Special Education Teacher (Academy South)

About the role

Comprised of two campuses in the Humboldt Park and Auburn-Gresham communities, the UCAN Academy is an innovative kindergarten - 12th grade, year-round therapeutic day school. Collectively, the multi-accredited schools make up one of the largest and most recognized therapeutic day school operations in Chicago. Students come from diverse and distinct backgrounds and have experienced difficulties in public or private school settings. Each youth has a unique set of needs that are met through the development and monitoring of their Individualized Education Plan. They are enrolled from Chicago Public Schools and several suburban districts, and many have become discouraged about learning. Our goal is to help them to see schooling in a positive light and to reach their highest potential. Our small class sizes of 10 students with a 5:1 student to staff ratio are geared to small teaching sessions and equipped to meet students' individual learning needs. Under the direction of the Principal, the Teacher works with a group of students, employing specific training skills to conduct special educational activities.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements curriculum to meet physical, emotional and creative needs of students in an environment where they feel safe, valued and respected.
• Plans specific educational and developmental activities and a schedule of activities within program outline - appropriate to the age level of the assigned students.
• Diagnose educational needs using Kaufman method.
• Develops IEP based on the student’s unique situation.
• Develops IEP that identifies both short and long-term learning and behavioral goals.
• Creates classroom lesson plans in accordance with students’ IEPs.
• Uses educational/therapeutic materials and methods, and plans for their appropriate use to promote the social, intellectual, emotional and physical growth of the assigned students.
• Establishes learning objectives and uses pre-planning and classroom teaching to accomplish those objectives.
• Involves all students by utilizing a variety of educational methods to meet students’ individual learning styles.
• Explains directions and models desired student performance.
• Monitors student progress and adjusts instruction based on that progress.
• Establishes closure by summarizing content and fits into context what has been taught.
• Selects, maintains and inventories educational supplies, and controls utilization of equipment and materials.
• Promotes orderly behavior throughout the school and clearly defines expected student behavior by encouraging positive behavior and controlling negative behavior.
• Uses appropriate therapeutic methods to promote the social and emotional growth of the students.
• Remains calm at all