Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher 

The Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools serves 1600 students ranging from PreK-12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school. Over 92% of our students are Latinx. Our school system consists of Guadalupe Centers High School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers Elementary School. Our system grew out of Guadalupe Centers’ educational programming. Guadalupe Centers is the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the US since 1919. Our roots in our community run deep.  

There are many benefits to working at GCCS with some of them being:

• Student and Families: GCCS teachers strive to form strong relationships with our students and their families. Our organization grew out of Guadalupe Centers, the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the US. These community ties are integral to who we are. 

• Staff Autonomy: Teachers at GCCS appreciate having the autonomy to try proven and new approaches in their classroom and are encouraged to innovate. The experience of teachers is valued and they are given space to collaborate and share their best practice with each other. 

• Coaching and Development: Staff at GCCS collaborate with their leaders on their growth and development. GCCS teachers set a professional development goal in collaboration with their coaches, colleagues, and in district initiatives. All staff are aligned on working on their development over the course of the year.

Additional benefits include but are not limited to Competitive compensation and benefits, a qualifying relocation stipend upon hire, a bilingual (Spanish) stipend upon hire, and tuition reimbursement. GCCS has also expanded our benefits around well-being and mental health. 

Summary: 

The SPED Teacher helps students learn subject matters and skills that will contribute to their development as mature, able, and responsible men and women.

Reports To: Director of Special Services & Building Principal

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Prepares and schedules individual pupil staffing conferences according to timelines; initiates IEP conferences as appropriate.
• Write IEPs using district software (SpedTrack)
• Complete all necessary paperwork to follow the state and district compliance requirements. 
• Prepares and submits reports according to timelines outlined in the Missouri State plan; responds to requests for information as required. 
• Prepare Transition Plans for secondary students.
• Identifies the specific learning needs of each pupil properly identified as disabled and maintains a clear record of the pupil’s instructional experience and progress in the permanent Special Education file.
• Plans and utilizes instructional materials, procedures, and equipment according to each pupil’s specific disability.
• Schedules pupils for instruction in cooperation with the Director of Special Services, principal, and other members of the building staff.
• Prepares course objectives and outline for course of study following curriculum guidelines or requirements of the state and school.
• Keeps accurate attendance records; maintains discipline in the classroom.
• Works with the Co-Teaching model alongside the General Education teacher. 
• Acts as a resource to building staff regarding disability methods, accommodations, and materials.
• Utilizes differentiated instruction and the IEP guiding document for all instructions. 
• Administering national, state, and district assessments throughout the school year. 
• Receives and forwards to the Director all referrals from appropriate sources. 
• Coordinates all activities and procedures with the Director of Special Services and Building Principal.
• Participates in faculty and professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops.
• Attend all meetings with parents and give input concerning the creation of an Individual Education Plan or a 504 Plan.
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement of professional practice, cultural competence, and ability to meet the specific instructional needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students.
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain a calm and patient demeanor with all students. 
• Thorough understanding of various special education needs and services. 
• Thorough understanding of and the ability to implement a variety of effective teaching methods. 
• Thorough understanding of policies, laws, and guidelines related to special education including IDEA, IEPs, and 504.

• Committed to working with under-served students. 

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. 
• Missouri State Certification in Secondary Education. 
• Two to four years of experience working in a classroom setting.
• Experience in an urban school setting is preferred. 
• Bilingual ability; English required and Spanish preferred.
• Highly Qualified Status (this status requires the following)
• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Appropriate certification for the course/grade level being taught.
• Documentation of content expertise in the area being taught. 

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout school and classroom.
• Must be able to lift 45 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to assist students who have physical difficulties.
• Must be able to kneel, sit, crawl, push, and pull to assist and teach children throughout the day.
• Prolonged periods sitting and working on the computer to complete necessary paperwork.
• Must be able to navigate all areas of the school and other facilities as needed. 

Application Process: 

Please complete an application which may be found in our Career Portal. If a position requires a degree, please upload a copy of transcripts and/or degree certification to your application. Other attachments such as a cover letter or resume can also be uploaded and attached to the application.

GUADALUPE CENTERS, INC. conforms to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities’ individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, who fully and actively supports equal access for all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, and prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.