Special Education Mentor

Special Education Teacher Mentor

Approximately 3-9 hours per week mentoring special education teachers who are working toward certification through an Alternate Route Program.

School Overview:

Benton Harbor Charter School Academy believes that the most significant learning occurs where trust and love for one another are the foundation. As you enter the doors, you can feel the passion and caring community exude from the academy. Students, staff and parents are committed to a safe environment where all believe that students belong in the most rigorous studies and are destined for success.

A successful candidate for this position has:

• An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
• A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students.
• The ability to build strong relationships with staff, students, and families to build trust and rapport within the school community.
• The willingness to be a humble change agent.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.

As the Special Education Mentor , your core responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Provide Orientation and Onboarding

• Introduce the new staff member to Choice special education policies, procedures, and expectations specific to special education.
• Familiarize them with key resources, such as curriculum materials, IEP system, and documentation requirements.
• Help them understand team members' roles within the special education department and across the school.
• Meet at least weekly with the mentee to review IEP paperwork, goals and objectives, student progress, IEP meetings, compliance.

Support IEP Development and Compliance

• Guide mentees through the process of developing, writing, and implementing IEPs.
• Ensure mentees understand legal requirements and best practices for IEP documentation, goal setting, progress monitoring, and data collection.
• Assist with scheduling and preparing for IEP meetings, including collaborating effectively with parents and other team members.
• Supporting writing the IEPs, Eligibility Recommendations, REEDs, MDRs
• Help facilitate all IEP meetings (including IEP, ER, REED, and MDR meetings)

Model Effective Teaching and Intervention Strategies

• Demonstrate instructional strategies and classroom management techniques tailored for students with diverse needs.
• Help mentees identify and implement evidence-based interventions and accommodations for their students.
• Provide insights on differentiating instruction and adapting materials to meet individualized goals.

Foster Data-Driven Decision Making

• Teach mentees how to collect, organize, and analyze data to monitor student progress and adjust instruction.
• Help them interpret data to make informed decisions about interventions and support services.
• Emphasize the importance of regular data collection for maintaining compliance and driving student success.

Assist with Behavior Management and Social-Emotional Support

• Share effective strategies for managing challenging behaviors and promoting a positive classroom environment.
• Support mentees in developing and implementing positive behavior support plans (PBSPs) when needed.
• Guide mentees on strategies to support social-emotional development for students with diverse behavioral needs.

Encourage Collaboration and Communication

• Support mentees in building positive relationships with general education teachers, related service providers, and parents.
• Model effective communication skills for collaborating with team members and addressing student needs.
• Encourage mentees to advocate for their students and communicate openly with families and staff about student progress and needs.

Provide Emotional Support and Encourage Professional Growth

• Check-in regularly with mentees to address concerns, celebrate successes, and encourage.
• Share strategies for managing stress, preventing burnout, and maintaining a work-life balance.
• Help mentees identify professional development opportunities to build their skills and knowledge in special education.

Promote Reflective Practice

• Encourage mentees to reflect on their experiences, successes, and challenges to foster continuous growth.
• Help mentees set achievable professional goals and support them in achieving those goals.
• Foster a mindset of learning and adaptation by providing constructive feedback and discussing best practices.

Maintain Confidentiality and Professionalism

• Uphold confidentiality when discussing specific students or situations, modeling professionalism in all interactions.
• Respect the mentee's individual strengths and growth areas, providing guidance in a supportive and non-judgmental manner.

Job Goal: To provide a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that empowers students with diverse needs and abilities to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through the development and implementation of individualized education plans (IEPs), differentiated instruction, and positive behavior support strategies, a special education teacher aims to foster a sense of belonging and self-confidence in each student, enabling them to overcome challenges and reach their fullest potential. By collaborating with fellow educators, specialists, and parents, the special education teacher creates a strong support system that advocates for each student's unique requirements and ensures they receive the necessary resources to succeed.

Essential Skills and Competencies: While we will consider a broad range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate would have the following qualifications/experience:

Minimum Requirements:

• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with endorsements in appropriate grade and subject levels, meeting the requirements of the Michigan Department of Education and Federal guidelines. Except as otherwise provided by law, the academy shall use certificated teachers according to the state board rule.
• Ability to use technology as an instructional tool in the classroom, as a means of analyzing academic achievement data and as a tool to aid effective communications.
• Exemplary work habits verified by reference check.
• Thorough understanding of policies, laws, and guidelines related to special education including IDEA, IEPs, and 504.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of and skills working with students of all backgrounds.
• Two years of teaching experience.
• Master's Degree in Special Education
• Demonstrated competence as a teacher in all areas of focus.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.

Work Location: 455 Riverview Dr, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

CompensationBenefits

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Choice Schools offers a full comprehensive benefits plan, including health care, a competitive 401(K) plan, professional development, and much more. View our benefits options here -

Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

Working for Choice Schools Associates

Benton Harbor Charter School Academy is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Scholar Model, Benton Harbor Charter School Academy is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding scholar schools within the state. The Scholar Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.

Choice Schools Associates is an equal opportunity employer. Choice Schools Associates does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic background. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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