Learning and Engagement Coach - Special Education

Organization Overview

Partnerships to Uplift Communities (PUC) Schools is comprised of a non-profit network of public charter schools designed to significantly increase high school graduation rates, college entrance, and college graduation rates for underserved students in North-East Los Angeles, and the North-East San Fernando Valley.

Our mission at PUC Schools is to develop and manage high-quality charter schools in densely populated urban communities with overcrowded and low-achieving schools. We create school programs and cultures that promote college graduation for all students. We uplift and revitalize communities through the success of our students and through inspiring them to uplift our communities now and forever and through the development of educational and other supportive partnerships.

The Team Member we are searching for

The ideal Learning and Engagement Coach: Special Education believes in, and is passionate about the mission and commitments of PUC Schools and exhibits this through their leadership, reflection, execution of school culture, and collaboration to ensure student success. This position is a member of the Special Education Support Team and will work closely with teachers, school leadership, and members of PUC’s Home Office Special Education Support Team to strategically support the Learning and Engagement of students with disabilities through the lens of teaching skills and strategies that support diverse learners’ growth.

What you will need to accomplish:

Mission & Vision:

• Understand that he/she should always positively represent the mission and vision of PUC Schools through daily words and actions in support of all stakeholders

• Ensure professional adherence to all policies, procedures, and practices established by PUC Schools in support of the mission and vision

• Demonstrate a growth mindset related to his/her professional growth and the growth and development of all students

• Embody resourcefulness, knowledge, experience, and proven strategies through their professional teaching experience related to supporting academic achievement, student engagement, and support services for significant students with disabilities

• Understand that his/her role is to be in service of the academic achievement/learning acceleration, student engagement, and support services needed by the school’s significant subgroups/priority populations caused by the impacts of school closures/remote Learning and COVID-19

• Directly report to the Director of Inclusion & Special Education to support the strategic learning needs of students with disabilities and the development of practices around educating students with disabilities

• Understand this is a full-time position with benefits, funded through supplemental relief funds, supplemental funds that will expire on or before June 30, 2024

Academic Achievement/Learning Acceleration:

• Directly support the PUC Schools as a member of the PUC Special Education support team in addressing the needs presented by students with disabilities to further the Learning and Engagement of each student through observation, direct coaching, provision of professional development, and advising as an expert for IEP Teams through the lens of developing the mechanics of learning

• Directly support the success of the students with disabilities subgroup through ongoing data analysis and establishing collaborative action steps to further support the Learning and Engagement of each student

• Directly support the success of the students with disabilities subgroup through actively researching and maintaining personal professional development through evidence-based practices to further support the Learning and Engagement of students

• Collaborate closely with Inclusion Specialists and the PUC Special Education Support Team to determine best practices based on observation, data, and research that meets the developmental needs of students with disabilities by supporting the development of teaching skills and strategies students need to navigate school and improve progress and increase independence

• Collaborate with school leadership to actively progress monitor the success of the students with disabilities subgroup through the lens of building mechanics and skills students need to learn in the classroom

• Collaborate with PUC’s Special Education Support Team to develop, update, and support standard operating procedures, pedagogy, and building the capacity of school site teams to meet the needs of students with disabilities - working especially close with the PUC Inclusion Coach and PUC Inclusion Compliance Coach

• Collaborate with any other relevant PUC Schools or community partner as needed in support of the students with disabilities subgroup

• Lead professional development to support students with disability progress and involvement leading to academic growth

• Perform other duties as assigned 

What do we require from you?

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required

• Master’s degree (or higher) in the field of Education is strongly preferred

• Valid Education Specialist Moderate/Severe clear credential or Education Specialist Mild/Moderate Clear Credential and Educational Therapy License required

Experience:

• Three or more years experience teaching Special Education with evidence of high student growth and effective Special Education practice

• Two years of school leadership experience (coaching, department head, coordinator, coach, etc.)

• Ability to travel between Northeast Los Angeles and Northeast San Fernando Valley (must possess a Valid Driver’s License) to support all PUC Schools

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Special Education law and compliance, as well as instructional adaptations and strategies

• Knowledge of inclusion and Special Education practices, policy, research, and methodologies

• Experience with adult learning theory, facilitation skills, and the cycle of inquiry

• Experience in instructional coaching skills

• A passion for improving education to help all children prepare for college and post-secondary life

• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills

• Problem solver and solution-oriented

• Ability to work independently

• Ability to manage time effectively and abide by legal timelines

• Reflective learner and self-starter.

• Able to multi-task and follow through on projects from start to finish

• Pays attention to detail

• Adept with Welligent, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Regular attendance, dependability, and punctuality in conformance with the standards are essential to the successful performance of this position

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Occasionally required to kneel, climb and reach with hands and arms above shoulder level, lift up to 30 pounds. To bend, sit, stand, squat, stoop, walk, push, pull, and reach with hands and arms at shoulder level or below. Always required to wear the appropriate safety equipment for the task, which may include masks, gloves, goggles, aprons, belts, etc.

Compensation & Benefits:

• This is a full-time exempt, salaried position

• Our benefits include:

  • Comprehensive group health benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision and additional voluntary benefits

  • STRS and other Retirement Plan Options

  • Paid Time Off

  • Ongoing Professional Development

DISCLAIMER: This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of an incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of an incumbent. An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Nothing in this position description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Institution and its employees.

PUC Schools is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.