Special Educator - Therapeutic Academic Program (TAP)

Portsmouth School Department•Portsmouth, RI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The position of the Therapeutic Academic Program (TAP) Special Educator works to support our students who need SEL support beyond tier 2, to access the general education setting. The special educator plans and provides individualized and specialized instruction that is an appropriate and rigorous learning experience for students with SEL needs as outlined in an IEP or RTI plan, in the school setting. The Therapeutic Academic Program emphasizes collaboration with families, engaging students in their learning, and supporting colleagues with strategies that allow students to access their education successfully.

Requirements

Must be currently certified by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) as an Elementary Special Education Teacher in Grades K - 8
Safety Care Certified
In accordance with Rhode Island’s Right to Read Act, all educators must demonstrate awareness of and/or proficiency in the Science of Reading.
All qualified candidates will have completed an approved Right to Read training program or possess current certification of proficiency or awareness (out-of-state teachers may be granted one year from their date of hire to complete the required training).
Awareness Certification requries 10-hours of training, which can be completed online, and free-of-charge on BRIDGE-RI.
For positions requiring Proficiency, more intensive coursework is required. Educators can achieve this by completing state-approved certificate/degree programs (e.g., reading specialist certification or a related Master's degree).
Upon successful completion of approved proficiency training, educators can apply for a free Literacy/Dyslexia Endorsement to add to their teaching certificate.

Nice To Haves

Restorative Practices Training preferred

Responsibilities

Adheres to the policies and related directives of the Portsmouth School Department
Promotes the attainment of the District’s Mission Vision, and Strategic Plan
Provides direct academic and social/emotional instruction
Coordinates paraprofessionals working with students throughout the school setting
Collaborates with general education teachers, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, direct providers, and other special educators
Designs and implements Individual Educational Programs to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities and completes IEP progress reporting in a timely fashion
Follows the student IEP and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, including the delivery of high-quality services, and the provision of accommodations/modifications for instruction and assessment
Develops/modifies social, emotional, academic curriculum, and behavioral programs for a wide variety of learning profiles
Supports the development of and implements Behavior Intervention Plans
Manages and de-escalates challenging behaviors
Collects data using progress monitoring tools and reports student progress to service providers and family
Provides inclusion support
Communicates effectively with parent/guardian to support a positive home-school relationship
Demonstrates the ability to work with students with autism, social/emotional diagnoses, and behavioral challenges
Implements a social-emotional curriculum
Performance of other job-related duties as assigned by the building Principal or Director of Student Services
Member of the building safety care team