Education Specialist (Bilingual Spanish & English)

VOICES COLLEGE BOUND LANGUAGE ACADEMIES•Richmond, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Voices is a public charter school network dedicated to preparing students for higher education through a rigorous dual-immersion program. Our mission is to ensure every learner graduates bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish, regardless of their home language, within a full-inclusion dual-language model. We aim to change the statistics on college degree attainment, particularly for Hispanic young adults. Our educational philosophy is rooted in a sociocultural approach, emphasizing collaboration, language development, and culturally sustaining practices. We believe in creating rigorous, language-rich, and developmentally responsive learning environments, utilizing play-based pedagogy in early childhood and intentional direct and interdisciplinary instruction in upper grades. Instruction is standards-based, designed to foster bilingualism, biliteracy, and critical thinking through reflective, data-informed practice. The Education Specialist (SPED) Teacher will be an inspiring and motivating educator capable of independent work. Reporting to the Principal and Student Services Manager, this role is responsible for student success in core academic areas (reading, writing, language, math) by implementing approved curriculum, documenting progress, modeling skills, providing a safe learning environment, and offering feedback to students, teachers, parents, and administration. The specialist will also design and implement curriculum, develop school-wide instructional strategies, administer assessments, and manage the IEP caseload. Instruction will be delivered in various settings including core classes, intervention classes, small groups, and one-on-one pull-out sessions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
CA Education Specialist Credential (Mild to Moderate) or eligible for emergency permit
Bilingual authorization (BCLAD or equivalent, BCC, ELD, LDS, etc.) — required for permanent roles; preferred for temporary assignments
Knowledge of subject matter, including California Common Core Standards
Demonstrated passion for the mission, vision, and values of Voices Academies with a deep commitment to improving the lives of students from low-income communities
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish
Outstanding written, speaking, and organizational skills with experience interacting with a broad range of stakeholders
Commitment to the accelerated educational progress of children
Experience or commitment to public education, social justice, efficacy and equity
Works well in a high-pressure environment
First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
Cleared criminal background check
Valid TB Clearance

Nice To Haves

Can work independently, have flexibility, and demonstrate success in building a dual-immersion curriculum
Understanding of dual immersion instructional practices and school design and the unique characteristics of public charter schools, is a plus
High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Google Apps

Responsibilities

Provides educational instruction as outlined in the IEP for identified individuals with exceptional needs and monitors the implementation of the IEP.
Provides leadership for ensuring full compliance with legal requirements as prescribed by federal law under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act 1997) and IDEIA (Individuals with Disabilities in Education Improvement Act, 2004) and the State of California Education Code.
Uses the school's data analysis tools to drive instructional practices, re-teaching strategies, and interventions.
Responds to student data on a weekly, quarterly, and yearly basis based on student need.
Provides accommodations and/or modifications to learners with disabilities for assignments and testing as determined by the IEP team.
Instruct students for the purpose of improving their success in assigned basic academic subject areas of reading, writing and/or math, etc.
Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment, developing behavior support plans as needed.
Plans learning activities appropriate to subject(s), grade level(s), abilities, and cultural background of individual students.
Creates an atmosphere through personal example and efficacious relationships with students that inspire academic achievement and an enthusiasm for learning.
Organizes classroom systems/procedures/routines and manages student behavior to ensure students are fully engaged in learning.
Establishes a culture of high expectations and college preparation for all students.
Develops lesson plans consistent with Voices' best practices & guidelines, instructional materials, and provides individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student.
Motivates pupils to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for elementary education.
Challenges and accelerates ALL students, no matter at what level they enter the classroom.
Develops and evaluates independent study programs.
Provides ongoing educational assessments and diagnoses of children for the purpose of identifying special learning problems and coordinates the development of individual instructional plans as appropriate for students identified with special needs.
Evaluates students' abilities in basic academics for the purpose of assisting other personnel in the diagnosis of learning disorders, development of remediation plans, and/or student progress.
Administers standardized achievement tests, interprets results to determine learners' strengths and areas of need for initial, annual, and triennial assessments.
Drafts and writes professional and compliant IEPs, as well as finalizes the data in SEIS (affirms all IEPs).
Establishes procedures to process and place eligible students: develop screening programs in areas of academics and behavior; use data to determine eligibility for special education services; and provide research-based instruction and interventions of increasing intensity of supports to benefit all students.
Coordinates referral and assessment procedures and facilitates the coordination of IEP team meetings and the implementation of special education services (Speech, Occupational Therapy, etc.).
Works cooperatively with staff and parents toward the resolution of mutual concerns.
Participates in daily grade-level meetings and professional development.
Collaborates with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of lessons, units, and programs.
Identifies unique student needs and collaborates with other team members and outside service providers to diagnose and address learning challenges.
Participates in various meetings (IEP, SST, Parent conference, In-service training, Staff meetings, etc.).
Participates in collaborative curriculum development, grade-level activities, and school-wide functions, events, and trips.
Collaborates with parents as educational partners and provides ability awareness as needed.
Coordinates special education services with the regular school program for each individual with exceptional needs and monitors the implementation of the IEP.
Actively participates in professional development activities, including retreats.
Demonstrates knowledge of, and support, Voices' mission, vision, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior and teacher compact.
Motivates and organizes parent involvement and fosters strong school morale and academic achievement.
Provides students and their families with regular and timely information.
Participates in parent conferences and provides regular progress reports as required.
Identifies student needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students solve health, attitude, and learning problems.
Represents the school and program to local and State groups as assigned, maintaining a positive and professional image; interacts with outside agencies as necessary.
Maintains and prepares reports and records regarding student matters as directed.
Mentors and co-plans with the Associate Teacher, keeping him/her informed of weekly plans and goals, and evaluating the Associate Teacher.
Keeps anecdotal records about student behavior and progress for use when generating IEPs and in conferences with parents.
Prepares local, state, and federal reports, or other documents as may be required for the purpose of disseminating information to appropriate parties.
Performs other duties as assigned.