Special Education Teacher & Academic Interventionist (Reading) - Split Role

Special Education Teacher & Academic Interventionist (Reading) - Split Role
2023-2024
About Us: At New Branches Charter Academy (NBCA), our mission is to provide a positive academic and social learning environment for all students. . NCBA is a destination school, located on a 12 acre campus that is known for providing environmentally focused learning experiences and self-sustaining practices through dedication to academic excellence. NBCA knows that teachers are the heart of the school and are surrounded by a support system that is committed to the success of every child.
Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

• A comfortability in an outdoor setting and a knack for creativity and innovation, incorporating hands-on activities, experiential learning, and interactive teaching methods to make environmental/outdoor learning engaging and impactful.
• An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
• A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students.
• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment.

As the Split Special Education Teacher and Academic Interventionist, your core responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:
As the .5 FTE Special Education Teacher, your core responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Implements the program outlined in the student's IEP in the least restrictive environment.
• Prepares for annual IEPs in a timely manner (completing forms, sending invitations to attendees and scheduling meetings).
• Prepares for three-year re-evaluations in a timely manner (testing, completing forms, sending invitations to attendees and scheduling of meeting times).
• Demonstrates ability to write effective Behavior Plans.
• Guides the learning process toward achievement of curriculum goals and implementation of personal learning plans of students.
• Demonstrates effective planning and organization for instruction.
• Selects appropriate materials for implementation of the curriculum and adapts materials and methods to learning styles and abilities of students.
• Works cooperatively with teachers to incorporate the Academy's Inclusion model.
• Demonstrates exceptional classroom techniques, which include the art of questioning, clarity of assignments, communicating, an atmosphere of mutual respect, independent thought and expression and student and teacher experiences in large and small groups.

Maintaining Student Records

• Evaluates all student records for current IEP needs as records arrive.
• Maintains accurate Special Education student records as required by law and local policy.
• Provides a classroom atmosphere based on the principles of firm, fair and consistent practices, respect for individual children and development of responsible citizenship.
• Carries out other duties assigned by the principal and/or Choice Schools Associates.

ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN ACADEMIC INTERVENTIONIST:
Curriculum and Instruction:

• Accepts responsibility for the achievement of students.
• Works with at-risk students in order to increase subject area academic performance.
• Provides supplemental instruction to identified individual students helping them with developing and/or strengthening subject-specific skills and knowledge.
• Conducts skills attainment progress assessments, analyzes student achievement data and develops appropriate and timely interventions.
• Guides the learning process toward achievement of curriculum goals and implementation of personal learning plans of students.
• Works collaboratively with classroom teachers.
• Demonstrates effective planning and organization for instruction.
• Selects appropriate materials for implementation of the curriculum and adapts materials and methods to the learning styles and abilities of students.
• Uses creative, differentiated instruction methods and procedures and adapts effectively to unusual situations.
• Motivates students to achieve at their highest level of ability and potential through classroom activities, assignments, relationships, participation, and feedback; holds high expectations and demonstrates sensitivity to different learning styles.
• Uses resources effectively to support learning activities in the classroom, the academy, and the community.
• Demonstrates exceptional classroom techniques, which include the art of questioning, clarity of assignments, communicating, an atmosphere of mutual respect, independent thought and expression, and student and teacher experiences in large and small groups.
• Follows all Title 1 requirements as required by the State of Michigan.

Classroom Management:

• Works cooperatively with guardians and generates guardians' confidence in the teacher.
• Demonstrates genuine concern for students in a climate characterized by high personal and student expectations.
• Promotes responsible citizenship through one's actions as a role model.
• Provides a classroom atmosphere based on the principles of firm, fair, and consistent practices, respect for individual children, and the development of responsible citizenship.

Student Enrollment & Retention:

• Shares responsibility for marketing the academy in the community.

Professional Development & Leadership:

• Participates in the development of policies and regulations that affect instruction and the conditions of success.
• Reads and communicates new developments and research in reading, writing and mathematics to administration and classroom teachers.
• Uses technology effectively for instruction, record keeping, communication and other administrative tasks.
• Shares responsibility for professional, cooperative staff relations and for out-of-class activities important to the operation of the academy.
• Conducts himself or herself according to professional and ethical principles.
• Continually strives to improve classroom methods, teaching techniques, and interpersonal relationships.
• Displays personal qualities, which reflect favorably upon the individual, the group, and the academy.
• Displays pride in being an employee and a member of the academy.
• Assumes other responsibilities assigned by the principal.

Facilities:

• Assumes responsibility for the orderliness of the learning environment and the appropriate and safe use of instructional facilities and equipment.

Job Goal: To collaboratively work with teachers, administrators, and support staff to identify and address students' academic needs, designing and implementing targeted instructional interventions. By utilizing evidence-based strategies and monitoring student progress, the Special Education Teacher/Academic Interventionist aims to enhance individual and group learning outcomes, supporting students in overcoming challenges and reaching their academic potential. The ultimate goal is to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that empowers all students to succeed and thrive academically.
Essential Skills and Competencies: While we will consider a broad range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate would have the following qualifications/experience:
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Requirements:

• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with endorsements in appropriate grade and subject levels, meeting the requirements of the Michigan Department of Education and Federal guidelines. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Academy shall use certificated teachers according to the state board rule.
• Or, minimum of a Bachelor's degree and actively working or willingness to actively work through an alternative pathway, which includes passing the MTTC test(s) for endorsements in appropriate grade and subject levels.
• Ability to use technology as an instructional tool in the classroom, as a means of analyzing academic achievement data and as a tool to aid effective communications.
• Exemplary work habits verified by reference check.
• Thorough understanding of policies, laws, and guidelines related to Special Education including IDEA, IEPs, and 504.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of and skills working with students of all backgrounds.
• Two years of teaching experience.
• Master's Degree in Special Education
• Demonstrated competence as a teacher in all areas of focus.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.

Work Location: 3662 Poinsettia Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Choice Schools offers a full comprehensive benefits plan, including health care, a competitive 401(K) plan, professional development, and much more. View our benefits options here -
Please contact Sara Hogle at sarahogle@choiceschools.com with any questions.
Working for Choice Schools Associates
New Branches Charter Academy is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Environmental Model, New Branches is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Environmental Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.
Choice Schools Associates is an equal opportunity employer. Choice Schools Associates does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic background. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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