Position:Special Education Teacher (Generalist), Orton Academy - Charter School

Orton Academy is a tuition free public charter school for 2nd-8th grade located in central Colorado Springs, within the D11 boundary.

Orton Academy cultivates an inclusive environment where learning is accessible to students with a dyslexia profile and reading and written language difficulties. The school grounds itself in the vision that every child in Colorado Springs can reach their fullest potential. By removing reading barriers and providing dyslexia appropriate core instruction and dyslexia therapy firmly rooted in the Science of Reading, Orton Academy allows students to not only increase their access to reading, but to also increase their access to a more fulfilling life experience.

Position Summary: Orton Academy’s special education teacher will work in a team environment in partnership with general and special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators in all school settings. This is an instructional position that designs and implements learning experiences for students utilizing data-informed practices and a variety of research-based instructional techniques. As a part of the instructional team, the special educator participates in a community of professional learning to develop and refine knowledge and skills necessary for providing students with dyslexia and related comorbidities the tools and abilities for academic, social/emotional, and civic success. The special educator maintains excellent communication practices with administration, special service providers, staff, students, and parents/guardians.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:The following statements of essential functions and responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. These statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of all personnel within this position. Actual duties and responsibilities may vary depending on specific assignment and other factors.

• Develops and implements as case manager Individual Education Program plans for students to include all school, district, state, and federal requirements, including, but not limited to: present levels of educational performance, special education needs, instructional goals and objectives, and the special education and related services required to meet those goals.
• Provides research-based, data-informed specialized instruction to address the academic goals and objectives contained within each student’s IEP using a variety of individual and group activities.
• Employs various teaching techniques, methods, and principles of learning to enable students to meet their IEP goals.
• Facilitates/participates in IEP meetings.
• Takes personal responsibility for IEP creation and compliance (i.e. notice of meetings, procedural safeguards, accurate and timely completion of IEPs and required signatures).
• Takes personal responsibility to coordinate the delivery of all special education services in each student’s IEP.
• Assists in screening, evaluating, and recommending placements for students in the school’s special education program.
• Assesses student progress and determines the need for additional reinforcement or adjustments to instructional techniques.
• Coordinates, administers, and documents progress monitoring in order to accurately complete quarterly progress reports to disseminate to parents.
• Gathers, completes, and submits documentation for extended school year (ESY), change of placement and tutors as necessary.
• Follows Federal and State Laws, Board of Education policies, and approved OA/D11 practices regarding special education students.
• Complies with applicable state and federal laws, and OA/district administrative policies, procedures, and practices.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, OA/D11 policy, and administrative regulations.
• Demonstrate an awareness of, a commitment to, and a respect for multiple aspects of diversity, while working toward common goals as a community of learners.
• Provides instruction aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards and the organized plan of instruction.
• Uses a variety of assessments to create a body of evidence to verify student achievement toward mastery of standards.
• Implements through instruction and action OA's philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives.
• Establishes and maintains positive classroom management.
• Provides appropriate behavioral and/or social/emotional supports to students using research-based interventions and strategies.
• Demonstrates competency in directing the day-to-day activities of assigned paraprofessionals, if applicable.
• Clearly communicates among special education personnel (teachers, paraprofessionals, itinerants) and other district/school staff (administrators, general education teachers).
• Routinely communicates with general education teachers in regards to specific IEP needs of students within the regular classroom environment.
• Confers frequently with parents and professional staff members regarding student needs.
• Provides clear, supportive and accurate information to parents.
• Attends staff meetings and serves on staff committees as required.
• Demonstrates professionalism through ethical conduct, reflection, and leadership.
• Models appropriate conduct at all times.
• Performs duties as directed by supervisors and administrators.
• Performs non-instructional duties as directed.
• Responds as directed and as necessary in safety and/or crisis situations.
• Responds to a complex, dynamic environment.
• Performs other related work duties as required.

Physical Demands

The work is mostly walking and standing with periods of sitting. Typical positions require workers to lift and carry up to 30 pounds; climb stairs; bend and crouch; reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards; demonstrate an athletic activity or physical exercise; and feel the shape, size, and temperature of objects; and physically restrain students. The work requires the ability to speak normally, to use normal or aided vision and hearing, and to detect odors.

Supervision & Technical Responsibilities: This position may oversee one or more paraprofessionals.

Budget Responsibility: This position does not have any direct budget responsibility.

Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for this position:

Education & Training:

• Bachelor's degree in education or other related discipline
• Valid CDE teacher licensure with appropriate endorsement

Experience:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of effective teaching of students with disabilities. 
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of special education.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform responsibilities without the necessity of close supervision.
• Must be proficient in the use of computers and common software applications.
• Understand and demonstrate classroom management/instructional strategies to support student achievement
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development
• Knowledge of subject areas, curriculum, and standards-based education

Salary, Benefits, and Terms

• Salary range from $40,000-$55,000
• Benefits include paid time off, insurance, enrollment priority for employee's dependents, retirement
• Reports directly to the Principal
• Must pass background check

At Minga Education Group, we proudly operate as an Equal Opportunity Employer, purposely building an inclusive workforce representative of various cultures, perspectives, and experiences. We believe in respect for all and do not discriminate based on hair, race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law is not allowed.

If you have questions or need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact our Human Resource Director at 719-648-0800.