ED Specialist (SPED)

The Academy of Creative Technologies, Antelope Valley is a Media and Technology Charter School in Antelope Valley, California for K-12 grades. We are dedicated to providing a dynamic and innovative learning environment for our students. Our mission is to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and technological proficiency while fostering a supportive community.

We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is key to student success. To support this, we provide a range of resources and links that are accessible to both students and parents

JOB TITLE - Educational Specialist (SPED)

REPORTS TO - School Director

CLASSIFICATION - Exempt / Full-time

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the School Director, the Educational Specialist will work in close collaboration with the classroom Facilitator, supporting all students in a general education classroom. Within this framework, they will work directly with students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The Educational Specialist will provide specialized instruction for students in accordance with the IEP and build effective relationships with all members of the IEP team.

The Educational Specialist is encouraged to be a creative innovator that inspires and supports all education needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, develop, and implement IEPs collaboratively with an IEP Team when necessary for students assessed and identified with a disability.
• Provide specific academic instruction for students with services established and documented on a student's IEP, and develop appropriate social, emotional, and education objectives for each student.
• Case manage and update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect the learner's progress toward meeting annual goals.
• Confer and collaborate with IEP Teams (parents, Facilitators, administrators, and Care Team) to monitor and discuss updates and needed changes if appropriate.
• Consult with IEP team members to discuss learner's progress and services.
• Design collaboratively with General Education Facilitators/Education Facilitators appropriate teaching strategies for their student body, adapting and modifying activities, lessons, curriculum, and projects to meet the needs of all students in a full-inclusion learning environment.
• Monitor, evaluate, and document each learner's progress utilizing appropriate measurements and assessment devices.
• Maintain regular communication with parents by providing support, coaching, and understanding.
• Carry out and enforce reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedures for maintaining a safe, secure, and effective learning environment.
• Maintain a current knowledge of special education best practices and trends.
• Implement Academy of Creative Technologies - Antelope Valley inclusive practices to allow a safe, secure, and effective learning environment through co-teaching models.
• Provide crisis intervention and support as needed.
• Establish a climate that promotes fairness, respect, social development, and responsibility.
• Utilize necessary educational technology and computer applications.
• Seamlessly integrate technology tools, applications, and platforms into the teaching and learning process, enhancing student engagement and promoting digital literacy.
• Participate in the Student Study Team (SST) process and recommend interventions for your assigned grade level.
• Collaborate with Facilitators and the CARE Team to provide accommodations and differentiation to meet learner needs.
• Oversee the ELL (English Language Learners) program, including the writing and submission of required reports to the Charter Commission and DOE.
• Provide RTI (Response to Intervention) services to learners identified by Facilitators and/or parents as needing additional academic support.
• Work closely with the counselor/SSC to ensure all accommodations and supports identified in 504s are being provided.
• Schedule and hold annual 504 review meetings and additional 504 meetings at the request of the parents, Facilitators, or staff.
• Utilize advanced skills in performing arts or technology to provide specialized instruction, mentorship, and guidance to students, fostering their artistic or technological growth.
• Work closely with the SSC to ensure that necessary meetings are held and all steps are met for students who are referred for additional support, evaluation, and/or academic and/or behavioral concerns.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide ongoing support and actively collaborate with the School/Site Leadership and the Student Support Team to ensure that the mission, vision, values, and philosophy are clearly understood and carried out.
• Represent the Academy of Creative Technologies - Antelope Valley organization in a positive and professional manner in all interactions and communications.
• Follow and actively participate in the development of all guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain professional competence through participation in professional development activities and self-selected professional growth activities.
• Comply with state and federal regulations and Academy of Creative Technologies - Antelope Valley procedures regarding the implementation of IDEA and maintain current knowledge of special education best practices and trends.
• Participate in required Academy of Creative Technologies - Antelope Valley and department activities such as staff meetings and training.
• Share responsibility for the effective operation of the school program.
• Perform other responsibilities as defined by the School Leadership team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills exchanging information, both verbal and written (In Person/Telephone/Computer).
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.
• Vehicle operation for transportation purposes between worksites.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• May encounter outdoor elements (>90)/(<60) temperatures, precipitation, and/or wind.
• Ability to work in situations involving the need to make informed and quick decisions.
• Ability to train and delegate as needed in mentoring situations.
• Reading detailed documentation and analyzing data sets.
• Writing professionally both by hand and utilizing computer software.
• Speak in public settings, including virtual collaborations with more than one person.
• Ability to work well independently and with others.
• Very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness.
• Thrive in a collaborative, team-based, and fast-paced environment.
• Dealing and navigating professionally through high-stress situations.
• Must be able to physically and directly meet with Learners and attend meetings in person.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Education is required.
• Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Special Education is preferred.
• Experience in educating special needs students.
• Proven effective classroom and learner behavior management skills.
• Knowledge of current special education practices and methodologies.
• Knowledge and understanding of state, local, and federal regulations and policies affecting special education.
• Knowledge of current special education technology applications.
• Must be a hardworking team player who understands what it means to be part of a new charter school.
• Must have a desire to create an amazing and unique learning environment for all learners.

Compensation

• Compensation is commensurate with experience and placement on the appropriate pay rate chart.

Application Requirements

Please include a cover letter, resume, and any relevant certifications or portfolio showcasing your special skill in performing arts or technology with your application.

Academy of Creative Technologies - Antelope Valley is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive educational community. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

The pay range for this role is:

70,000 - 70,000 USD per year (1335 Rancho Vista Blvd. Palmdale, CA 93551)