Lead Special Education Teacher

Global Village Academy Collaborative - Aurora, CO

Full-time - Entry Level

Aurora, CO

About the position

The Lead Special Education Teacher at Global Village Academy Collaborative plays a crucial role in supporting the instructional process for students with special needs. This position is designed to foster the academic, interpersonal, and daily living skills of special education students. The teacher will be responsible for developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to each student's unique needs, ensuring that they receive the appropriate support and instruction to thrive in a diverse learning environment. The teacher will work collaboratively with other educators, staff, and administrators to address instructional challenges and enhance the educational experience for all students. In this role, the Lead Special Education Teacher will assess students' skills to identify their needs and develop effective teaching plans. They will adapt lessons to meet the diverse abilities of students, providing instruction in various formats, including whole class, small group, and one-on-one settings. The teacher will also be responsible for tracking student progress, updating IEPs throughout the school year, and communicating effectively with parents, teachers, and other stakeholders regarding student performance and development. Additionally, the Lead Special Education Teacher will supervise and mentor teacher assistants who work with students with disabilities, ensuring that all staff members are equipped to support the school's mission and curriculum. The teacher will also play a vital role in preparing students for transitions between grades and after graduation, reinforcing school-wide rules and expectations, and maintaining a high standard of academic and behavioral expectations within the classroom. This position requires a commitment to continuous reflection and improvement in teaching practices, as well as a dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive school culture.

Responsibilities

• Assess students' skills to determine their needs and to develop teaching plans
• Adapt lessons to meet the needs of students
• Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student
• Plan, organize, and assign activities that are specific to each student's abilities
• Teach and mentor students as a class, in small groups, and one-on-one
• Implement IEPs, assess students' performance, and track their progress
• Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect students' progress and goals
• Discuss student's progress with parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators
• Supervise and mentor teacher assistants who work with students with disabilities
• Prepare and help students transition from grade to grade and after graduation
• Support the school's mission and curriculum
• Reinforce school-wide rules and expectations in the classroom
• Communicate effectively and maintain strong relationships with students, families, teachers and colleagues
• Assist in the design and implementation of research-based curriculum
• Maintain the school culture of high academic and behavioral expectations through continuous reflection

Requirements

• Must possess a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
• Must possess a CO Special Education Teacher License
• All core content teachers must be highly qualified in the applicable field or grade level
• One year of working with students in a school setting is strongly preferred
• Must be able to demonstrate subject matter competency
• Familiarity with IEP process
• Experienced classroom teacher with demonstrated, quantifiable and objective student performance gains that surpass state or local averages
• Ability to work with a variety of learning abilities, including those with low skill level in a heterogeneously grouped classroom setting
• Ability to prioritize and achieve federal, state, districts, and school deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team, especially with parents and community members
• Flexibility and initiative necessary to contribute to a start up organization
• Analytical problem solver
• Basic understanding of data analysis
• Professional demeanor

Nice-to-haves

• Communication skills
• Critical-thinking skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Patience
• Resourcefulness

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Supportive work environment
• Opportunities for professional development
• Cultural diversity among school personnel