As a professional educator, your calling is to nurture growth in children. You want everyone in your classroom to acquire new skills, develop character, and excel in their areas of strength. No one should get left behind. The problem is: there are so many of them in your classroom. And often you are trying to do it without enough support (both in terms of number of adults to children, and in terms of having the required elements you need to do your job effectively). And, sometimes you feel like your classroom is an island that only gets visited when you are due for your "observation session" by administration.
If you are having these thoughts, you might want to consider offering your professional self in a different professional milieu.
Grafton was founded by a teacher who realized that youth with special needs deserve the opportunity to receive a comprehensive education just like anyone else. She realized that the best way to do this was to use the child's own preferences and strengths as the foundation of every lesson, and every part of the curriculum. She also realized that to pull this off, you have to have a multidisciplinary team atmosphere, where no one feels isolated.
A teacher at Grafton works directly with an instructional assistant, the education administrator, a therapist, a psychiatrist, allied therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, skilled behaviorists, etc. in what we call a "transdisciplinary team" - everyone's voice is equally important as we work with the child and their family in order to build plans that we give them their lives back.
And you will introduce these kids to possibilities that they didn't even know existed.
Take a look at this.
But also, take a look at this.
We don't like islands, and we want you to be a part of the team. We will make sure you have the resources you need. And, most importantly, we want you to share in that sense of victory we get when a child comes to us looking hopeless, and leaves us feeling hope.
Please don't take our word for it, however. Give this article a quick read.
And, most importantly, we will want you to grow with us. We recently promoted a teacher to the position of Education Administrator (Principal) in one of our regions. She started as an Instructional Assistant. Two of our Executives started as direct care personnel. Tuition reimbursement? Yes. Are we a 501c3 not for profit that qualifies you potential for loan forgiveness? Yes. Health benefits, retirement, dental, vision, paid time off, etc.? Of course. But most importantly, a team to grow with.
For formality's sake, here is is our dry as a bone job description:
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Under general supervision, plans and implements academic lessons, activities and plans for students in an assigned program. Assesses student's academic abilities and educational needs; develops goals and objectives for the academic portion of the student's IEPs. Develops, plans and implements lesson plans that meet identified goals and which incorporate student behavioral characteristics and communication abilities. Documents and evaluates student progress. Leads the work of Instructional Assistants who assist with the planning and implementation of daily lesson plans. Reports to a Principal or an Assistant Principal.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Manages the daily operations of the classroom which involves ensuring a safe and supportive environment of students and staff. Manages student behaviors within the classroom or other instructional settings.

• Assesses student academic abilities and needs and identifies related goals and objectives. Works with parents and other program staff which comprise a student's treatment team to develop a comprehensive IEP for each student. Develops lesson plans and activities which will teach and reinforce desired behaviors and targeted academic principles. Participates in treatment team meetings to discuss client needs, issues, progress, IEP modifications, etc.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of provided academic lessons and teaching approaches and techniques and incorporates changes as necessary to ensure maximum benefit to the student. Reviews and evaluates student's work.
• Documents and reports on student progress with regard to academic goals; and consults with other members of the student treatment teams to share information, observations, etc. regarding student progress and behaviors.
• Leads the work of academic support staff assigned to the class room. Oversees their implementation of identified lesson plans, and consults with support staff regarding observations and suggestions for student goals. Ensures appropriate documentation for progress reports, and daily data sheets. Provides guidance and assistance as needed.
• Identifies and obtains necessary classroom supplies and equipment.
• Implements crisis intervention strategies as needed. Documents and reports all incidents in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Responds to inquiries from agencies, parents and/or guardians regarding student progress, goals, lessons, etc.
• Prepares a variety of program related reports and documentation such as consequence records, incident reports, educational and behavioral logs, quarterly progress reports, etc.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Attends conferences and workshops to keep abreast of professional trends, developments and techniques.
• Ensures the classroom is maintained, clean and safe.
• Participates in taking students into the community for special events or learning experiences.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Education : Requires a bachelor's or masters in a related field.
Licensure : Requires valid Virginia teaching license or eligibility for conditional license.
Experience : Prefer 1 year of experience teaching students with special educational needs; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires State Teaching Certificate in Special Education, MANDT certification, and a valid driver's license.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• Medical, dental and vision
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• 401(k), including an employer match up to $2,500 annually
• Generous Paid Time Off plan
• Education Assistance up to $5,250 annually
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Short-term disability (STD)
• Long-term disability (LTD)
• As Grafton is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, you may be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness

Compensation
New Competitive FY 2024 Teacher Ranges available upon request, starting at $57,663.10
Grafton is an equal employment opportunity employer and tobacco-free workplace.
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