Position Overview:

New School SF is built on an inclusive foundation, grounded in the belief that all students can learn and that our job as educators is to support every student in their development of self; socially, emotionally, and academically. Backing this belief comes through with every step, from a coteaching staffing model that allows for flex and attention to varied learning needs, to the implementation of the Inquiry Arc, encouraging students to tap into their motivations and best demonstration of learning. In turning this commitment into an ethos for all staff, it is clear that operating in a way that is cohesive enables the best services for kids. This cohesion must persist across teachers, service providers, families, and systems that support this connected ecosystem. Within a three-tiered structure, synergies across them must be present through systems and practices. Our approach to diverse learners is felt by everyone; when it goes well, and when it doesn’t. We have a collective responsibility to ensure that our diverse learners strategy at New School is best in class.

The Special Education Teacher (Learning Specialist) is a key role in achieving a vision for truly inclusive, joyful and rigorous learning. They will work primarily with students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), providing students individualized and targeted support to access the curriculum, to engage productively with peers, and to thrive at school. The Special Education Teacher (Learning Specialist) will provide specialized academic instruction and will support the development and implementation of behavioral and social emotional learning plans for students with IEPs. Beyond provision of direct interventions and services, the Special Education Teacher (Learning Specialist) acts as case manager for students with IEPs. The Special Education Teacher (Learning Specialist) is part of our school’s Diverse Leaners Team, helping to build and guide us toward a vision of ensuring all students’ needs are met across our school. This is a full-time position.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of two years in a related role or work

• California Special Education credential required

• Trained in a variety of academic and behavioral interventions

• Case Management experience

• Experience with capacity-building, training, and/or coaching of educators

• Demonstrable commitment to equity in education

• Experience working with families from diverse backgrounds and with diverse needs

Competencies:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to build partnership and trust across lines of difference with students, parents and educators

• Passionate about education and collaboratively building an exceptional and equitable school community

• Comfortable working and leading within a diverse, collaborative, start-up environment

• Creative and flexible thinking

• Curious and comfortable with failure

• Awareness of and playfulness with both strengths and limitations • Love for learning

Responsibilities:

• Plan individualized academic and/or behavioral intervention programs to target diverse learners’ needs

• Prepare & share lesson plans and/or arcs of intervention to support collaboration amongst stakeholders

• Provide students with Specialized Academic Instruction in both individual and group settings.

• Provide students with Behavioral Intervention Services

• Implement research-based interventions aligned with the school’s multi-tiered system of supports

• Employ authentic and norm-referenced assessment strategies to monitor progress and guide instructional planning and decision-making

• Systematically track student data

• Develop students’ IEPs with input and collaboration from all IEP team members

• Formally assess students (using standardized assessments) and develop reports to contribute to special education evaluations

• Case Manage IEPs, including, but not limited to, holding the following responsibilities: Monitor and meet timelines; Engage caregivers in regular communication, scheduling meetings as necessary; Hold oversight of implementation of accommodations and modifications in the gen ed environment; Monitor and report on progress toward IEP goals

• Work closely with other intervention and special education service providers

• Facilitate monthly collaboration meetings with relevant grade level teams

• Partner with educators to ensure the systems, conditions, accommodations and modifications are in place for students with IEPs

• Support educators to build capacity in: Supporting students who learn differently through both academic and behavior modifications and accommodations; Universal Design for Learning and Differentiation; Creating a safe and supportive learning environment for all children

• Participate in relevant teams/meetings to develop and promote schoolwide (Tier 1) and Tier 2 vision and practices related to inclusion and other schoolwide priorities. May include: Culture and Climate Committee; Coordination of Services Team (COST); Curriculum Instruction Team

• Attend weekly staff development, focused on targeted team needs • Engage in weekly coaching meetings to support own professional development & growth goals