Website North Lakes Academy North Lakes Academy
Where who you BECOME is as important as what you ACHIEVE.
- POSITION STATUS: Full-time
- START DATE: 2026-27 school year
- COMPENSATION: Salary ranges from $41,400 to $80,000, based on experience and qualifications.
- BENEFITS: Health Insurance, Dental 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.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
North Lakes Academy is seeking a passionate and student-centered 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.
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.
Our dedicated evaluations team and documentation coach help reduce paperwork demands so you can stay focused on your students. 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.
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.
LEARN MORE:
NLA’s website: http://www.northlakesacademy.org
NLA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nlacharterk12
NLA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nlacharterk12/
Please verify that this job is still open by checking if it is also listed on our website. The position will remain open until filled.
For more information about this posting, please reach out to:
Executive Assistant, Lauren Claiborne:
North Lakes Academy, where who you BECOME is as important as what you ACHIEVE.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Provide specially designed instruction aligned to student IEP goals
- Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Collaborate with general education teachers to support inclusive practices and accommodations
- Progress monitor student growth and maintain accurate documentation
- Participate in IEP meetings and communicate effectively with families
- Work closely with related service providers and support staff
- Implement evidence-based instructional and behavioral interventions
- Support students in developing academic, social-emotional, and functional skills
- Ensure compliance with Minnesota special education laws and timelines
- Utilize assistive technology and adaptive strategies to support student learning
- Participate in professional learning communities (PLCs) and ongoing professional development
- Attend school-sponsored events and contribute to the broader school community
- Other duties as assigned
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. With strong core subjects and a full complement of liberal arts courses, NLA provides quality learning in a responsive learning atmosphere. Currently, we operate an elementary campus (grades K-6) and a secondary campus (grades 7-12) both in Forest Lake, serving a total of 460 students. We’re a safe and caring community, connecting learning with the environment, and building curiosity and confidence from day one. We say at NLA who you BECOME is as important as what you ACHIEVE.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Licensed as a Special Education teacher, or a licensed teacher willing to pursue Special Education licensure
Bachelor’s degree or higher in special education or a related field
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s degree in special education or a related field
Multiple special education licensure areas (e.g., SLD, EBD, ASD)
Experience working with post-secondary transition IEP goals
Experience working with diverse student populations and individualized education plans (IEPs)
Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with general educators, administrators, and support staff
Experience with assistive technology and adaptive instructional strategies
Knowledge of evidence-based interventions and behavior management techniques
Familiarity with Minnesota state special education laws and compliance requirements
Experience conducting and interpreting educational assessments
Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
District Application Guidelines
Please complete your application by clicking the box below:
District ApplicationAPPLICATION PROCESS
- Be sure to review the district’s requirements for the application process and provide all required documents.
- Districts now require that candidates apply through an external link. The link will be noted in the job posting.