Special Educator - High School SY25/26

Special Educator - SY25/26

Burlington High School

The Burlington School District believes a diverse and culturally proficient faculty and staff are pivotal to the creation of a strong learning and working environment that supports student achievement and success. BSD administrators lead inclusive school communities with our vision: "Cultivating caring, creative, and courageous people." - Join the journey.

BHS is seeking a passionate and energetic Special Educator to join a school committed to high levels of achievement for all students. This position will require working closely with and case-managing up to 25 special education and 504 students. Applicants must be dedicated to the belief and desire for the inclusion of all students, and eager to be a member of a high-energy, fast-paced dedicated special education team as well as individual student teams in support of student success for all.

The Essential Functions:

1. Collaborate with other classroom teachers, school psychologists, learning disabilities specialists, speech/hearing specialists, and school social workers to provide an integrated plan for developing the capacities of their students.
2. Set learning goals for each student, assess their progress and record their evaluations.
3. Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities.
4. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).
5. Update parents on the progress of their students and enlist parental support with behavior control and home activities designed to supplement their classroom lessons.
6. Supervise and train paraeducators.
7. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
8. Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
9. Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students. 
10. Manage student behavior and administer discipline. This includes intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP. 
11. Consult with classroom teachers regarding the management of student behavior according to IEP. 
12. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities. 
13. Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials as required.
14. Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers. 
15. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members. 
16. Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly. 

Qualifications:

 Education:

1. Minimum Required: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Special Education, or related field. 
2. Preferred: Master’s degree in Education.
3. Certification: Valid Educator License granted by the Vermont Department of Education with a Special Education Endorsement. 
4. Documented or eligible for NCLB Highly Qualified Teacher status as applicable
5. Eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.  

 Experience:

1. Minimum Required: Experience in closely working with and case-managing up to 25 special education and 504 students. 
2. Experience supporting students with social cognition, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
3. Experience training and supervising paraeducators providing support services to special needs students.
4. Experience in planning, leading, and managing large and potentially complex IEP meetings with students, parents, teachers, outside agencies, community mentors, and other support people. 
5. Understanding of Cultural Competency as explained through Essay 1 on SchoolSpring).
6. Knowledge of best practices in engaging and motivating students and managing student behaviors. 

SALARY: As per the Master Agreement between the Burlington Board of School Commissioners and the Burlington Education Association.

Equal Opportunity: The Burlington School District provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.