About Us: Ignite Achievement Academy is an accredited K-12 private school with two campuses in Charlotte, NC dedicated to providing exceptional educational experiences for students with special needs. Our school is specifically designed to support students with speech and/or behavioral disabilities through personalized attention and comprehensive support. With small class sizes and a collaborative approach, we ensure each child receives the care and instruction they need to thrive.

Position Overview: The FLAME Program at Ignite Achievement Academy is seeking a dedicated and dynamic Life Skills Teacher for a self-contained special education high school classroom. The ideal candidate will have a passion for supporting students with diverse learning needs, providing them with the essential skills for independent living and successful entry into the workforce. This position requires teaching functional academics and vocational skills, as well as providing off-campus job experience within the local community.

Our teachers rarely need to take work home, and our culture is different than any other school you've likely worked with in the past!

Positions are available at both our North and South Charlotte Campuses for the 2025-26 school year!
- North Campus: 3835 W WT Harris Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28269
- South Campus: 6203 Carmel Rd. Charlotte, NC 28226

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop/Utilize the provided and implement a curriculum that integrates functional academics with real-world applications, focusing on practical skills for independent living and entry-level employment.
• Provide instruction in financial literacy, including budgeting, making change, and understanding personal finances.
• Teach reading and writing skills tailored to crafting effective communication for job-related scenarios, such as resumes and cover letters.
• Conduct cooking lessons to instill self-sufficiency in meal preparation and nutrition.
• Instruct students in basic cleaning skills to maintain a clean and organized living space.
• Incorporate social skills training to enhance verbal and non-verbal communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Teach basic computer skills relevant to the workplace, including email communication and basic data entry.
• Plan and facilitate field trips to expose students to various workplace environments and career opportunities.
• Drive students off-campus in the school's 15-passenger van.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Education, or a related field. Master's degree preferred
• Valid teaching certification, special education preferred but not required
• Experience working with students with disabilities, preferably in a vocational or life skills setting
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Comfortable driving a small school bus or van to transport students to off-site locations
• Patience, empathy, and a passion for working with students with special needs
• Stamina to actively engage with students throughout the school day and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Capability to perform tasks involving physical activities, including standing, walking, and bending
• Ability to pass a background check
• Ability to pass a driver's history background check

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and health benefits package
• 401k matching up to 4%
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Collaborative and supportive work environment
• Paid time off
• The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of students with special needs

Ignite Education Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.