Special Education Teacher at The International Academy of Hope (iHOPE)

Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities

· Oversees a classroom of school-aged children (ages 3 – 21) with brain-based disabilities and/or with other intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

· Prepares lessons and teaches students, providing instructional and behavioral management support to students, both individually and in small groups.

· Incorporates social skills into daily lesson plans and activities.

· Collaborates with each student’s school therapy team as necessary and appropriate, and implements therapy recommendations to support optimal treatment of the student.

· Prepares and appropriately documents annual academic goals for students and compiles quarterly progress reports; participates in Individualized Education Program (IEP) process including IEP meetings and team meetings, or legal hearings, when necessary and appropriate.

· Communicates and collaborates and/or meets with parents on a regular basis and involves parents in their child’s activities and progress.

· Provides direction, support and supervision to the paraprofessionals, teacher assistants and/or Associate Special Education Teachers in their classroom.

· Utilizes a multisensory approach incorporating art, music, and technology to design lessons to increase students’ literacy, numeracy, communication, social, and life skills.

· Performs all other duties, as assigned

Minimum Qualification Requirements including education, experience, licensure/certification, etc. and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.)

· Current certification and registration as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (grades B-2, 1-6, 7-12 and/or All Grades) or Permanent Special Education Certification, issued by the New York State Education Department; or

· Bachelor’s degree in education or closely related field and active pursuit of master’s level education in a New York State Registered Program for Special Education Teacher’s Certificate (or equivalent), with anticipated completion and receipt of certification as Teacher of Students with Disabilities within 5 (five) years of appointment; and two (2) years of experience in childcare, social services, healthcare and/or other school-based role.

· Exceptional interpersonal, problem solving, and communication skills

· Ability to take initiative, multi-task & meet deadlines

· Highly flexible personality type

Preferred Qualification Requirements (desired requirements beyond MQRs above)

· Master’s degree in special education strongly preferred

· Current NYS certification and registration as a teacher in special education (Students with Disabilities, Permanent in Special Education, etc.)

· Previous experience with school-aged children with special needs