Special Education Instructional Coach

Belmont Charter Network is a family of 5 community schools centered on the central mission to promote the academic, social and emotional well-being of each child. Our schools are supported by a non-profit partner to provide holistic services to the school including out-of-school time, our social work project and Head start. How do we do this? We do it by ensuring our students have access to complete support both in and out of the classroom through a talented team of teachers, leaders, social workers, and partners. We believe that schools and learning should be joyful! You can find more about our core values and vision here. We believe that education is the single biggest way we can disrupt the systemic racism that impacts Philadelphia and by extension our country. We are a mission centered organization that has grown since its founding over 20 years ago to be the organization that serves Philadelphia today. Learn more about our partners who support this vision by creating a full scope of community support for our students and families. Our approach is grounded in trauma informed practice which you can read more about here.

The Special Education Coach and Curriculum Coordinator is an 11 month network position. This role will support SPECIAL EDUCATION teachers and advocate for alternative SPECIAL EDUCATION curricula at Belmont Charter Network.

The coach and curriculum coordinator will participate in and work collaboratively with the network and/or school based Instructional Leadership Team. This would include attending ILT and Academic Team meetings. This position will include providing professional development and trouble shooting to ensure fidelity of curriculum implementation. As a coach, they will build teacher capacity and their understanding of BCN instructional practices; promote reflection, provide guidance and structure where needed, and hold focus on strengths, collaboration and common issues of concern. They are responsible for ensuring high-quality instruction in classrooms through modeling, co-planning, co-teaching and providing feedback to teachers. They will demonstrate and model a passion for urban education reform and leadership.

This is not a supervisory role but will collaborate with the Special Education Manager and Head of School to complete teacher evaluation rubrics. The position will also require traveling between schools and buildings.

Responsibilities

Developing expertise to function as the alternate curriculum expert on BCN Special Education and Academic Teams. This requires developing a broad knowledge of all general education curriculum used across the network, as well as an in depth knowledge of alternate curriculum used outside of gen. ed.

Maintaining the physical inventory and prescriptive catalog of alternate curriculum currently in use, as well as budgeting and keeping records for curriculum purchases.

Researching, purchasing, and facilitating the implementation of new curriculum when needed, but serving also as an advocate for current curriculum and its intended implementation.

Advocating for SPECIAL EDUCATION students and teachers throughout the general education curriculum selection process.

Creating alignment between general and SPECIAL EDUCATION curriculum, as well as ensuring access to and alignment with state and grade level standards for students with IEPs.

Leading SPECIAL EDUCATION teachers in the use and implementation of all curriculum.

Ensuring that students with IEPs are included in all appropriate testing, then organizing and analyzing the resulting data to ensure the quality and appropriateness of instruction and student placement.

Working collaboratively with the Special Education Director and Managers, Heads of School, Tiger Program Director, and the Academic team to problem solve and uphold high quality, standards based instruction for all Belmont Charter Network students with IEPs. This includes participation in Academic Team meetings, as well as Network and School Instructional Team Meetings.

Instructional coaching for SPECIAL EDUCATION teachers instructing outside of the general education setting.

Create an articulated schedule with the building administration and Special Education Director and submit a weekly coaching log as well as any pertinent data requests/coaching documentation.

Model lessons in classrooms on a daily/weekly basis. Support teachers by helping with the strategic how of teaching; share multiple instructional strategies/processes with teachers during planning times.

Provide direction and coordination for how the curriculum is taught, consistent with District initiatives and recognized best instructional practices, and provide technical support to collaborative teams within buildings.

Assist teachers with planning and pacing of lessons, the development of differentiated lessons, and the selection of best practices to meet the needs of their students.

Support teachers and administrators in using data to improve instruction on all levels.

Informally observe (non-evaluative) lessons and provide feedback for a teacher’s professional growth and students’ success.

Utilize Adult Learning Theory to motivate adult learners to improve professional practice.

Qualifications

Highly organized
Excellent communication/collaboration skills
Experience with all components of Special Education Compliance and documentation
Full understanding of students supports and IEP requirements
Available to be on site at the LEA when needed
Excellent parent communication and follow up skills
Good problem solving skills
B.A./B.S. degree from accredited institution;
2-3 years of SPECIAL EDUCATION classroom experience, preferably in urban education;
Valid and active Pennsylvania Instructional Certificate Required;
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check Clearance (Act 34)
Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151)
Federal Bureau of Investigation Record Check Clearance (Act 114)
Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Clearance (Act 168)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $82,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Special education: 3 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• PA Special Education Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person