Special Education Head Teacher Fall 2025

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Special Education Head Teacher – Lower School

Supervisor: Assistant  Head of School

Regular Daily Schedule: 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Calendar to Follow: 10-Month Academic

Status: Exempt  

Term: 10 Months

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

The Special Education Head Teacher is responsible for providing the meaningful and effective educational program for all students assigned to a self-contained setting.  In this capacity, it is expected that the Head Teacher will establish collaborative relationships with parents, students and Cooke colleagues to ensure successful classroom instruction for Cooke students.  

Essential Functions

• Must be physically present from 8:15 am through 3:30 pm - no exceptions can be made
• Must be able to adhere to the Physical Requirements listed below - no exceptions can be made

Head Teacher responsibilities include but not limited to:

Instruction and Assessment

• Head Teacher will be responsible for classroom activities that promote the healthy emotional, social, intellectual, and physical development of all students
• Through the use of diagnostic tests, informal assessments, class observations, and integration of NY State Standards and Progress Report goals, the Head Teacher will determine the learning style and individual needs of each student to direct and create meaningful instruction
• Demonstrate an understanding of academic expectations for all students which includes the use of appropriate assessment materials
• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies, materials, and resources to implement instruction
• Document three (3) Progress Report educational evaluations for each Cooke student based on formal and informal assessments, classroom observations and portfolio assessments
• Develop weekly and daily written lesson plans appropriate to the needs of each student
• Deliver lesson in an engaging and interesting manner and reflect on lessons taught to modify future instruction plans
• Provide students with appropriate support for success in their inclusion experiences
• Organize furniture, materials and resources in an inviting and safe manner
• Sets appropriate limits for student behavior and uses management strategies to maintain these limits

Planning and Record Keeping

• Maintain observations/anecdotals on each student, including descriptive records of class behavior and interventions and examples of each student’s class work
• Maintain a portfolio of student work to monitor student mastery of skills and content taught
• Develop a consistent daily routine and structure of the day
• Maintain records and contacts with parents, professionals, and outside agencies
• Maintain current attendance records and emergency information

General Professional Responsibilities

• Arrive at school in a timely fashion
• Hold frequent regularly scheduled planning meetings each week with relevant staff and Related Service Providers.  Share knowledge, techniques and strategies with staff so they may be encouraged to implement them themselves
• Initiate and maintain a collaborative relationship with support staff, administrators, and parents.  
• Provide direction for Assistant Teachers, Paraprofessionals, and Related Service Providers
• Attend and participate in site and schoolwide meetings and training programs
• Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance
• Properly train students in procedures to be followed during emergencies
• Utilize supervisor for guidance, discussion, collaboration, professional and self-growth
• Develop professional-growth goals with supervisor and create and implement a plan to reach the agreed upon goals

Requirements

• Teacher Certification
• Master’s Degree preferred
• Prior experience with Students with Disabilities preferred

Physical Requirements

Able to maintain the physical capacity required to navigate the school environment and to ensure the safety of the students; the ability to…

•  walk, run, sit, and stand
•  move rapidly forward, backward, and laterally
•  bend and stoop
•  push, pull, and lift

Professional Development

All Cooke staff are responsible for developing a professional growth plan with their supervisor.  Staff training is an integral part of the Cooke School and as such is a requirement of the job.  All staff must at a minimum: attend all scheduled Staff Development activities throughout the year and participate in staff orientation scheduled for the last week in August.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement

The Cooke School and Institute provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Cooke complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

The Cooke School and Institute expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.  Improper interference with the ability of Cooke’s employees to perform their expected job duties is not tolerated.

Qualifications

Salary : $72,000 - $100,988