Middle School-Special Education

Christa McAuliffe Charter School is hiring a special education teacher, ideally to begin immediately, or at the start of the 2023-24 school year. We are seeking individuals talented at building relationships with middle-school-age students and who are prepared to support and deliver instruction in an inclusion classroom setting with students who have a variety of learning skills and challenges. Whether you have several years of teaching experience or only one, if you enjoy working with middle-school-age students with diverse backgrounds and learning needs, you’re a candidate for this position! We’re prepared to provide support to individuals newer to teaching with coaching support available. We do need to hire special educators who are prepared to serve as IEP case managers. This responsibility requires experience in writing and managing Individualized Education Programs and engaging in regular communication with families. DIVERSITY STATEMENT The Christa McAuliffe Charter School (McAuliffe) may not and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, homelessness, or any other legally protected status. (M.G.L. c. 71, § 89(m); 603 CMR 1.06(l)). Rather, we are a community committed to cultivating an environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are embraced. We acknowledge that a team reflecting the diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our community better. To that end, we welcome and encourage diverse applicants to this position. ABOUT THE SCHOOL The Christa McAuliffe Charter School’s mission is to cultivate within each member of a diverse student body, through the expeditionary learning design, an intense commitment to self and community, the courage and insight to set high standards for academic and personal success, and the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to achieve those standards. McAuliffe is a charter middle school (grades 6-7-8) educating 325 scholars who live in MetroWest: Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Marlborough, Natick, Southborough, and Sudbury. We are one of 155 EL Education (EL) schools nation-wide and one of nine EL schools in Massachusetts. EL is a non-profit organization devoted to providing network schools with a highly-respected model of comprehensive school reform with an emphasis on high achievement through active learning, character growth, and teamwork. WHAT IS EL EDUCATION? EL Education (formerly Expeditionary Learning) is a national school reform organization operating in 165 schools in 30 states and reaching over 45,000 students. EL partners with schools to improve student achievement through an inquiry and project-based approach. EL schools inspire the motivation to learn, engage teachers and students in new levels of focus and effort, and transform schools into places where students and adults become leaders of their own learning. RESPONSIBILITIES Deliver specialized middle-school instruction in an inclusion classroom, a sub-separate classroom, and/or a learning center Use formative and summative assessments to track student progress. Assess student progress toward IEP goals and use data to plan instruction Communicate with families regarding service delivery, student performance and progress Develop IEPs for special education students and facilitate annual IEP meetings Ensure that records for each student are up to date, organized, and contain necessary progress notes & assessments Participate in a bi-weekly consultation meeting with the grade-level teaching team to review student progress Provide accommodations and modifications to ensure all students are given access to curriculum and instruction Meet and plan regularly with team teachers including collaborating with colleagues to create engaging lessons Use teaching methods that guide students to engage in critical thinking and inquiry Use instructional techniques that engage all scholars in learning Participate in day and overnight fieldwork including camping trips; support coordination, as needed Participate in ongoing professional development including observations and feedback from an instructional coach Implement positive behavioral systems to effectively manage the classroom and uphold schoolwide expectations Lead or co-lead an advisory crew of about 12 students; facilitate daily check-ins, discussions, team-building activities, social-emotional learning lessons, and preparation for student-led conferences Serve as an active member of the McAuliffe Community by attending evening events such as celebrations of learning QUALIFICATIONS McAuliffe is committed to cultivating a community that embraces diverse backgrounds and perspectives; A diverse team allows us to serve our community better. If you are not sure that you meet all of the qualifications but you are interested in the position, we encourage you to apply! Massachusetts licensure as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PK-8 or 5-12) Qualifications for Special Educator Prepared to Manage IEP Cases Previous experience teaching, counseling, or otherwise working with middle school students, ideally students with diverse backgrounds and learning skills Confidence in working with students who have diverse backgrounds and learning needs, and who have emotional or behavioral challenges “People person” who enjoys meeting people and builds relationships with ease including with young people Interest in the school’s mission and vision Collaborative, team-player, willing to share the load and ask for help Strong verbal communication skills in English (bilingual Portuguese or Spanish preferred) Organized and able to stay on top of multiple priorities Desire to work with people who have diverse racial, ethnic, religious & socio-economic backgrounds and willing to engage in self-work pertaining to implicit biases Curious and committed to growth and professional development A belief that all students can learn and be successful in school Experience writing and implementing Individualized Education Programs and writing progress reports Experience communicating regularly with parents/guardians, ideally regarding students with IEPs COMPENSATION & BENEFITS The salary for this position is based on educational background and number of years of experience. McAuliffe contributes 75% of health & dental premiums for individual or family plans and provides short-term disability and life insurance The position contributes to Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS) Time-off benefits include 9 personal days, holidays, and school vacations Optional benefits include vision, 403(b) retirement plan, FSA and Dependent Care, YMCA 40% discount Other stipended opportunities may be available