Kapa'a Middle - Special Education Teacher (2024-04964)

Description

Welcome to Kapa’a Middle School, where we are dedicated to building a strong foundation for our students by fostering character, confidence, and compassion. Our commitment to the success and well-being of every student is reflected in the implementation of key characteristics advocated by the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE). While we are at the foundational stage of building these characteristics, we expect all students, teachers and non-teaching staff members to commit to these successful middle school practices.

Positive and Inclusive School Culture:

Kapa’a Middle School strives to create a positive and inclusive school culture where students feel safe, valued, and respected. Our staff is committed to promoting a sense of belonging and acceptance for all students, fostering an environment conducive to character development.

Responsive Advisory Programs:

We are building responsive advisory programs that focus on growing strong relationships between students and staff. Advisory provides a platform for students to discuss social and emotional concerns, enhancing their academic confidence and interpersonal skills. Advisory groups serve as a support system throughout their middle school journey.

Academic Excellence:

Kapa’a Middle School strives for high academic standards to ensure that students are well-prepared for the challenges of high school and beyond. Our curriculum is designed to not only develop academic skills but also instill a growth mindset, encouraging students to approach challenges with confidence and resilience.

Teaming for Students and Teachers:

Teachers and students are placed in teams to collaborate and work closely together to support the academic, social, and emotional development of each specific group of students. This approach fosters a sense of community and allows for a more personalized and supportive educational experience. For teachers, this involves collaborative teaching, advisor-advisee relationships, common planning time, and opportunities for cross curricular integration of learning.

Character Education Programs:

Kapa’a Middle School has implemented the Character Strong education program that emphasizes the importance of integrity, respect, and responsibility. These programs are integrated into the curriculum and are reinforced through regular discussions and activities to help shape students' character positively.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL):

Recognizing the importance of social-emotional development, we have implemented SEL programs to help students navigate the challenges of adolescence. These programs focus on building self-awareness, self-regulation, and interpersonal skills, contributing to the overall well-being of our students.

Effective Communication:

Open communication between teachers, students, and parents is a priority at Kapa’a Middle School. Parent-teacher conferences, newsletters, and online platforms are utilized to keep families informed about students' progress and to create a collaborative partnership in supporting the growth of each child.

At Kapa’a Middle School, we are dedicated to laying a solid foundation for our students, focusing on character, confidence, and compassion. By incorporating these AMLE successful middle school characteristics, we aim to prepare our students not only academically but also socially and emotionally for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

At Kapa'a Middle School, We have chosen to be middle grades educators, for we recognize that the years of early adolescence are pivotal and abound with individual potential and opportunity. We will care for our students, respect them, listen to their voices, and engage them in meaningful educational experiences that will prepare them for a promising future. We believe that every young adolescent:

• Has the capacity to learn, grow, and develop into a knowledgeable, reflective, caring, ethical, and contributing citizen.
• Must have access to the very best research-based programs and practices a school can offer.
• Should be engaged in learning that is challenging, exploratory, integrative, and diverse.
• Faces significant life choices and needs support in making wise and healthy decisions.
• Thrives academically, socially, and emotionally in a democratic learning environment where trust and respect are paramount and where family and community are actively involved.
• Benefits from policies and practices that are student-centered, unbiased, and fairly implemented.
• Deserves educators who are prepared to work with this age group, who are themselves lifelong learners, and are committed to their own ongoing professional development and growth. Therefore, we proudly dedicate ourselves to becoming the best middle grades educators we can be and active advocates for all young adolescents. Welcome to our ohana!
  
  

Overview:

Kapa'a Middle School is seeking a dedicated Special Education teacher to provide both inclusion support and pull-out instruction in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math for students with diverse learning needs. The ideal candidate will collaborate with general education teachers, deliver individualized instruction, and foster an inclusive learning environment that promotes academic growth and social-emotional development for all students.

Qualifications:

• Valid Special Education teaching certification.
• Experience with inclusion and pull-out models in a middle school setting.
• Strong knowledge of ELA and Math curriculum.
• Proficiency in implementing differentiated instruction and intervention strategies.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
  
  

Knowledge of AMLE Successful Middle School Practices:

The Special Education Teacher should demonstrate a deep understanding and application of AMLE successful middle school practices, including:

• Educators who value working with young adolescents and are committed to their success.
• Curriculum that is challenging, exploratory, integrative, and relevant, tailored to individual student needs.
• Varied teaching and learning approaches that respond to students' diverse needs and abilities.
• Organizational structures that support meaningful relationships and personalized learning.
• Adult advocates for every student, ensuring equitable access to education and support.
• School-wide climate that fosters belongingness, inclusion, and emotional and physical safety.
• Respectful and inclusive culture that values diversity and promotes social-emotional growth.
• Comprehensive guidance and support services to address students' academic, social, and emotional needs.
• Strong community partnerships that enhance student learning and support transitions.
• Technology and information resources that support personalized learning and accessibility.
  
