Position Type :
Richards School / Elementary - Grades K-5
Date Posted : 12 / 10 / 2024
Location :
Richards Elementary School
High-Needs School)
Job Summary : The Elementary Multi-Aged Classroom Teacher in a therapeutic setting is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive learning environment for students experiencing trauma and exhibiting challenging behaviors. This teacher will work with students of varying ages and academic levels, using trauma-informed practices, individualized instruction, and social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies to meet both academic and emotional needs. The goal is to create a positive, therapeutic atmosphere that fosters academic growth, emotional healing, and behavioral regulation.
Key Responsibilities :
Design and implement individualized, developmentally appropriate lesson plans for a multi-aged classroom.
Use differentiated instruction to meet the academic needs of students at varying levels.Employ trauma-informed practices and restorative approaches to support emotional and behavioral challenges.Integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) into daily instruction to help students develop self-regulation, emotional awareness, and interpersonal skills.Utilize hands-on, experiential learning techniques to engage students and promote active learning.Behavior Management :Implement positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) to address challenging behaviors.
Work collaboratively with school counselors, psychologists, and other support staff to develop and implement individualized behavior plans (BIPs).Use de-escalation strategies, crisis intervention techniques, and conflict resolution to manage behavioral crises and restore a calm learning environment.Maintain clear expectations, routines, and boundaries to create a sense of security for students.Trauma-Informed Care :Foster a classroom environment that is sensitive to the effects of trauma, providing consistency, safety, and predictability.
Build trusting, supportive relationships with students, showing empathy, patience, and understanding.Recognize and address the unique needs of students experiencing trauma, offering appropriate accommodations and supports.Incorporate mindfulness, stress reduction techniques, and other therapeutic interventions to help students manage anxiety and emotional distress.Collaboration and Communication :Work closely with special education teachers, mental health professionals, and other staff to create and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with special needs.
Communicate regularly with families to build strong home-school connections, offering resources and support to help families navigate trauma-related challenges.Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to review student progress, adjust interventions, and ensure comprehensive care.Maintain accurate documentation of student progress, behavior, and interventions, providing regular reports to administrators and support teams.Professional Development :Engage in ongoing professional development in trauma-informed care, SEL, and other relevant areas to stay informed about best practices in therapeutic education.
Participate in school-wide training and initiatives related to mental health, behavior management, and restorative practices.Qualifications :
Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Special Education, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.Valid teaching certification in Elementary Education or Special Education.Training in trauma-informed practices, SEL, or therapeutic interventions (preferred).Experience working with students experiencing trauma or behavioral challenges, ideally in a therapeutic or special education setting.Strong classroom management skills, with the ability to implement positive behavior supports and de-escalation techniques.Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, families, and multidisciplinary teams.Patience, empathy, and a commitment to creating a healing and supportive environment for students.Working Conditions :
Full-time position with typical school hours.Classroom environment with occasional exposure to emotional outbursts or behavioral crises.Collaboration with a team of educators, mental health professionals, and support staff.Salary : Based on education and experience, per district salary schedule.
