Dedicated Aide (Specialist, Individualized Instruction)

INSPIRED TEACHING DEMONSTRATION SCHOOL

Specialist, Individualized Instruction

At the Inspired Teaching Demonstration School, a professional learning community of master teachers and teacher residents ensures that a diverse group of students achieve their potential as accomplished learners, thoughtful citizens, and imaginative and inquisitive problem solvers through a demanding, inquiry-based curriculum. With its clear mission and prominent location in Washington, DC, the school serves as a model of instruction for students and training for teachers, with the goal of becoming a leader in changing the way teachers are prepared and supported and students are educated nationwide. The school currently serves PK3-grade 8.

THE ROLE OF THE SPECIALIST, INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION

The Specialist, Individualized Instruction (SII) assists in the supervision and instruction of special needs students in a regular or special education classroom; observes and documents student progress; implements plans for instruction; and provides clerical support, as needed.

Responsibilities include:

• Adapt classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the teacher for the purpose of providing an opportunity for special education students to participate in classroom activities.
• Implement academic instruction taught by a teacher for individuals or small groups for the purpose of meeting learning goals, as described by an IEP and/or district benchmarks.
• Implement behavioral plans designed by IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions; document progress.
• Participate, as appropriate, in communication between school and home per a student’s IEP.
• Confer with teachers on a regular basis for the purpose of assisting in evaluating special education student progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Assist students for the purpose of helping students with breakfast, lunch, snack, clean-up, lavatory, clothing, and personal hygiene, if required.
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
• Attend meetings and in-service presentations for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
• Adjust to new assignments or changes as needed
• Abide by employee handbook and code of conduct for professionalism and etiquette

Qualifications:

The successful applicant will demonstrate knowledge and experience in the field of progressive, constructivist education and have experience working with special needs children. Candidates must have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent and must meet the standards for a highly qualified paraprofessional. Therefore, successful candidates will have either:

(1)   completed two years of study at an institution of higher education;

(2)   obtained an associate's (or higher) degree; or

(3)   achieve a score of 461 on the Parapro, the state's formal academic assessment, demonstrating knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics.

Other requirements:

Candidates will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check/ FBI Fingerprinting and tuberculosis test.

To establish a true professional learning community, all adults in the building are considered educators, as they all interact regularly with students. As such, a firm belief and grounding in the philosophy and values of the school's mission is crucial for every employee.

The Inspired Teaching Demonstration School is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring and encourages applicants from all backgrounds.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

With its clear mission and prominent location in Washington, DC, the school serves as a model of instruction for students and training for teachers, with the goal of becoming a leader in changing the way teachers are prepared and supported, and students are educated nationwide. At the Inspired Teaching Demonstration School, students learn through an academically challenging, standards-based curriculum that supports and builds the four “I”s: Intellect, Inquiry, Imagination, and Integrity. Within its walls young people learn and achieve at high levels without having to surrender their intellectual curiosity and passion for learning.

The school focuses on developing student potential in four areas: Intellect, Inquiry, Imagination, and Integrity. Students master content in Reading & Literature, Communication, Math, Science, and Social Studies—and have the ability to apply their knowledge to relevant and current situations, problems, and experiences; students develop the skills of a researcher, using their intellectual curiosity to pose and solve problems; students exhibit the skills of divergent thinkers, with the courage to create, the willingness to approach problems with a joyful spirit, and the ability to play; and students develop the skills and dispositions necessary to function as members of a democratic society.

Teachers are held to a high standard of excellence and professionalism. Teachers demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the subjects they teach; draw on an extensive repertoire of authentic and engaging strategies for instruction and assessment, steeped in the knowledge of how children and adolescents learn; contribute to a vibrant and active professional learning community; and forge strong and positive relationships not only with students, but also with community stakeholders, including families.

As a demonstration school, staff works to disseminate our instructional approach through inviting education influencers to visit the school, and disseminating the model outward via preparation of Teaching Residents, conference presentations, and other opportunities to speak in the community.

The school is a place where children, adolescents and adults thrive and find joy in their work.

• The physical space communicates a genuine focus on learners.
• The emotional space requires an approach to academics and discipline that focuses on helping children and adolescents develop compassion, empathy, respect for others, self-discipline, and problem-solving skills.
• The intellectual space of the school asks teachers and students to act as leaders, share opinions and ideas, identify problems and generate solutions, and collaborate and work together as a community so that everyone experiences success.
• The school emphasizes parent and community involvement. Parents play an active and important role in the school - volunteering in classrooms, creating special events for families, supporting student learning, and contributing to the positive climate.

SCHOOL CULTURE

• The school is a place where children and adults thrive and find joy in their work.
• The physical space communicates a genuine focus on children.
• The emotional space requires an approach to discipline and academics that focuses on helping children develop compassion, respect for others, self-discipline, and problem-solving skills.
• The intellectual space of the school asks teachers and students to act as leaders, share opinions and ideas, identify problems and generate solutions, and collaborate and work together as a community so that everyone experiences success.
• The school emphasizes parent and community involvement. Parents play an important role in the school: offering feedback to staff, attending student exhibitions and performances, reviewing student portfolios, and providing volunteer services.

The Inspired Teaching Demonstration School is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status. All employment decisions are made solely on the basis of the individual’s qualifications as related to the requirements of the position being filled. The school's Title IX Coordinator is Jessica Hiltabidel (jessica.hiltabidel@inspiredteachingschool.org)