Special Education Teacher '24-'25

Position Summary: Northwood Academy Charter School (NACS) Special Education Teacher is responsible for instructing students and creating relevant learning experiences in a supportive K-8 environment. The Special Education Teacher provides a rigorous academic program and classroom built upon the school's core values of high expectations and meaningful relationships. Additionally, the Special Education Teacher uses knowledge, competency, and a positive nature to provide students with a strong foundation for future educational and social opportunities. This position will also include a $10,000 new hire bonus.

Essential Accountabilities:

● In conjunction with the curricular norms set forth by NACS leadership, implement a standard aligned, academic program which includes lesson plans, accommodations, assignments, and assessments.

● Assume responsibility for the academic progress of students and actively work to ensure all students meet or exceed expectations on academic measures up to and including standardized tests.

● Provide an engaging learning environment using relevant curriculum, varied instructional materials/ technologies, and developmentally appropriate techniques and strategies.

● Create and maintain a stable classroom environment which utilizes an informed and responsive approach to guide and nurture the emotional, cognitive and social abilities of students.

● Communicate with school administration and leadership on all relevant matters as directed.

● Provide classroom structures, routines, and expectations which are proactive, positively incentivized, and reflective of school protocols regarding behavioral interventions.

● Take all responsible precautions to provide for health and safety of the students and to protect the equipment, materials, and facilities.

● Complete all lesson plans, progress reports, record keeping, communications and administrative functions within specified time and manner.

● Work to establish and maintain open lines of communication with parents/guardians concerning the activities of the classroom and academic and behavioral progress of their students through written/electronic forms, telephone calls, and conferences.

● Report any serious accident/illness affecting students and comply with mandated policies regarding child welfare.

● Professionally represent the school in interactions with parents, community, staff, and students.

● Follow and maintain knowledge of all NACS policy(ies) and procedures.

● Maintain appropriate certifications and training hours as required.

● Write IEPs for students on their caseload.

● Collaborate with parents, general education staff, and when applicable, students.

● Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students.

● Daily instruction of students with IEPs (Individual Education Plan).

● Utilize various modalities to access and accommodate student learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities.

● Use technology in the teaching and learning process.

● Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of the students.

● Manage student behavior and administer discipline in accordance with school policies.

● Collaborate with outside resource people regarding education, social, medical and personal needs of students.

● Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials as required.

● Maintain documentation of IEP progress. Maintain data for students with IEP and Tier III.

● Consult with school Nurse and/or School Counselor as needed.

● Relevant duties as assigned by school administration.

Education/Experience:

● Bachelor’s degree B.A/B. S, Special Education certification.

● Active and valid Pennsylvania state clearances and credentials.

Qualifications:

● Demonstrated compliance with federal, state, district and school regulations and policies for Special Education Teachers.

● Ability to maintain confidentiality.

● Ability to write routine correspondence.

● Demonstrate a genuine interest, understanding and care for students personal and academic success.

● Operate from the belief that all students can learn and be held to high standards.

● Possess a strong desire and ability to engage families through intentional relationship building and ongoing communication.

● Respond positively and effectively to challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset.

● Possess excellent organizational and time management skills.

Working Conditions: Usually work indoors in classrooms, may sometimes teach outdoors or supervise playgrounds. Work very near others, within a few feet or less. Working with young children often entails close contact. Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity, hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels.

Physical Requirements: There are physical aspects of this position to successfully carry out essential job functions such as ability to lift or carry supplies, textbooks, and equipment up to 30 pounds. Must be able to sit, stand, bend, stoop, reach, grab, pull, see hear, and speak daily. Employees in this classification may be subject to work environments that have exposure to weather or interiors with extremes of heat and/or cold, wet and/or humid conditions, high noise levels, and various work-related hazards. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential job duties.