Special Education (SPED) Teacher, SY 23-24

Booker T. Washington Academy
Job Title: ELA Teacher                                                                Department: Teachers  
Reports to: Middle School Principal                                                           
Position Type: Exempt Schoolyear: 10 months
 
Job Summary:
Teachers at Booker T. Washington Elementary deliver effective, high-quality, rigorous instruction in their classroom that produces strong results and student understanding. Teachers use data to inform their instruction and are committed to leading and teaching through an anti-racist lens.  BTWA teachers work hard to make their classrooms safe, joyful environments, and build relationships with students and families to ensure every student can be successful.

  Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Supervises the behavior of all students in the classroom, throughout school grounds, and on educational trips.

 
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Prepare weekly mini-lesson plans in conjunction with the other members of his/her teaching team;
• Work with the Director of Academics and other designees to monitor and plan the continuing development of the academic/social curriculum;
• Conduct periodic assessments of assigned students as directed by the Director of Academics and his/her designees;
• Work actively with the entire teaching team to ensure that all students receive comparable learning experiences;
• Develop a baseline Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) which sets the academic and non-academic goals for each student based on the learning style assessments conducted during the initial orientation and assessment period for each incoming group of students; 
• Annually review and update Individualized Learning Plan for each student in his/her primary class;
• Meet with students and parents in primary class assignment on a regular basis to review progress and discuss areas for further development;
• Work collaboratively with peers, including any community partners or university faculty that may be working cooperatively with the school; and,
• Perform any reasonable tasks that may be assigned by the Principal.

Facilitating teaching and learning for all students:

• Planning and delivering daily mini lessons that are grade appropriate, and differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all students - below, on, and above grade-level;
• Commitment to a blended learning model centered on student-driven, bottom up, differentiated classrooms;
• Creating and administering benchmark assessments to measure student progress/achievements in all subject areas;
• Assessing students academic needs, and administering intervention as discussed by SIT/PPT team;
• Interpreting and using data to drive instruction;
• Maintaining rigor and challenge for high academic achievement;
• Developing projects that encourage students to utilize technology for presentations, individually and in small groups;
• Creating a learning environment that is conducive to learning while making learning fun and interesting for all students;
• Encouraging and motivating students to learn by understanding how and why students learn;
• At the beginning of the school year (August/September), with lead teacher,review report cards/student files and discuss with previous year's teacher(s) to determine students who are at risk and create an action plan that addresses student needs;
• Developing a positive relationship, attitude/rapport with students, parents and staff;
• Collaborating with grade-level partners and other staff through grade level and vertical team meetings, staff meetings, professional development, etc.;
• Having an ongoing conversation with parents about students' progress or lack of progress as soon as problems arise, through telephone calls, notes to parents, SIT meetings, progress reports and parent conferences;
• Being visible in the school community by attending after-school extracurricular activities (e.g. literacy nights, open houses, etc.); and
• All other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Thorough understanding of pedagogy and the best practices of education. 
• Ability to design lessons that teach curriculum in an engaging manner, applying various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and individual or collaborative projects and research.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills to manage and control the classroom.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to maintain professionalism and tact in high-stress situations.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Creative analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Products or related software.

 
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred
CT Teacher Certification, or ability to gain certification within 3 months of hire
 
 
Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk/table and working on a computer or standing to teach.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. 
• Must be able to traverse classroom and adjust one's tone and height, by bending or leaning, in order to teach each child.