schools integrate digital tools for instruction and progress monitoring Additional certifications in applied behavior analysis, autism spectrum disorders, or assistive technology would enhance professional marketability and effectiveness with specific student populations Grant writing and program development experience could provide advancement opportunities and additional value to employing districts seeking to expand specialized programs

Unique Aspects

The spread pay plan offering consistent year-round income addresses a common challenge in educational employment where traditional contracts create summer income gaps, providing unusual financial stability for education professionals
Comprehensive relocation assistance and travel position opportunities create unique geographic mobility options rarely found in traditional school district employment, appealing to professionals seeking diverse experiences
The combination of competitive hourly rates with extensive benefits creates a total compensation package that exceeds typical district employment, reflecting the premium placed on specialized skills in current market conditions
Professional development stipends and continuing education support demonstrate organizational commitment to employee growth that extends beyond basic employment requirements

Career Growth

Career advancement typically occurs within 3-5 years with demonstrated leadership capabilities and additional certifications. Administrative roles generally require 5-7 years of teaching experience plus administrative credentials.

Potential Next Roles

Special Education Coordinator or Department Head positions overseeing program development and teacher mentorship Behavior Specialist or Autism Specialist roles requiring additional certification and focused expertise Special Education Director or Assistant Principal positions combining educational leadership with administrative responsibilities Educational Consultant or Training Specialist roles with educational service agencies or private organizations University-level instructor positions in teacher preparation programs or special education research

Company Overview

The Stepping Stones Group

The Stepping Stones Group operates as a specialized educational staffing and therapy services company focused on providing comprehensive support to school districts nationwide. The organization has built a reputation for placing qualified special education professionals in high-need districts while offering extensive support systems and professional development opportunities.

As a growing player in the educational staffing sector, The Stepping Stones Group differentiates itself through comprehensive benefit packages, professional development support, and flexible placement options including travel positions. The company appears to be expanding rapidly to meet nationwide demand for special education services.
The company's presence in Temecula, California positions it strategically within a high-growth region experiencing significant population expansion and corresponding increases in educational service needs. Southern California's diverse student population and well-funded educational system create stable demand for specialized services.
The organization emphasizes supportive professional environments with strong emphasis on employee well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance. The comprehensive benefits package and professional development focus suggest a culture that values long-term employee retention and career advancement.
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