High School Special Education Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description: High School Special Education Teacher

Reports To: Principal

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Overview

As a leading education management organization, Meridian Charter Schools is committed to transforming the lives of students in culturally and linguistically diverse communities by providing students access to high-quality educational opportunities that elevate their identities as an asset and foster equitable and inclusive learning environments. Meridian Charter Schools is a school management organization (SMO) in Chicago, IL that operates three campuses of Chicago International Charter School: CICS Ralph Ellison High School, CICS Northtown Academy High School, and CICS Wrightwood Elementary School. We believe through collective effort, we will have collective impact. 

Position Summary: 

Informed by the school's mission, teachers will ensure that all students acquire the knowledge and skills required for academic progress and achievement, as defined by curricular and instructional objectives and overarching school goals. Teachers are responsible to reflect the mission and guiding principles of the school, uphold the rules and standards of the Student Code of Conduct, build positive and collaborative relationships with students, staff, parents, and other Meridian stakeholders with transparency and accountability that best ensures student academic and personal achievement.

Instructors will teach the appropriate content and skills by utilizing curriculum material adopted by the school, as well as appropriate supplemental and teacher-made materials; develop appropriate lesson plans that accommodate the range of learning styles and specialized needs of students in the classroom; create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement, and self-motivation; and, actively participate with colleagues in school improvement activities, curriculum development, teaming, student support meetings and collaboration.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are generally representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Mission, Vision, Core Values: Facilitate a rigorous, research-based curriculum designed to promote student academic progress and achievement that aligns with the organization's mission and values. Collaborate with the Special Education Team to integrate all diverse learning initiatives throughout the school.  

Ethics and Professional Norms: Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to Special Education law and protocols. Update all necessary records accurately and completely as required by laws, network policies and school protocols. Engage in structured lesson planning that provides differentiated options for multiple skill levels that are objective based using the standards and curriculum identified by the school Instructional Leadership Team. Produce and share lesson plans in accordance with the procedures established by the school. Maintain a current and accurate gradebook in accordance with the procedures established by the school. Prepare required reports on students and activities. Assign and grade class work, assignments, projects, and assessments in accordance with school and network protocols. Maintain accurate and daily attendance records. Build positive and respectful relationships with staff, students, families, and community partners.

Equity and Cultural Responsiveness:  Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds and a willingness to advocate for them. Support the creation of inclusive, identity-affirming spaces for students. Implement professional practice and responsibilities, demonstrating cultural competence. Implement D.E.I. principles in interactions with members of the school community.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Plan, prepare and deliver standards-aligned lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning. Establish clear and positive learning standards and expectations for all students by which to evaluate academic progress. Develop schemes of work, lesson plans and activities that are in accordance with established procedures. Use relevant technology to support and differentiate instruction. Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students and use information to adjust teaching strategies. Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities. Use a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities. Ensure the academic success of every scholar by using formative assessments to adjust learning plans and summative assessments to measure objective attainment. Provide opportunity for re-assessment to encourage skill mastery. Develop assessments that are in accordance with established procedures. Provide frequent, specific feedback on work that advances learning.

Community of Care and Support for Students: Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds. Instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment. Manage student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing expectations and procedures. Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues and parents regarding student progress, intervention outcomes, and student needs. Cultivate positive relationships and address the social and emotional needs of scholars using research-based methods as identified by school leaders.

Professional Capacity of School Personnel: Lead, mentor, and provide professional development opportunities for all staff, as directed by the Principal. Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that promotes growth and continuous improvement. Collaborate with the school faculty and administration in the development and implementation of program instruction. 

Professional Community for Teachers and Staff: Develop teachers’ and staff members’ professional knowledge, skills, and practice through differentiated opportunities for learning and growth related to Special Education initiatives and law. Participate positively and productively in department, school, network, and parent meetings. Work collaboratively with teachers to implement UDL or differentiated instruction and assessment to promote student access to the curriculum, growth, and achievement.

Meaningful Engagement of Families and Communities: Encourage parent and community involvement; obtain information for parents when requested. Initiate appropriate conferences with parents, guardians, administrators, etc. in accordance with school procedures. Effectively, respectfully, and professionally communicate with parents or guardians and students on matters related to student's academic progress, attendance, and conduct. Attend school events to better understand student interest and personalities outside of the regular classroom.

School Improvement: Actively participate in the development and implementation of new teaching techniques and approaches to assessment. Actively participate in discussions and programs to improve student performance, experience, attendance, conduct. Engage actively, positively, and productively in the instructional coaching process. Attend school and network professional learning and collaboration days to improve skills, give and receive feedback, and be open to coaching, mentoring, partnerships.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Certification: An active Professional Education License (PEL) in grades 6-12 or 9-12 and an LBS1 Endorsement is required. An ELL Endorsement is preferred.

• Education Level: A Bachelor’s Degree is required in a content area or aligned content area. A Master’s Degree in a content area or aligned content area is preferred.

• Experience: Experience writing and managing IEPs is strongly preferred. Experience working with Impact or similar programs for IEP management is strongly preferred.

• Leadership Skills: Ability to work effectively and professionally with students, parents and/or guardians, staff members, and community representatives.

• Strategic Vision: Substantial knowledge of subject matter consistent with state certification requirements, academic content, contemporary principles and practices of teaching, assessment, and classroom and behavior management techniques. Ability to modify instruction as necessary to meet student needs.

• A record of designing and implementing successful specialized education initiatives.

• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with various leaders in the school and community. Bilingual in Spanish/English; Arabic/English; Urdu/English is strongly preferred.

• Results-Oriented: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to drive decision-making.

• Change Management: Demonstrate ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities. Capacity to be flexible in approaches to instruction, assessment, and relationship building.