Severe Disabilities Teacher
Description
Organization Overview
Excel Academy was founded in 2003 with the mission to provide a high-quality, free, and public education to students in East Boston and Chelsea Massachusetts, communities that are predominantly low-income and Latinx and historically have faced significant social and educational barriers. Our success in Massachusetts is proof that the opportunity gap can be closed and we opened a new school in Rhode Island in 2022. At Excel Academy Charter Schools, we believe that when a student has the support and tools to pursue a productive post-secondary pathway aligned to their personal identity and values, it can fundamentally change their life trajectory.
At Excel Academy we learn from our students, families, and staff and make improvements. We have increasingly adapted to provide a holistic education that values our community as collaborators in the learning process, social-emotional support, equity for diverse learners, and fosters identity development. We prioritize an approach that is both rigorous and inclusive. Our team of passionate, intelligent, driven, and loving staff are at the core of the work we do.
About the Role
Excel teachers are responsible for delivering effective, high-quality, rigorous college-preparatory instruction designed to foster the success of their students. Teachers who thrive at Excel tend to be entrepreneurial instructors and hungry learners who crave frequent high-quality feedback on their practice. Out of the classroom and with the support of school administrators, the Middle School Special Education Teacher will manage administrative/regulatory aspects of the Special Education Program.
Excel teachers are responsible for delivering effective, high-quality, rigorous college-preparatory instruction designed to foster the success of their students. Teachers who thrive at Excel tend to be entrepreneurial instructors and hungry learners who crave frequent high-quality feedback on their practice. Out of the classroom and with the support of school administrators, the Middle School Special Education Teacher will manage administrative/regulatory aspects of the Special Education Program.
Duties and Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Instructional Responsibilities
- Teach in our substantially-separate program for students with moderate-to-severe disabilities who require modified and specially designed instruction across content areas
- Conducts student assessment, designs individualized educational plans, implements appropriate instructional strategies and monitors progress on assigned students.
- Assists in coordinating the various instructionally related services provided to students while maintaining significant responsibility for each student’s overall educational program.
- Selects, adapts, constructs, checks and maintains instructional equipment and supplies appropriate to the program area, needs of students and safety concerns.
- Provides a positive learning environment that stimulates student learning and maintenance of skills.
- Provide academic instruction to special needs students in a variety of subjects using evidence-based techniques such as multisensory learning, repetition or phonetics.
- Utilize positive reinforcement and behavior modification to instruct students in socially acceptable behavior to reduce incidents and maintain order.
- Ensure that all work with students with disabilities is aligned with the school’s academic goals for student achievement.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Provide revisions/updates to existing IEPs in collaboration with the IEP team;
- Ensure that implementation of Special Education services is in compliance with federal and state special education regulations for students on their caseload;
- Manage all paperwork (e.g. IEPs, 504s, Child Study Records of Accommodations, Teacher Input Questionnaires, IEP Progress Reports, subject-area checklists for MCAS, etc.) for students on caseload,, ensuring deadlines are met and information is accurately recorded;
- Maintain regular communication with students’ parents/guardians and families.
Team Member Responsibilities
- Enforce school-wide systems and procedures to effectively manage the classroom;
- Continually communicate with students and families regarding academic and behavior performance and progress;
- Serve as a student advisor; and
- Serve as a productive member of the Excel Community.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred;
- License or a plan to pursue DESE required Severe Disabilities licensure prior to the start date;
- You can learn more about Licensure Requirements through DESE here: https://gateway.edu.state.ma.us/elar/licensurehelp/LicenseRequirementsCriteriaPageControl.ser
- A commitment to and belief in all students and the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel’s values and educational model;
- A commitment to addressing racial and economic inequity in education;
- The ability to focus and thrive in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment;
- The ability to work effectively in a team environment and the willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work; and
- An openness to change, a willingness to problem-solve, and an interest in receiving feedback for continuous improvement.
Preference will be given to applicants who also:
- Have experience in a public or charter school setting
- Speak Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic fluently
- Can speak to the importance of rigorous and supportive classroom instruction and culture
- Can speak to the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Has a Special Education license in Moderate to Severe Disabilities
Excel Academy Charter Schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, athletic performance, special need, proficiency in the English language or a foreign language or prior academic achievement.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.