Who Are We? Prospect Hill Academy Charter School is a highly successful urban PK-12 public school located in Somerville and Cambridge. We enroll over 1,100 students from cities and towns throughout the greater Boston metro area. Our inclusive and restorative school celebrates and serves a diverse community - with 87% BIPOC, 27% ELL, and 16% of our students qualifying for special education services. Our mission is to prepare all students for success in college, foster responsible citizenship, and inspire a lifelong love of learning - as we believe academic achievement opens doors and creates opportunities for our students. We center the values of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work. Our approach to instruction is founded on culturally sustaining, inquiry-based, and student-centered practices. To invest in the growth of our educators, we offer comprehensive professional development, instructional coaching, and mentorship. Our campuses foster a collaborative team environment with extraordinary educators who are committed to ongoing learning, reflection, and professional growth. What does a Teacher of the RISE (Responsive, Individualized, Strength-Based Engagement) Program at Prospect Hill do? The Teacher of the RISE (Responsive, Individualized, Strength-Based Engagement) Program implements and adapts direct and explicit academic and specially designed instruction across content areas using multi-sensory teaching, differentiated strategies, including use of modified content, methodology, and performance criteria as needed for students on the autism spectrum. Essential Responsibilities:

• Plans a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interest, and abilities of the students
• Collaborates with grade level classroom teachers, other special education teachers, and specialists to provide comprehensive and effective services to assigned students
• Promotes and assists in the implementation of research-based strategies to ensure the transition and generalization of students’ academic and social goals within the regular education environment and throughout the school
• Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals (e.g. behavioral, motor development and communication skills, academic needs, etc.) for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration
• Serves as contact person for designated caseload, including completion of all associated paperwork (monitoring student performance, writing IEPs/progress reports, etc.), participation in the Team process (participating in Annual Reviews, conferencing w/ parents/Team members, etc.), and maintenance of communication between teachers, specialists, families, and any outside providers
• Utilizes appropriate classroom management strategies, including a comprehensive positive behavior intervention system, to ensure a successful and motivating instructional environment within the classroom and throughout the school for designated students
• Uses a multi-disciplinary approach to gather various sources of information for progress monitoring in order to routinely implement data-based decision-making practices to guide instruction and lesson planning
• Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students
• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of established district curriculum goals, establishes and communicates clear objectives to the students for all lessons, units and projects
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs of capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved
• Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Participates in professional development that is specific to the mission of PHA and responsive to the needs of our student population
• Plans and supervises assignments for teaching assistants and/or behavior therapists
• Takes an active part in the teacher evaluation process, contributing to a mutual agreement concerning the results of that evaluation
• Attends building and district meetings as applicable and requested by supervisors
• Attends established traditional school sponsored activities (e.g., Back to School Night, Open House, programs, activities)
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence
• Coordinates student and staff schedules to ensure compliance with IEP requirements and the efficient use of resources
• Consults with staff and administration on instructional/student issues as an active, participatory Team member

Additional Responsibilities:

• Fulfill non-instructional duties as assigned by the building director (morning supervision, advisory, bus duty, etc.).
• Maintain a high degree of professionalism at all times (attendance, punctuality, dress, written and oral communication, etc.).
• Perform other duties assigned by the Director of Student Services and/or the building Principal.

What Knowledge, Skills, and Experiences are needed for this role?

• A minimum of 3 years of teaching experience working with students with autism utilizing principles of ABA
• Master’s Degree preferred, Bachelor’s Degree required
• DESE licensure (or license eligible) in Moderate Disabilities or Severe Disabilities
• Commitment to Prospect Hill Academy's educational mission, vision, and values
• Commitment to working with students and families from diverse backgrounds with diverse profiles
• Well-developed and demonstrated cultural proficiency
• Strong organizational and communication skills, both written and oral
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and facilitate clearly in oral and written form with staff and families
• Passionate about collaboration with colleagues and supervisor; proven ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues, including the ability to nurture a community of adult learners
• Proficiency in the effective use of data to determine and monitor progress, including using and creating spreadsheets or other relevant data tracking tools
• Demonstrated ability to give and receive constructive feedback
• Growth mindset and a commitment to reflective practice
• Fluency in Google suite of applications

Our students and families are diverse, and we are committed to hiring educators who reflect the wonderful diversity of our students. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply to work at Prospect Hill.