Special Education Teacher

Grand Peak Academy•Colorado Springs, CO

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Grand Peak Academy (GPA) is kindergarten-eighth grade classical, Core Knowledge charter school committed to providing excellent educational opportunities to students in Northeast Colorado Springs. GPA offers a holistic classical approach to education that implements rigorous academic instruction in conjunction with an active classroom. Our model challenges students to think critically and take active roles in their classrooms and communities. This results in higher achievement and greater engagement in school. Our school gives students the academic and character-building skills they need as learners and leaders. Grand Peak Academy is seeking teachers to join our community! This teacher will join a team of educators committed to strengthening the foundation of an extraordinary school. In their daily practice, GPA teachers will develop and implement a curriculum that meets all students' needs, cultivate a culture that encourages young learners and leaders, and leverage data and evidence-based teaching practices. The Licensed Special Education Teacher develops and provides specialized instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities; Evaluates and assesses student progress against instructional objectives; follows State mandated due process procedures and functions as IEP Manager to assigned students.

Requirements

Prefer prior experience as a special education teacher in a K-12 public school setting
Requires completion of an approved program for the preparation of special education generalists from a regionally accredited college or university or 24 hours as determined by the CDE
Requires passing scores on both Elementary Education (PLACE 01 or Praxis #5018 or Praxis #5001 with passing scores on all subtests) and Special Education Generalist (PLACE 20 or Praxis #5354 content exams)
Holds a CDE-issued Special Education Generalist or Special Education Specialist license
Familiarity with Federal, State and CSI guidelines for special education and 504 plans
Expertise with a wide range of standardized and informal assessment procedures including progress monitoring tools
Expertise with research-based instructional programs and strategies in the areas of literacy and math
Knowledge of research-based academic and behavioral interventions
Ability to effectively communicate effectively in oral and written form
Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with team members
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Responsibilities

Provide specialized individual and group instruction to students with a range of academic, vision, hearing, physical, communicative, social, emotional and/or behavioral challenges
Employs various research-based teaching techniques, methods and principles of learning to enable students to meet their IEP goals.
Assist team members in developing and implementing IEPs as appropriate
Assist with conducting functional behavior assessments and developing behavior intervention plans with the assistance other team members
Assist with behavior intervention plans, as needed
Observe students in classroom and unstructured settings as needed to conduct evaluations, monitor student interventions and to provide staff consultation
Provide consultation to classroom teachers regarding classroom adaptations, instructional modifications, assistive technology, behavior modification plans and other similar instructional interventions to meet the needs of students with disabilities
Participate in the school's MTSS/RtI processes to design, implement, and monitor student response to research-based interventions for targeted academic, social, emotional and behavioral needs
Direct the services of educational assistants and coach them to implement accommodations, behavior plans and instructional services as per IEPs
Complete assessments, evaluation reports, behavior plans and progress reports within expected timelines
Establish and maintain student control and discipline in the classroom, school premises or during school activities
Employ and implement a classroom structure and consistency to encourage student responsibility, cooperation and mutual respect consistent with district policies and procedures
Collaborate and consult with educational professionals and community service providers (i.e., social services, public health, medical providers etc.) regarding the needs of students
Maintain direct service logs for all students on caseload
Thoroughly review student records including, but not limited to, prior IEPs, evaluations, achievement data, discipline, and attendance to assist with development of IEPs, choose evaluation tools, and assist with manifestation determination reviews
Enter all academic assessment, achievement, progress monitoring data, evaluation reports, behavior plans, and other relevant information into the school's electronic IEP/504 system as appropriate