Middle School Special Education Teacher/Self Contained

About the role

Excel teachers are responsible for delivering effective, high-quality, rigorous college-preparatory instruction designed to foster the success of their students. Teachers who thrive at Excel tend to be entrepreneurial instructors and hungry learners who crave frequent high-quality feedback on their practice. Out of the classroom and with the support of school administrators, the Middle School Special Education Teacher will manage administrative/regulatory aspects of the Special Education Program.

Responsibilities

• Teach daily instructional support lessons to students on caseload, utilizing time outside of core-academic classes;
• Serve as an inclusion teacher as needed to more effectively support the learning abilities of students with high needs;
• Work closely with general education teachers to differentiate curriculum, help create effective accommodations, and modify curriculum when appropriate;
• Ensure that all work with students with special needs is aligned with the school’s academic goals for student achievement.
• Write all IEPs of new Special Education students & revise/update existing IEPs;
• Coordinate outsourced Special Education testing and manage Special Education Consultants (i.e. Speech and Language Therapist; Occupational Therapist, etc.);
• Ensure that implementation of Special Education services is in compliance with federal and state special education regulations;
• Manage all paperwork (e.g. IEPs, 504s, Child Study Records of Accommodations, Teacher Input Questionnaires, IEP Progress Reports, subject-area checklists for MCAS, etc.) associated with Special Education cases, ensuring deadlines are met and information is accurately recorded;
• Maintain regular communication with students’ parents/guardians and families;
• Create all CPR/CAP documents to ensure DOE compliance.
• Enforce school-wide systems and procedures to effectively manage the classroom;
• Continually communicate with students and families regarding academic and behavior performance and progress;
• Serve as a homeroom teacher and student advisor;
• Serve as a productive member of the Excel Community.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred;
• A commitment to and belief in all students and the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel’s values and educational model;
• A commitment to addressing racial and economic inequity in education;
• The ability to focus and thrive in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment;
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment and the willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work;
• An openness to change, a willingness to problem-solve, and an interest in receiving feedback for continuous improvement.

Skills

• Experience in a public or charter school setting
• Speak Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic fluently
• Can speak to the importance of rigorous classroom instruction and culture
• Can speak to the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion