Special Education Classroom Teacher (2020/2021 School Year) – MaST Community Charter School – Philadelphia, PA

Reports to: Head of Special Education

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of instructional effects.
• Strong understanding of special education law and code, ability to write comprehensive Individual Educational Plans, assist with implementation of intervention strategies, accommodations and modifications of curriculum. Able to prepare and implement behavior management plans and to communicate to general education teachers how to implement IEP’s.
• B.A/B.S. Degree in Education.
• Appropriate State of Pennsylvania Department of Education Teaching Certificate in the appropriate content area
• Required background checks and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status
• Related work experience.

Job Overview: Instructs assigned students in designated subject matter or grade level areas in accordance with the curriculum and/or other educational programs adopted by the Board of Trustees. Supervises classroom instructional assistants and/or para-educators (if applicable).

Responsibilities:

• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students for whom they are responsible.
• Observe and evaluate students’ performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
• Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students’ varying needs and interests.
• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
• Ability to write comprehensive goals and objectives, prepare student assessment utilized in Individual Educational Plans, and provide valuable feedback and support to general education teachers.
• Conduct and participate in IEP meetings with various professional staff and parents. Monitor each student in caseload to ensure that progress is being made toward accomplishment of IEP goals.
• Provide general education teachers with PLEP, Annual Goals, modifications/accommodations, and intervention strategies for each student on caseload.
• Assist general education teachers in modifying instruction and materials to meet individual student’s needs including but not limited to curricular modifications and varied text, manipulatives and technology.
• Facilitate IEP meetings by ensuring that all necessary paperwork is process, required signatures are provided and ensure parent understanding of the process and purpose of meetings according to law and code.
• Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, technology and demonstrations.
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
• Assign and grade class work, maintain timely and accurate assignments posted on class websites and homework.
• Read books to entire classes or small groups if appropriate.
• Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments in order to evaluate students’ progress.
• Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators in order to resolve students’ behavioral and academic problems; development of curriculum and protocols, and school-wide procedures.
• Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children’s progress, and to determine their priorities for their children and their resource needs.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, school policies, and administrative regulations.
• Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
• Guide and counsel students with adjustment and/or academic problems, or special academic interests.
• Assist with the preparation and implementation of remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
• Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of the state of Pennsylvania and the school including SAS.
• Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate and use, both in learning activities, technology and in imaginative play.
• Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
• Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.
• Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students’ needs and progress.
• Use computers and technology, audiovisual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
• Prepare for assigned classes, and show written evidence of preparation including lesson plans upon request of immediate supervisors.
• Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of school’s programs.
• Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials, in order to prevent injuries and damage.
• Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental and social development as appropriate.
• Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops in order to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.
• Organize and label materials, and display students’ work.
• Attend staff meetings, and have the opportunity to serve on committees.
• Administer standardized ability and achievement tests, and interpret results to determine student strengths and areas of need to implement specific instructional programs.
• Supervise, evaluate, and plan assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers.
• Involve parent volunteers and older students in children’s activities, in order to facilitate involvement in focused, complex play.
• Perform administrative duties such as assisting in the school media center, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.
• Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal law through implementation and adherence to the IEP process and to assist disabled students with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities such as restrooms.
• Sponsor extracurricular activities such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.
• Adhere to Professional Standard of Conduct including confidentiality, code of ethics and appropriate use of the internet, as outlined in Policy and Procedures manual and Staff Handbook.
• Follow all approved board of trustee policies including Financial and Purchasing, Attendance, Implementation of RtII and Curriculum Implementation.
• Perform other duties appropriate to the position and job title.
• Complete school-mandated technology PD hours.