Special Education K-6 Teacher

West Bay Collaborative - Warwick, RI

Full-time - Entry Level

Warwick, RI

Educational Services

About the position

The Special Education K-6 Teacher at West Bay Collaborative is responsible for providing specialized instruction to students with diverse learning needs in a primary school setting. This position requires a commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment where all students can thrive. The teacher will work closely with the Program Administrator and the Director of Special Education to develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and 504 plans that align with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The role involves reviewing and revising the curriculum annually to ensure it meets the needs of all students, particularly those with special educational requirements. In addition to curriculum development, the teacher will instruct students in core content areas, preparing individualized study plans that cater to each student's unique learning profile. Regular attendance at IEP meetings is essential, where the teacher will present students' current performance levels and collaborate with families and other educational professionals to identify future needs. The teacher will also coordinate with various service providers, such as speech/language therapists and occupational therapists, to ensure a holistic approach to each child's education. Communication is a key component of this role, as the teacher will regularly update students, staff, and families on expectations, outcomes, and daily progress. The teacher will also play a vital role in developing and implementing school-wide structures and procedures that support students with social, emotional, and mental health needs, helping them succeed both academically and socially. Data collection will be necessary to monitor the effectiveness of individual behavioral programs, which will inform instructional practices. The teacher will collaborate with the Program Administrator, Social Worker, and Behavioral Specialists to support at-risk students in developing appropriate behaviors and conflict resolution skills. Overall, this position is crucial in helping students achieve their academic goals and fostering a supportive learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Review and revise content area curriculum yearly.
• Instruct students in the general core content areas curriculum.
• Prepare individualized study plans and IEPs / 504s utilizing the CCSS in conjunction with administration, staff, and families.
• Attend IEP and other meetings to present students' current levels of performance and identify future needs.
• Work with other service providers (i.e. speech/language, OT, PT, etc.) to ensure coordination of efforts and to maximize positive outcomes for children.
• Communicate expectations, outcomes, and daily progress on a regular basis to students, staff, and families.
• Help develop, modify, and implement school-wide structures and procedures that will enable children with social/emotional/mental health needs to succeed in school and community.
• Collect data as needed to monitor efficacy of individual behavioral programs and use data to inform instruction.
• Work directly with Program Administrator, Social Worker, and Program Behavioral Specialists/Teacher Assistants to support at-risk students to help them develop appropriate behaviors and conflict resolution skills.
• Support students in their efforts to complete classroom work and to achieve their annual and long-term academic goals.
• Perform duties as assigned by the Program Administrator/Assistant Director of Special Education and Executive Director.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related field.
• Valid teaching certification in Special Education for K-6.
• Experience working with children with special needs in an educational setting.
• Strong understanding of IEP development and implementation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with families, staff, and service providers.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in Special Education or related field.
• Experience with behavioral intervention strategies.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices.
• Familiarity with assistive technology for special education.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Paid time off during school breaks.
• Supportive work environment with a focus on collaboration.