Elementary School: Lead Teacher, Special Education, Substantially Separate Program - Bo

Lead Teacher Special Education Substantially Separate Program - KIPP Academy Lynn

The Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teacher sub-separate classroom (specialized program) will be responsible for instructing a small group of students in some or all core content areas (Math, Reading, Humanities and Science) along with other classroom support including aides and / or other teachers as appropriate. The Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teacher will also be responsible for working collaboratively with classroom teachers to support students during inclusion opportunities.

Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teachers ensure that all of our students are growing and achieving by providing students with a variety of supports in the areas of social / emotional skills and academic skills. Additionally Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teachers are case managers for a group of Special Education students which includes writing and managing IEP paperwork and meetings communicating with families about student progress advocating for students as needed and assisting teachers in creating and managing accommodations and modifications for particular students.

This multifaceted role is ideal for flexible and creative teachers who are passionate about serving our highest-need students and are excited by the challenge of determining the root cause of challenging behaviors and using positive supports to help students build social / emotional skills and independence. Prior experience in working with students with moderate to severe disabilities and / or who present with challenging behavior and / or social / emotional needs is preferred.

Prior experience with Special Education laws and paperwork is a bonus but is not required for the role;
Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teachers receive training and assistance from our regional Special Education team. Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teachers are empowered to use their expertise to do whatever it takes to help our students succeed.

This role requires consistent and reliable demonstration of the following essential job functions and key responsibilities:

• Be the lead teacher for 1 to 4 content areas and/or instruction based on IEP goals (included but not limited to: content functional skills, etc. depending on the cohort of students) for a small group of students. The Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teacher will provide instruction that meets IEP goals.
• Create and internalize daily aligned lesson plans, unit plans, rubrics, and assessments.
• Modify standards across 1-4 content areas to meet the needs of students in the program.
• Ensure a modified grading scale is implemented as needed per IEPs.
• Set specific ambitious goals with all students and identify and leverage all necessary resources to ensure they meet them.
• Use best practices for special education to execute engaging instruction at a level rigorous and accessible for all students.
• Infuse core values into daily lessons and every school practice.
• Complete Functional Behavior Assessments (with BCBA guidance) as needed.
• Provide healing-centered instruction and create a healing-centered environment as part of the classroom culture.
• Collaborate with psychologist to develop and run trauma-informed social-emotional and life skills group.
• Ensure that all children feel affirmed, valued and challenged every day.
• Execute MCAS Alt portfolios (for applicable students).

• Obtain required MTEL and SEI endorsements with financial support from KIPP MA within the first year of employment (please review this doc to see requirements). Preferred:
  Obtain special education licensure as soon as qualified to do so.
• When needed provide secondary support in content areas where not leading the classroom or content.
• Design, execute, and refine the vision for student culture alongside school leaders.
• Ongoing progress monitoring of student progress toward academic and social-emotional functioning.
• Lead the 504 and IEP process for all students in the classroom.
• Work collaboratively with counselors and other members of the team to create and implement Behavior Support Plans.
• Participate in school-wide and individual professional development including pre-service training over the summer and weekly during the academic year.
• Take ownership for the development of your craft and seek feedback from your coach (meet 1x / 1-2 weeks with coach; implement feedback; engage in co-planning; active practices; participate in live coaching, etc.).
• Perform necessary support duties including (but not limited to) coverage, bus lunch and dismissal duties.
• Develop strong relationships with families through participating in school events and consistent phone calls home.
• Be willing to offer support and receive constructive feedback from colleagues in order to create a professional working atmosphere that is conducive to accountability, change, and improvement.
• Collaborate with grade level and content…