Elementary School: Substantially Separate Lead Teacher

Job Description

Lead Teacher, Special Education, Substantially Separate Program

The Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teacher sub-separate classroom (specialized program) will be responsible for instructing a small group of students in some or all core content areas (Math, Reading, Humanities and Science) along with other classroom support including aides and/or other teachers, as appropriate.  The Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teacher will also be responsible for working collaboratively with classroom teachers to support students' during inclusion opportunities. Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teachers ensure that all of our students are growing and achieving by providing students with a variety of supports in the areas of social/emotional skills and academic skills.  Additionally, Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teachers are case managers for a group of Special Education students, which includes writing and managing IEP paperwork and meetings, communicating with families about student progress, advocating for students as needed, and assisting teachers in creating and managing accommodations and modifications for particular students.

 

This multifaceted role is ideal for flexible and creative teachers who are passionate about serving our highest-need students and are excited by the challenge of determining the root cause of challenging behaviors and using positive supports to help students build social/emotional skills and independence. Prior experience in working with students with moderate to severe disabilities and/or who present with challenging behavior and/or social/emotional needs is preferred. Prior experience with Special Education laws and paperwork is a bonus, but is not required for the role; Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teachers receive training and assistance from our regional Special Education team. Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teachers are empowered to use their expertise to do whatever it takes to help our students succeed. 

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Classroom Responsibilities

Be the lead teacher for 1 to 4 content areas and/or instruction based on IEP goals (included but not limited to: content, functional skills, etc. depending on the cohort of students) for a small group of students. In doing so, the Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teacher will:Create and internalize daily aligned lesson plans, unit plans, rubrics and assessments

Modify standards across 1-4 content areas to meet the needs of students in the program

Ensure modified grading scale is implemented as needed per IEPs

Set specific, ambitious goals with all students and identify and leverage all necessary resources to ensure they meet them

Use best practices for special education to execute engaging instruction at a level rigorous and accessible for all students

Infuse core values into daily lessons and every school practice

Complete Functional Behavior Assessments (with BCBA guidance), as needed

Provide healing-centered instruction and create a healing-centered environment as part of the classroom culture

Collaborate with psychologist to develop and run trauma-informed, social-emotional, and life skills group

Ensure that all children feel affirmed, valued, and challenged every day

Execute of MCAS Alt portfolios (for applicable students)

School and Professional Responsibilities

When needed, provide secondary support in content areas where not leading the classroom or content

Design, execute, and refine the vision for student culture alongside school leaders

Ongoing progress monitoring of student progress towards academic and social-emotional functioning

Lead the 504 and IEP process for all students in the classroom

Work collaboratively with counselors and other members of the team to create and implement Behavior Support Plans

Participate in school-wide and individual professional development, including pre-service training over the summer and weekly during the academic year

Take ownership for the development of your craft and seek feedback from your coach (meet 1x/1-2 weeks with coach, implement feedback, engage in co-planning and active practices, participate in live coaching, etc.)

Perform necessary support duties including (but not limited to) coverage, bus, lunch, and dismissal duties

Develop strong relationships with families through participating in school events and consistent phone calls home

Be willing to offer support and receive constructive feedback from colleagues in order to create a professional working atmosphere that is conducive to accountability, change, and improvement

Collaborate with grade level and content teams to tackle common challenges and implement grade-wide systems, sharing responsibility for all students

Collaborate with related service providers and general education teachers 

Dependable attendance according to our school calendar

Regional Responsibilities

Embody KIPP MA’s Code of Conduct by acting with integrity, leading with humanity, centering self-awareness and critical consciousness, taking personal responsibility, and engaging productively

Obtain required MTEL and SEI endorsements with financial support from KIPP MA within the first year of employment  (). Preferred: Obtain special education licensure as soon as qualified to do so.

Participate and engage in regional professional development and community events as required

KIPP MA teachers are supported in their demanding work by experienced and dedicated leadership and staff who have themselves proven successful in the teaching role. Our leaders maintain consistent school-wide systems and procedures - academic, behavioral, cultural, logistical - designed to permit teachers to do their best work. 

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, there will occasionally be other duties as assigned that teachers will engage in to help promote a positive and calm learning environment and culture.

QUALIFICATIONS

Love and unwavering belief in the high potential of all students

Commitment to anti-racism and equity

Demonstrated ability to drive student growth and achievement and to create a warm, inclusive, rigorous learning environment

Passion for Special Education and Healing-Centered Learning, and a demonstrated commitment to professional learning

2+ years of full-time teaching experience (in Special Education preferred)

Preferred: Special Education licensure

Prior experience with Special Education laws and paperwork (preferred, but not required)

Bachelor’s Degree required

Computer literacy and baseline familiarity with Google Suite

Pass Criminal Background Check

KIPP MA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in the importance of being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that enables all of our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. We hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

 

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