ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SPED TEACHER SY 26/27 (10 Months)

Job Summary

Teachers at The Foundation Schools employ special education strategies and techniques to provide quality instruction that results in the students’ mastery of approved curriculum and that promotes social, emotional and cognitive learning. Teachers are the primary instructors in a self-contained setting and must be able to understand and carry out their students’ IEP requirements.

About the role

Employ special education strategies and techniques to provide quality instruction that results in the students’ advancement of their academic progress on the approved curriculum and that promotes social and emotional growth.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge of academic subjects and the ability to effectively teach content area while using the approved curriculum
• Communicate in a professional manner with parents/guardians about students’ academic and behavior progress prior to interims, end of reporting periods or as needed
• Create and implement lesson plans that utilize a variety of teaching methods, including the use of technology, direct instruction, independent study and group learning, in order to engage students and actively encourage student participation; submit lesson plans within set guidelines
• Establish expectations for learning and set classroom structure to encourage student participation and appropriate behavior
• Maintain an accurate classroom instructional inventory at all times
• Participate in the development and monitoring of students’ IEPs, BIPs, and FBAs including completion of required documentation within set guidelines
• Grade students’ work, document students’ work 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
• Proactively identify behaviors among all students that could lead to a crisis, an unsafe situation or disrupt the learning environment; use effective behavior management techniques to address these behaviors in order to limit the severity and length of disruptions
• Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with The Foundation Schools Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Statement and student record confidentiality procedures
• Model appropriate behavior for students during the school day
• Proactively provide supervision of students to ensure the safety and security of the school program at all times
• Work with other teachers, therapists, school leaders, and other team members to determine the student and/or classroom needs and adjust interventions and practices to best meet those needs; work with team to develop interventions and/or incentive plans when appropriate
• Participate in committees, meetings, supervision, and professional development activities
• Model and implement the company’s core values to drive actions and to guide our students to incorporate Teamwork, Work Ethic, Integrity, Respect, and Leadership into positive behaviors

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher is required, preferably in education, special education or related field, Master’s degree preferred
• MSDE license or eligibility for MSDE license required in special education, and appropriate grade band; Art and Physical Education teachers require MSDE license or eligibility for MSDE license in 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 specific applications to educating students with special education needs and emotional and other disabilities preferred
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) abilities are a plus
• Utilize basic office equipment such as computer, tablet, telephone, fax, copier, etc.
• Complete reports and data input while using a variety of computer programs
• Move and carry supplies; light lifting, non-repetitive
• Maintain a professional demeanor and relationship with students, colleagues, families and community partners
• Work positively and collaboratively with others
• Maintain a professional work ethic and meet the standards of professionalism including appropriate attire, attendance, and timeliness
• 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
• Possess sufficient mobility to provide instruction and manage student behaviors