ROSE Learning Specialist

Excel Academy Charter Schools•East Boston Campus, MA

About The Position

Excel Academy was founded in 2003 with the mission to provide a high-quality, free, and public education to students in East Boston and Chelsea Massachusetts, communities that are predominantly low-income and Latinx and historically have faced significant social and educational barriers. Our success in Massachusetts is proof that the opportunity gap can be closed and we opened a new school in Rhode Island in 2022. At Excel Academy Charter Schools, we believe that when a student has the support and tools to pursue a productive post-secondary pathway aligned to their personal identity and values, it can fundamentally change their life trajectory. At Excel Academy we learn from our students, families, and staff and make improvements. We have increasingly adapted to provide a holistic education that values our community as collaborators in the learning process, social-emotional support, equity for diverse learners, and fosters identity development. We prioritize an approach that is both rigorous and inclusive. Our team of passionate, intelligent, driven, and loving staff are at the core of the work we do. Growth Happens Here. About the Role Excel teachers are responsible for delivering effective, high-quality, rigorous college-preparatory instruction designed to foster the success of their students. Teachers who thrive at Excel tend to be entrepreneurial instructors and hungry learners who crave frequent high-quality feedback on their practice. Out of the classroom and with the support of school administrators, the Middle School Special Education Teacher will manage administrative/regulatory aspects of the Special Education Program.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred
A commitment to and belief in all students and the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel’s values and educational model
A commitment to addressing racial and economic inequity in education
The ability to focus and thrive in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment
The ability to work effectively in a team environment and the willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work
An openness to change, a willingness to problem-solve, and an interest in receiving feedback for continuous improvement

Nice To Haves

Have experience in a public or charter school setting
Speak Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic fluently
Can speak to the importance of rigorous classroom instruction and culture
Can speak to the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion

Responsibilities

Teach daily instructional support lessons to students on caseload, utilizing time outside of core-academic classes
Serve as an inclusion teacher as needed to more effectively support the learning abilities of students with high needs
Work closely with general education teachers to differentiate curriculum, help create effective accommodations, and modify curriculum when appropriate
Ensure that all work with students with special needs is aligned with the school’s academic goals for student achievement.
Write all IEPs of new Special Education students & revise/update existing IEPs
Coordinate outsourced Special Education testing and manage Special Education Consultants (i.e. Speech and Language Therapist; Occupational Therapist, etc.)
Ensure that implementation of Special Education services is in compliance with federal and state special education regulations
Manage all paperwork (e.g. IEPs, 504s, Child Study Records of Accommodations, Teacher Input Questionnaires, IEP Progress Reports, subject-area checklists for MCAS, etc.) associated with Special Education cases, ensuring deadlines are met and information is accurately recorded
Maintain regular communication with students’ parents/guardians and families
Create all CPR/CAP documents to ensure DOE compliance.
Enforce school-wide systems and procedures to effectively manage the classroom
Continually communicate with students and families regarding academic and behavior performance and progress
Serve as a homeroom teacher and student advisor
Serve as a productive member of the Excel Community.