ART TEACHER (K-12 )

Full-time position with an annual salary range of $52,867-$85,282.

About the Role

Teachers at The Foundation Schools employ special education strategies and techniques to provide quality instruction that results in students’ mastery of approved curriculum and promotes social, emotional, and cognitive learning. Teachers serve as the primary instructors in a self-contained setting and must understand and carry out their students’ IEP requirements. The Art Teacher will be based at the Largo school but will support other locations by consulting on lesson plans and curriculum, as well as assisting with classroom needs on an occasional basis.

Responsibilities

• Employ special education strategies and techniques to provide quality instruction that advances students’ academic progress on the approved curriculum and promotes social and emotional growth.
• Demonstrate knowledge of academic subjects and effectively teach content using the approved curriculum.
• Communicate professionally with parents/guardians about students’ academic and behavioral progress prior to interims, at the end of reporting periods, or as needed.
• Create and implement lesson plans using a variety of teaching methods, including technology, direct instruction, independent study, and group learning; submit lesson plans within set guidelines.
• Adapt classroom environment, activities, teaching styles, behavior management practices, and lesson plans to meet the needs of students with varying academic levels and learning styles.
• Establish expectations for learning and set classroom structure to encourage student participation and appropriate behavior.
• Use formal and informal observation and assessment tools to determine students’ needs, adjust interventions, and evaluate instructional effectiveness; document and modify practices based on data and feedback.
• Provide a safe, structured, creative, and engaging classroom conducive to learning.
• Maintain an accurate classroom instructional inventory.
• Demonstrate knowledge of special education laws and regulations, including IDEA, FERPA, COMAR, and DCMR.
• Participate in the development and monitoring of students’ IEPs, BIPs, and FBAs, including completion of required documentation within set guidelines.
• Grade students’ work, document progress in grade books, and complete grades within deadlines.
• Attend and actively participate in IEP meetings, reentry meetings, and other meetings with parents/guardians, students, or county representatives; report accurately on student academic progress.
• Act as the lead in the classroom by providing guidance and direction to program assistants and dedicated aides.
• Understand how students’ disabilities impact their behavior and ability to learn; adapt intervention strategies to meet the requirements of students’ IEPs and BIPs.
• Effectively manage and document student behavior through implementation of behavior management systems, school rules, policies, and procedures; model appropriate behavior for students.
• Proactively identify behaviors that could lead to a crisis or disrupt the learning environment; use effective behavior management techniques to address these behaviors.
• Provide supervision of students to ensure safety and security at all times.
• Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with The Foundation Schools’ policies.
• Demonstrate appropriate use of verbal de-escalation skills and the behavior continuum to use the least restrictive interventions necessary; utilize approved strategies during crises, including seclusions, therapeutic holds, escorts, and restraints when necessary.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, school leaders, and team members to determine student and classroom needs; develop interventions and incentive plans as appropriate.
• Actively participate in committees, meetings, supervision, and professional development activities.
• Model and implement the company’s core values (Teamwork, Work Ethic, Integrity, Respect, and Leadership) to guide students’ positive behaviors.
• Comply with all The Foundation Schools’ policies, rules, protocols, and procedures.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher required, preferably in education, special education, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• MSDE license or eligibility for MSDE license in special education and appropriate grade band; Art and Physical Education teachers require MSDE license or eligibility in the content area.
• Two or more years of experience in a special education setting or experience working with emotionally disabled students or children with autism is preferred.
• Knowledge of IDEA and its applications to educating students with special education needs and emotional disabilities is preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) abilities are a plus.

Skills

• Utilize basic office equipment such as computers, tablets, telephones, fax machines, and copiers.
• Complete reports and data input using various computer programs.
• Move and carry supplies; perform light, non-repetitive lifting.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and relationship with students, colleagues, families, and community partners.
• Work positively and collaboratively with others.
• Demonstrate effective time management and organization skills; prioritize and plan work activities efficiently.
• Speak clearly and be understood by others; read and express thoughts in written format.
• Possess and demonstrate a high level of mental and emotional balance.
• Respond quickly and tactfully to crisis situations while using critical thinking to assess problems.
• Work with minimum supervision and meet deadlines.
• Physically restrain or assist in student restraints.
• Possess sufficient mobility to provide instruction and manage student behaviors.

Benefits

• Company Paid: Group Term Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan (up to 8% employer contribution after 1 year of service for eligible employees), Educational Funds Assistance, 9 Paid Holidays, Paid Days Leave (PTO), Extended Sick Leave, Scheduled School Leave.
• Company and Employee Cost Shared: Health Insurance (includes prescription and vision benefits), Dental Insurance.
• Employee Paid: Flexible Spending Account Plan (FSA) for Medical & Dependent Care, Supplemental Life Insurance, Supplemental Accident, Hospital, and Critical Illness Benefits.
• Other Benefits: Credit Union Membership, Free Parking on Site, Professional Development Programs.