Special Education Teacher

Position Summary:

Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS  (SSMA) is seeking  a Special Education Teacher  for students in grades PK 3 - 6.  The role of the Special Education Teacher/ Learning Specialist at SSMA  is to support students with different learning styles by providing individualized, evidence based, developmentally appropriate, Common Core State Standards aligned, and relationship-based intervention and remediation; co-plan with and support  teachers in their efforts to advance students with different learning needs within the classroom; collaborate with parents, students, and outside professionals in order to better support students with exceptional and special needs. 

The/Special Education Teacher’s  broad area of responsibility is to ensure that each student will  learn and flourish academically, socially, and emotionally  in a nurturing and responsive  Montessori learning environment. Each student, guided by the Learning Specialist is expected to achieve at a high academic and personal level, according to his/her potential. The 

Special Education Teacher/Learning Specialist is a member of the school’s instructional staff and Academic Unit. 

Essential Functions & Accountabilities:

• Develops solid knowledge of the Montessori Learning Standards,  Curriculum Maps, Scope and Sequence and all other grade-level curriculum in each content area taught, including the essential information, concepts and skills so as to better support students and assist classroom teachers. 
• Prepares and submits to the Special Education Coordinator and Principal weekly lesson plans.
•  Uses Special Education Data System to create documents and complete all case-management tasks in compliance with IDEA and OSSE laws and regulations.
• Co-plans and differentiates instruction as needed (in content, process, product, and environment).
• In cooperation with classroom Guides/Teachers, and Special Education Coordinator  creates an individualized educational plan (IEP) for each student requiring special needs support. 
•  Implements each student’s IEP in the inclusion special needs setting, and in support of and in cooperation with the classroom Guide/Teacher(s).
• Assists teachers in classrooms to help adjust, modify, and enrich curricular approaches and improve pedagogy.
• Collect data to monitor and document student progress.
• Works in conjunction with SSMA Director of Special Education and to recommend tutors, psychoeducational evaluators, etc.
• Implements the school’s strategic plan for ongoing prevention, intervention and remediation in our PreK3-6th grade  program. 
• Seeks out new and innovative curricula, texts, and technological applications for implementation in our classrooms 
• Assists with the testing of  incoming students  and current students with IEPs and 504 plans
• Meets with the appropriate teacher(s)  and the Director of Special Education to ensure the easy and comfortable assimilation of all new students. 

• Remains current with accepted and appropriate instructional theory, practice and research. Including engaging in regular and strategic professional development to advance the role of the Special Education Teacher Learning Specialist (including local and national seminars and conferences). 
• Provides skillful classroom management practices (routines and procedures) to ensure a safe, orderly, positive, enjoyable, and productive learning environment.
• Uses formative and summative assessment and documents student progress and achievement; assesses and analyzes student strengths and needs; designs and implements appropriate instruction to facilitate learning and growth. 
• Establishes and maintains frequent communication with parents about their child’s academic, social and emotional progress and needs. This includes Report Cards, phone calls, Class Newsletters, email blasts, etc. Makes recommendations for home interventions 
• Attends meetings and collaborates with the Special Education Coordinator  to insure compliance for all assigned students receiving Specialized Instruction.
• Gives input to teachers regarding student Progress and Report Cards as deemed appropriate and necessary. 
• Attends and participates in weekly faculty meetings, committee meetings, school functions, and professional development activities during and after school hours as needed, appropriate and assigned. 
• Upholds the philosophy, principles, policies, and procedures of Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS.
• Represents Shining Stars Montessori  Academy positively in the school community and the wider community.
• Adheres to strict student confidentiality. 
• Performs other tasks as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Principal and Director of Education. 

Required Competencies & Qualifications:

• Maintain confidentiality
• Excellent listening and communication skills 
• Work collaboratively
• Use SEDS with proficiency and/or attend OSSE trainings
• Model Montessori ‘grace and courtesy’ curriculum
• A passion for teaching , and working in and with diverse communities

• A passion for growing independent, confident and intellectually curious children

• Ability to provide services to all children and families with respect and dignity

• Flexibility

• A love of children, self and a sense of humor

Education and Experience:

• MUST hold a valid teacher’s license/certification  in special education or be eligible to qualify for one in the District of Columbia . 
• Passing score in PRAXIS preferred
• Master’s degree  in special education with course work specialization in reading (K-6)  and/or working with children with autism and moderate to severe emotional and or behavioral disabilities preferred. Appropriate license or license eligible in the District of Columbia
• Knowledge of relevant adaptive and assistive technology 
• Ability to administer  formal and informal screening and assessment  programs (ASQ, TEMA, PPVT, Brigance, Wilson, Woodcock-Johnson, Ortho-Gilliam, others) , DIBELS, etc.
• 3-5 years of experience in a public ,  public charter, and/or Montessori school  in a  special education teaching position preferred.