Middle School Special Education Teacher

Argosy Collegiate Charter School (ACCS) proudly provides a tuition free, college preparatory, small school environment for scholars to grow, learn, and develop collegiate dispositions and capacities. We offer a wall-to-wall early college program open to all learners and focused on transforming college and career readiness for our scholars. 

The Special Education Teacher requires a multi-talented, flexible, creative individual committed to Argosy scholars success to and through college. The Special Education Teacher has knowledge and experience helping scholars with disabilities find academic success, and requires a lens for both immediate scholar needs as well as working with scholars as they prepare for post-secondary success. The Special Education Teacher uses his/her knowledge of compliance to develop accommodations and modifications necessary for scholars to access curriculum. The Special Education Teacher prepares for and participates in IEP team meetings. He/She works with the Special Education Team Chair, the Director of Student Support, and school administration to ensure an effective, 100% compliant, and responsive special education department for Argosy Collegiate Charter School.

Requirements

 QUALIFICATIONS:                                                                               

• Teaching experience preferred in an urban or charter school setting with proven track record for closing the achievement gap; 3+ years of work experience in education (preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree in education or content area (required) or Master’s degree in education or related fields (preferred)
• Completion of the required MTELs per DESE requirements
• SEI endorsement by the end of the first year of employment
• Knowledge of special education compliance
• Experience accommodating and modifying curriculum to allow curriculum access
• Experience working on teams and collaborating with professionals
• Knowledge of state and federal compliance regulations

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Special Education teachers are critical members of the grade level teaching team, working in inclusion and pull-out instructional contexts. Special Education teachers responsibilities are centered on providing effective accommodations and modifications to the general education curriculum to ensure access and achievement for scholars on an Individual Education Plan (IEP).  Essential responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Academic Achievement

1. Create and execute rigorous daily lesson plans that align to MA Common Core Frameworks and support scholars toward high levels of academic achievement in co-taught inclusion settings and small group targeted instruction. 
2. Utilize a range of data sources to drive instruction, plan for supports and interventions, and  develop responsive lesson plans.
3. Use a variety of informal and formal assessment methods, including common interim assessments, to measure students’ learning, growth, and progress toward achieving state/local standards.
4. Provide varied and differentiated instruction to meet scholars where they are and challenge and motivate them to meet their full potential.   This includes innovative use of co-teaching models with general education and English language teachers.
5. Develop comprehensive Individual Education Plans that include clear, measurable goals and creatively meet the unique needs of each scholar.
6. Effectively communicate and collaborate with scholars, families, and colleagues in ways that exemplify the Argosy Collegiate DREAM values.

Family and Community Engagement

1. Engage with families in a way that is culturally responsive and collaborative to ensure that all families are welcome and can contribute to the classroom, school, and community’s effectiveness; work with staff to identify and remove barriers to families’ involvement, including but not limited to families with limited access to technology, and families whose home language is not English.
2. Establish ongoing relationships with community organizations, community members, and businesses either individually or through district initiatives and partnerships; engage them to maximize community contributions for school effectiveness.
3. Support educators to identify each student’s academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs, including students with disabilities and English learners, and collaborate with families to address student needs, utilizing resources within and outside of the school.
4. Support families in understanding district and school-based policies and resources that ensure student learning and achievement through the IEP process.
5. Set clear expectations for and provide appropriate supports to educators regarding regular, two-way, culturally proficient communication with families; ensure that all communication with families demonstrates understanding of and respect for different home languages, culture, and values
6. Respond to families as concerns arise in a timely and effective manner, and support educators to do the same; work to reach equitable solutions in the best interest of students and articulate rationale for decisions made.
7. Chair supportive, productive, efficient IEP meetings focused on the unique needs of each scholar.
8. In collaboration with the Principal, ensure that Individual Education Plans are sent out to parents according to regulations.

School Culture

1. Create a positive, warm, and achievement-oriented environment based on high expectations that engages, encourages, and motivates scholars to own their own learning, behaviors, and choices.
2. Hold all scholars to a high bar of excellence, integrity, and accountability
3. Work with school leadership to ensure discipline policies, systems and routines, and classroom management expectations are consistently and effectively enacted.

Professional Culture

1. Effectively communicate with scholars, families, and colleagues in ways that exemplify the DREAM values.
2. Consistently fulfill all professional responsibilities, including punctuality and reliability, and adhere to district attendance policies; submit deliverables in a timely fashion.
3. Attend and actively engage in all professional development, data-analysis, and planning meetings
4. Demonstrate a reflective and solutions-oriented disposition during problem-solving opportunities, collaboration with colleagues, team leaders, and school leadership to  improve instructional, cultural, and leadership systems and structures.
5. Engage in a continuous cycle of feedback and improvement regarding instruction, planning, and classroom culture.
6. Demonstrate sound, professional judgment, adhere to school and/or district’s existing code of ethics, and protect student, family, and staff confidentiality.

Desired Skills and Characteristics

1. Alignment with Argosy Collegiate’s mission and vision for college and career readiness and success for all scholars.
2. Ability to think critically, problem-solve, backward plan, analyze and use data, and prioritize the needs of scholars
3. System-oriented and yet flexible and responsive to the needs of scholars and the organization
4. Strong organization and professional communication skills

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (MTRS, 403(B))
• Tuition Reimbursement ($2,000 Annually)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources
• Longevity and Performance Bonuses
• Salary Range: $50,000 - $105,000