2024-2025 SY: Teacher - Special Education (Life Skills-High Needs) at Aspen Community School

Santa Fe Public Schools - Santa Fe, NM

Part-time - Entry Level

Santa Fe, NM

Educational Services

About the position

The Teacher - Special Education (Life Skills-High Needs) at Aspen Community School is responsible for providing direct instruction to students identified for special education services. This role is crucial in helping students develop academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. The teacher will work with students in both inclusive and separate settings, ensuring that each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals are met. The position requires a commitment to creating a supportive and effective learning environment, utilizing various instructional techniques tailored to the needs of individual students. The teacher will also engage with parents, regular classroom teachers, and other personnel to communicate student progress and participate in parent-teacher conferences. In addition to direct instruction, the teacher will develop lesson plans and instructional materials, adapt the curriculum to meet the diverse needs of students, and maintain accurate records of student progress. The role involves evaluating students' academic and social growth, providing individualized instruction, and creating a positive learning atmosphere. The teacher will also collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure that all aspects of the students' education are addressed, including necessary referrals and strategies for individual education plans. The position is a full-time role with a contract length of 9 months, requiring a New Mexico Pre K-12 Special Education teaching license. The teacher will be expected to maintain professional relationships with staff, parents, and the community while demonstrating sensitivity and respect for diversity. This role is essential in fostering an inclusive educational environment that supports the unique needs of high-needs students.

Responsibilities

• Meets and instructs assigned classes/students in inclusive and separate settings as designated in the IEP.
• Provides direct instruction to students to meet specified IEP annual goals and short-term objectives.
• Documents and communicates pupil progress to parents, regular classroom teachers, and other appropriate personnel.
• Participates in parent-teacher conferences.
• Ensures an orderly learning environment through effective teaching and management practices.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques to address the needs and capabilities of individual students.
• Teaches district-approved curriculum and instructs pupils in citizenship and basic subject matter specified in state law.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional material and provides individualized and small group instruction.
• Translates lesson plans into developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior to achieve an effective learning atmosphere.
• Evaluates pupils' academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records, and prepares progress reports.
• Creates an environment for learning through functional and attractive displays of student work.
• Collects, maintains, and records ongoing data on each student for progress monitoring.
• Utilizes data, including pre and post assessments, to inform instruction and impact the IEP.
• Participates in interdisciplinary staffing/conferences with school and community personnel.
• Develops and implements the Individual Education Plan for each student assigned to the special education programs.
• Plans and participates in each student's annual review/IEP meeting, including preparation of a draft IEP.
• Provides necessary record-keeping documents as required by Federal, State, and district rules and regulations.
• Identifies pupil needs and makes appropriate referrals for individual education plans.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with building administrators and support personnel.
• Communicates regularly with parents outside normal classroom hours.
• Plans and coordinates the work of paraprofessionals, parents, and volunteers in the classroom.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• New Mexico Special Education teaching license.
• Completion of Student teaching or Internship program (preferred).
• At least one year's previous teaching experience (preferred).
• Bilingual: English-Spanish (preferred).
• Demonstrated general knowledge of curriculum and instruction.
• Ability to motivate and relate to students, parents, and others.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven professional management skills such as planning, directing, organizing, and coordinating.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and a desire to lead.
• Ability to establish and maintain a favorable working and learning atmosphere.

Nice-to-haves

• Bilingual: English-Spanish
• Completion of Student teaching or Internship program
• At least one year's previous teaching experience

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits available to full and part-time employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week.