Description

Who We Are

Navigator Schools is a network of public charter schools that operates four high performing schools, three K-8 schools in the Northern Central Coast area and a K-5 in Hayward. Navigator exists because a group of concerned educators and parents no longer wanted to wait for someone else to figure out how to improve the quality of public school education. They were determined to demonstrate that ethnicity, early English fluency, and socio-economic status are factors outside the classroom that may challenge, but should not predetermine, a student’s academic success. With that determination, our first site was founded.

After studying best practices from schools throughout the United States, we created a rigorous K-8 full inclusion model that anticipates and meets the needs of all students. Our students enjoy research-based, personalized learning supported by a strong instructional staff. Our staff is supported by extensive professional development and regular coaching at every level of the organization which leads to phenomenal results for all students.

Navigator Schools is committed to closing the achievement gap through highly effective, student focused teaching methods, and boasts some of the top test scores in California. Navigator operates a growing network of schools, with campuses currently in Gilroy, Hollister, Watsonville, and Hayward, and has also positively influenced public school districts and charter school organizations throughout California by establishing partnerships and implementing professional development modules for school staff and leaders outside of the Navigator organization.

Our Mission

Navigator Schools equips students to become learners and leaders in high school, college, and beyond. We develop top-tier teams of educators who continuously improve and innovate schools that deliver phenomenal outcomes for all students, regardless of their circumstances.

Role Summary

Navigator is seeking dedicated, passionate Special Education service providers who are driven to impact the lives of traditionally underserved students. The Education Specialist will ensure top quality special education services are provided to students with all types of learning differences, by directly delivering services, ensuring compliance with requisite laws, coaching and supervising staff, and developing and growing Navigator’s full inclusion Special Education model.

Responsibilities

Direct Services

• Provides direct instruction and services for students whose needs are identified in a written IEP and who are assigned to general education classrooms for a majority of the day
• Uses teaching materials and research-based practices that are in alignment with Navigator’s core curriculum and state standards. Supports students so they can develop their maximum amount of self-reliance and functional independence
• Collaborates in the development and implementation of behavior management techniques as appropriate, observes student behavior in the general education classrooms and consults with teachers regarding these behaviors, communicates regularly with students and parents
• Works closely with School Psychologist, Speech and Language Pathologist, and other providers of related services for special needs students to ensure optimal services as provided and that the compliance-related issues are addressed in a timely manner

Program Compliance

• Coordinates IEP processes and timelines and facilitates necessary accommodations for standardized testing, in accordance with the goals and objectives in each student’s IEP 
• Maintains detailed student special education records and electronic databases for special education and all related paperwork 
• Updates knowledge and expertise by attending meetings, in-service programs, and conferences

Program Development, Coaching, and School Culture

• Develops an inclusive educational setting for students in collaboration with classroom teachers, school administrators, and other school personnel 
• Coaches and supervises Student Services paraprofessional staff to ensure optimum effectiveness in services to students
• Communicates effectively and works cooperatively with all other school personnel, parents, and other agencies for the best interests of each student
• Supports general education teachers on differentiation of curriculum, accommodations, and modifications for students with IEPs 
• Provides training to school site personnel regarding the unique needs of students
• Maintains high expectations for self and students at all times; builds a positive culture among school site Student Services staff that aligns with Navigator wide norms
• Performs other duties as assigned 

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and Valid California Education Specialist Instruction Credential 
• Graduate degree a plus
• 1-3 years of teaching experience working with a diverse student population preferred
• Bilingual in Spanish a plus
• Excellent Communication Skills (both oral and written)
• Ability to use discretion and good judgment when dealing with confidential and sensitive information
• Knowledgeable of federal, state, and local special education laws and regulations
• Driven to obliterate the achievement gap by providing high quality education to every student that walks through our doors, regardless of any barriers they may have faced in the past
• Committed to evolving personal teaching practices and instructional delivery in order to best serve students
• Welcome change and thrive on growth in response to student needs
• Embrace challenges as opportunities; demonstrate perseverance and grit in the face of opposition

What We Offer

• A rewarding and meaningful professional career where you will directly influence the direction of students lives 
• A competitive compensation package including excellent salary, medical, and retirement benefits (including STRS)
• Leadership opportunities and career paths in an exciting, evolving, collaborative work environment
• Technology, including laptop, ipad, and a variety of other instructional technology tools

Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Pre-Employment Process 

Employment eligibility will include fingerprints, tuberculosis and/or other employment clearance 

Working Conditions

Environment

Office and diverse school site environments; driving a vehicle to conduct work; fast-paced work; constant interruptions.

Physical Requirements 

Consistent mental alertness; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects up to 30 pounds; bending and twisting at the waist, reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; dexterity of both hands and fingers while performing duties; seeing to read, write and use the computer; hearing and speaking to exchange information, in person or on the telephone, and make presentations. 

Non-Discrimination Policy

Navigator Schools is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based on an individual's race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and gender expression), age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The School is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. We are strongly committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage applications from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.