Special Education Director / Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

The Special Education Teacher/Director is responsible for leading the Academy's Special Education program, ensuring all students with disabilities reach their full potential for intellectual, aesthetic, physical, emotional, and psychological growth. This role involves both direct instruction and program administration, supervision of special education staff, and commitment to the Academy's core beliefs regarding student achievement and individualized academic planning.

Reports To

Administrator

Supervises

Special Education Staff, Students, Paraprofessionals, volunteers, and student teachers

Core Beliefs & Philosophy

The successful candidate must operate under the following core beliefs, especially concerning students with diverse needs:

• All decisions must be based on what is best for our students and the educational program.
• Belief that all students CAN learn , and the educator must find the key to success for all students.
• A dedication to increasing student achievement , with the goal of all students performing at or above grade level.
• Belief that each student is important, requiring the provision of academic plans based on individual needs (e.g., IEPs).

Key Responsibilities and Performance Expectations

Special Education Leadership and Administration

1. Oversee and direct Special Education staff (Paraprofessionals, etc.) along with all necessary meetings (e.g., IEP meetings, progress reviews).
2. Supervise, evaluate, and plan assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers within the special education program.
3. Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by law, Academy policy, and administrative regulations, ensuring confidentiality of student information.
4. Administer standardized ability and achievement tests (as related to IEPs) and interpret results to determine student strengths and areas of need.
5. Refer students who need specialized assistance to appropriate school specialists.
6. Assist in the selection of school equipment, books, and other instructional materials relevant to special education.

Instruction and Student Development

1. Meet and instruct assigned classes, facilitating effective learning within the limits of resources provided.
2. Prepare thoroughly for assigned classes and communicate clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects to students.
3. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media , consistent with the physical limitations, needs and capabilities of students with IEPs.
4. Evaluate student progress on a regular basis , particularly regarding IEP goals and objectives.
5. Assign and grade class work and homework.

Academy and Stakeholder Relations

1. Strive to implement the Academy’s philosophy, instructional goals, and objectives of education.
2. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
3. Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress, and to determine their priorities for their children and their resource needs.
4. Assist in upholding and enforcing school rules, administrative regulations, and school policy.
5. Participate in the recruitment of new students and maintaining existing students.
6. Accept a share of responsibility for extra-curricular activities and sponsor extracurricular activities as needed.

Professionalism and Compliance

1. Provide for professional growth through an ongoing program of reading, workshops, seminars, and advanced course work, focusing on special education best practices.
2. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and collaborative planning meetings.
3. Remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed, controlled substance in the workplace throughout employment.
4. Perform all other duties as assigned by the school Administrator.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Must possess qualifications as set by State Certification Authorities and the Board of Directors (ideally in Special Education).
2. Must be subject to a criminal background check as required by employer/Academy Board policy and the State of Michigan.

A small, student-centered charter school focused on growth and community

Company Description

A small, student-centered charter school focused on growth and community