What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Education Instructor position at Community Academies of New Orleans?
Job Description – Special Education Self- Contained Teacher
About Community Academies of New Orleans (CANO)
Community Academies of New Orleans (“CANO”) is a dynamic and growing charter school management organization with a mission to strengthen leadership and implement strategic operational practices that position us as a Destination School in the New Orleans metropolitan area.
CANO envisions a system of exemplary schools deeply rooted in the voices of our students, families, and communities—producing graduates who are committed to advocacy and community leadership. Our mission is to cultivate schools that foster character development and critical thinking in responsive, student-centered environments, ultimately preparing our students to become impactful leaders.
Our commitment to academic excellence is matched by strategic partnerships and programs that leverage community assets to support student success. CANO offers a fresh yet grounded vision for education in New Orleans—building a new path forward for students, families, and communities.
- INTEGRITY. We always do the right thing.
- TEAMWORK. We work and grow together.
- PASSION. We love our students; our community; our work.
- DIGNITY. We value and respect every member of our community.
- COURAGE. We approach challenges with optimism and confidence.
About the Role
The Special Education Self Contained Teacher collaborates with the Academic Team , as well as with parents and students in order to provide an unparalleled and personalized academic experience. The Special Education Self-Contained Teacher will create a personalized development plan collaboratively with the SpEd Coordinator and Principal and will receive weekly coaching to ensure progress toward personal and professional goals.
About the Opportunity
- Collaborate with the Academic Team to improve lesson plans and instructional materials
- Deliver grade level curriculum identified by Community Academies with fidelity and consult on strengths and challenges of the curriculum
- Assist in the development of the IEP goals and objectives and ensure appropriate implementation of student interventions through collaboration with classroom teachers
- Monitor children’s behavioral patterns and arrange appropriate interventions if needed
- Utilize provided supplemental resources for holistic intervention and enrichment and identify or create additional resources, as necessary
- Conduct assessment which focuses on both long and short-term needs of the student
- Collaborating with parents and school staff to track students’ progress
- Manage classroom crises and resolve conflict
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (required)
- Two years of special education teaching experience
- Valid Louisiana state special education certificate
- Ability to create IEPs
- Ability to maintain compliance with all SPED documents and records
- Fully participate in professional development opportunities on and off property throughout the year.
- Provide and seek feedback from other members of the Academic Team, staff and leadership.
- Good knowledge of current special education topics and methodologies
- A strong desire to work towards equity within education
- Growth mindset and a desire to learn and grow through consistent coaching and feedback
- A patient, resourceful, and resilient personality
- Belief that all students are capable of success and deserve to be pushed to a rigorous academic and behavioral bar
- Willingness to do whatever it takes and go above and beyond to serve all students, faculty, and parents
- Calming Nature
- Highly Intuitive
- Others duties as assigned
Physical Demands
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position for 75% of the workday while providing instruction.
- Regularly and frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a laptop or desktop computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment, inside the classroom and school building while monitoring students productivity and behavior on a daily basis.
- Occasionally reach with hands and arms and must lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
- Occasionally ascend and descend stairs to migrate throughout the workspace
More about CANO
CANO Schools offer competitive salaries commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package. Aside from extensive professional development, all of our instructional staff members are equipped with a laptop computer, email, and all necessary supplies. We also require all employees to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of the COVID-19 vaccination within 30 days of the date of hire.
EEO Statement
CANO believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. "We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Community Academies of New Orleans is an EEO employer and prohibits discrimination, harassment or retaliation in accordance with federal, state and local laws."