Special Education Teacher- Middle School

Persistence Prep is a new K-8 charter school in Buffalo founded on the belief that all students, regardless of race, disability, home language, SES status, or zip code, can learn and achieve at high levels when held to the highest expectations. Our mission is to ensure that all students are firmly on the path to succeed within a four-year college and create positive change within their communities.

About the role

The Special Education Teacher is a full-time position working on the Scholar Supports Team. This role oversees the pre-referral and referral process of special education and collaborates with the Scholar Supports Coordinator and District CSE on the creation and execution of IEPs and 504 plans for students with special needs. The Special Education Teacher will have an instructional role, co-teaching and providing pull-out services for English Language Arts and/or Math in grades 5-6. Like all Persistence Prep teachers, this role involves intellectual preparation for each lesson, building strong relationships with students and families, using data to tailor instruction, and collaborating with colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Create and execute lessons for small groups of students that meet their IEP goals.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to create and execute lessons that support all students, including those with IEPs or 504 plans.
• Assist with the creation, execution, and modification of IEPs and 504 plans, and communicate with the District's Committee for Special Education (CSE) as needed.
• Collaborate with the Scholar Supports Coordinator and general education teachers to coordinate schedules, modifications, and accommodations for students with special needs.
• Assist the Scholar Supports Coordinator in facilitating professional development related to modifications and accommodations for students with special needs.
• Assist in the Response to Intervention (RTI) process and any necessary testing.
• Manage family relationships for students on your caseload receiving special education services.
• Consistently analyze scholar data and engage in self-reflection on practices.
• Complete all duties, posts, and tasks as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum two years of Special Education teaching (in an urban setting) preferred.
• New York State Special Education Certification required (e.g., Special Education {9010}, Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6 {9014}, Students with Disabilities (All Grades) {0254}, Students with Disabilities - English Grades 5-9 {9026}, Students with Disabilities - Mathematics Grades 5-9 {9037}).
• Track record of supporting students with special needs in achieving high levels of growth (academic & behavioral).
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team, especially with parents and community members.

Skills

• Commitment to uphold and execute the mission of Persistence Prep.
• Unwavering, high expectations for all scholars, with a belief that all children deserve access to a college education.
• Clear and effective communication skills for diverse audiences, including students, staff, families, and the local community.
• Solutions-focused style that encourages teamwork and collaboration to support student development.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with classroom teachers.
• Ability to stay organized and effective despite a highly variable daily schedule.
• Persistence in the face of obstacles, productive problem-solving, and initiative to seize opportunities for improvement.
• Commitment to a results-driven approach, with strong ability to analyze data and use it to inform decision-making.
• Ability to reflect on how to improve, self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses, and willingness to take responsibility for actions and mistakes.

Pay

Starting salary: $45,000 (competitive).

Schedule

Full-time, permanent position. Start date: August 15, 2024.