  

Working Conditions: The Special Education Teacher will work primarily in general education and a special education pull out classroom settings within Kapa'a Middle School, with opportunities for collaboration, professional development, and community engagement. The position may require occasional evening or weekend hours for meetings, IEP conferences, and school events.

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may be subject to change based on organizational needs and priorities. This role is vital to the success of our diverse learners and offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' academic and personal growth.

Examples of Duties

Inclusion Support: Support/Co-teach with general education teachers to provide differentiated instruction and accommodations in ELA and Math classrooms, ensuring all students can access grade-level content.

• Pull-Out Instruction: Provide small group or one-on-one instruction in ELA and Math for students who require targeted interventions and support outside of the general classroom.
• Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Develop, implement, and monitor IEP goals in collaboration with families, colleagues, and support staff. Ensure that instructional strategies are aligned with students' needs and goals.
• Progress Monitoring: Regularly assess student progress using data-driven methods to adjust instruction and ensure academic and behavioral growth.
• Collaboration: Work closely with general education teachers, counselors, and support staff to integrate special education services seamlessly and maintain strong communication regarding student needs and progress.
• Compliance: Ensure all services provided are in line with federal and state special education laws, regulations, and policies.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

The Hawaii State Department of Education is committed to hiring highly qualified teachers in every classroom. With the exception of designated Career and Technology Education (CTE) positions, the minimum qualification to apply for a teacher, librarian or counselor position is a Bachelor's Degree.

If you are hired without completing a Teacher's Education Program, you have a maximum of 3 years to obtain a valid Hawaii teaching license. You must enroll in a Program to continue employment with the Department. Within each year of employment, you must satisfactorily demonstrate active pursuit towards meeting Hawaii licensing requirements, as set forth by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB). It is your responsibility to ensure the program you have enrolled is aligned with the teaching line you are hired in.

Upon hire you will need to have a valid Hawaii teaching license or Emergency Hire Permit. You may apply for your Hawaii teaching license on the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board Website ( ).

Supplemental Information

Please visit to review the eligibility requirements for all bonuses, differentials, and initial salary placement. To obtain a Hawaii Teaching License, which is required to receive any salary differentials, please apply with the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board at .

Equal Opportunity

The Hawaii State Department of Education does not discriminate in its educational policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991. The Department does not discriminate in its employment policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sexual orientation, arrest and court record, and National Guard participation, as well as on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability, in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991, Equal Pay Act of 1963, and Chapter 378, Part I, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Certificated 10-Month Teachers enjoy a range of competitive benefits:

• Compensation: 10-month teachers shall be compensated for the applicable Bargaining Unit 05 10-month salary schedule for working a 10-month work year.
• 18 Days of Paid Sick Leave and State/Federal Holidays: 10-month teachers receive 18 days of paid sick leave (of which 6 can be utilized for personal and/or professional development purposes) during the school year provided that all conditions under the respective collective bargaining agreement are met.
• Health Insurance: If eligible, the State pays a part of the premiums for each employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Adult Dental Plan. For more information, please visit the
• Group Life Insurance: The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees and retirees.
• Premium Conversion Plan: Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called
• Retirement Plan: The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees with at least 10 years of credited service and who have reached 62 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and are 55 years old may retire and receive benefits. For more information, please visit
• Tax Shelter Annuity (TSA): If eligible, Department employees are able to participate in a tax shelter annuity program. The TSA plan allows eligible employees to contribute pre-tax dollars to an employee-selected investment service provider authorized to provide TSA products.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers employees a tax deferred (sheltered) retirement investment program. This program is an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several investment options are available.
• Temporary Disability Insurance: Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.
• Social Security: As an employer, the State also contributes to an employee's social security account.
• Workers' Compensation: If an employee is injured while on the job, benefits covering medical expenses and partial wage support may be available through workers' compensation.
• Union & Collective Bargaining: Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. 12-Month Teachers are represented by the Hawaii State Teachers Association. More information can be found at by visiting the
  
  

The above is intended as a general summary of the benefits offered and is subject to change. This does not constitute a contract or binding agreement. Benefits vary by type of employment appointment and collective bargaining agreements.

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Will you have completed a bachelor's degree or higher by the effective start date of the teaching position?

• Yes
• No
  
  

Required Question