Diverse Learning Teacher (Self contained)

About LEARN D.C.

In 2018, PAVE and POST did an extensive national search and after conducting a rigorous selection process, chose LEARN D.C. to serve the unique needs of both Ward 8 and military families. LEARN D.C. is open to ALL students in the District.  Founded in 2001, LEARN D.C. is an affiliate of LEARN’s school network of 10 PK-8^th grade college preparatory elementary schools, based in the Chicagoland area, whose mission is to create measurable, transformational change in the lives of its scholars. LEARN will replicate its model in its expansion to Ward 8 in Washington D.C in Fall 2021 and will educate students in grades PK3-8th grade from both JBAB and the nearby community.

As a DL teacher, you will have the opportunity to set the vision and future impact of generations of scholars in the community.  The LEARN D.C. campus is a college preparatory elementary school dedicated to providing our students with the academic foundation and ambition to earn a college degree. Our schools provide a rigorous educational program that is built upon an intimate understanding of each student’s individual learning style and academic needs. We are guided by five Core Values which include: expectations of high achievement; mutual respect; the development of a safe and nurturing environment; active family involvement; and the positive development of the Whole Child. 

About the Opportunity

At LEARN, we recognize our Special Education Teachers face unique challenges, but they say their hard work proves to be incredibly rewarding and worthwhile. LEARN is a great place to work because colleagues are empathetic and encouraging. Administrators provide a supportive and nurturing environment with resources for scholars, professional development, and growth opportunities.

LEARN wholeheartedly embodies teacher appreciation. From a genuine interest in teacher input, to celebrating and promoting professional advancement, to providing a yearly retention bonus and other rewarding perks like gift cards, LEARN values our teacher’s dedication to our scholars.

What differentiates LEARN teachers is their passionate advocacy for students and their commitment to set high expectations for scholars. We welcome inspired teachers and give them the opportunities to do work that excites them. 

Through our implementation of a Multi-Tier System of Support (MTSS) at all of our campuses, LEARN embraces the idea that ALL scholars are capable of becoming expert learners. Teachers and administrators are constantly evaluating how to best support and celebrate our diversity to benefit ALL scholars’ academic and social-emotional needs and create learning environments that tear down barriers.

The Special Education Self Contained Teacher will be responsible for planning and delivering tailored instruction to children with special needs and will have primary, daily instructional responsibility for a classroom serving students with the most significant needs, including students who may be on the Autism spectrum, intellectual and developmental disabilities, multiple disabilities, behavioral needs and/or non-verbal learners. 

Responsibilities

As a Special Education Teacher, your critical tasks might include:

• Planning and delivering instruction to children with special needs due to learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities per the goals of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). 
• Adapting general education lessons and/or teaching basic skills, such as literacy, computation and communication strategies while providing access to the general education standards to the extent possible in their least restrictive environment.
• Assisting classroom teachers in accommodating/modifying instruction for students; and implementing ongoing assessments to develop and revise IEP goals as necessary
• Maintaining required documentation. 
• Cultivating and maintaining ongoing relationships with student’s families and facilitating school-based problem-solving meetings.
• Collaborating with grade level teachers and related service providers.
• Ensuring students’ plans/goals are based on evidence and implemented with fidelity. 

Additional tasks may include:

• Coordinating evaluations and supervising the referral process and IEP development and implementation.
• Ensuring timely delivery of internal and/or contracted services.
• Ensuring ongoing compliance with State, Local and Federal Laws and regulations while maintaining regular communication with the Director/Coordinator of Student Services. 
• Maintaining updated and accurate reports.

Required Qualifications

Education, Training and/or Experience

This position is a great fit if:

• You have a degree in Special Education and/or State/District Certification or Endorsement.
• You have at least 1 year of Teaching experience in special education (ideally 3 years total teaching experience).
• You have experience working with students who have significant learning and/or behavioral difficulties, including non-verbal students, intellectual disabilities, and/or students on the Autism spectrum.
• You have experience using AAC/communication devices and planning instruction for students at different levels.
• You have experience of working with students who have toileting needs and/or physical impairments.
• You have experience working in a self-contained setting.
• You have a proven track record of delivering gains in student academic achievement.
• You have a demonstrated record of living LEARN’s Core Values.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics

To succeed as a Special Education Teacher, you demonstrate our core values by setting high expectations for yourself and our scholars, along with bringing a high level of energy and consistently positive attitude. You are proficient with Microsoft Office and Google applications, databases, and intranet and internet usage. You possess strong written and verbal skills, and the ability to express yourself effectively and concisely.

You can use data effectively to impact and facilitate instruction, in addition to understanding how to apply legal or regulatory standards to decision making.

Above all, you are a detail-oriented educator who is comfortable interacting with internal and external stakeholders, particularly families and regulatory bodies. You demonstrate professional demeanor with a high degree of initiative and independent judgment, plus the ability to defuse situations and get others organized to meet project expectations.
 

Salary : $72,000 - $90,000