Special Education Teacher (Full-Time) - Fugees Family

Advancing Educational Justice for Refugee and Immigrant Youth

2024-2025

The special education teacher supplements general education instruction to meet the diverse and unique needs of the students in our school with the purpose of improving student growth and achievement in reading, writing, listening, speaking, math, and/or science as measured by WIDA Access, MAP NWEA, and Milestones. The Instructional Specialist will enhance whole-group instruction by creating interventions and developing lesson plans for small-group and one-on-one instruction. These interventions will be based on progress monitoring and formative assessment data. The Specialist will have the flexibility to support all students while giving priority to instructional intervention for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 plans, involvement in the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) process, and/or English Language Learners.

Reporting to the School Principal, this is a full-time, 10-month, exempt position.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Instruct students with a learning disability, a mild intellectual disability, and or an emotional behavioral disorder through lectures, discussions, visual aids, and other effective teaching methods for student comprehension.
• Prepares lessons and outlines to use in class that effectively cover the material and also include supports and accommodations according to student IEPs.
• Collaborates with general education teachers to ensure the effectiveness of co-taught lessons.
• Administers various types of assessments i.e., performance assessments, formal and informal assessments, etc. to monitor student comprehension.
• Monitors progress on IEP goals by collecting and analyzing student data.
• Monitors students in the classroom at lunch and throughout the school to maintain order and discipline.
• Performs various administrative duties such as taking attendance, organizing the classroom, and recording grades.
• Coordinates parent/teacher conferences and IEP meetings as needed to review students' performance, behavior, and other issues.
• Works with the Director of Special Education to manage the caseload of special education students.
• Attends faculty meetings and training sessions.
• Reports in person to the school building to provide face-to-face instruction to students
• Able to provide instruction simultaneously to in-person and remote learners, if necessary
• Responsive to changing school and district instructional needs
• Offer counseling and guidance: Provide guidance and counseling to students, addressing social and emotional issues that may be affecting their academic performance.
• Collaborate with parents and guardians: Communicate regularly with parents or guardians, involving them in the intervention process, and providing updates on student progress and strategies for support at home.
• Attend meetings and professional development: Participate in team meetings, professional development sessions, and workshops to stay updated on best practices in intervention strategies and educational trends.
• Maintain documentation: Keep accurate and organized records of intervention plans, progress reports, assessments, and other relevant documentation.

Employee Expectations

• Excellent communication skills
• Duties and expectations are carried out in a positive, productive, accurate, and punctual/on-time manner
• Be receptive to coaching, mentoring, feedback, and performance evaluations for purposes of professional growth and development
• Respect for all communities and a commitment to the empowerment of underserved populations

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, special education, psychology, or a related field. A master's degree in special education or a relevant discipline is preferred.
• Possess a valid teaching certification or license, preferably in special education or a related area.
• Must have experience teaching elementary school
• Prior experience working with English Language Learners and students with diverse needs, such as students with learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, or emotional disturbances.
• Understanding of various intervention strategies, behavior management techniques, and special education laws and regulations.
• Strong proficiency in foundational reading and numeracy is highly desired.
• Experience with intervention and/or acceleration of students needing intervention.
• Strong understanding of MTSS.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with students, parents, teachers, and other professionals.
• Proficiency in analyzing student data and using it to inform instructional decisions and intervention planning.
• Ability to remain patient, compassionate, and empathetic when working with students who may face academic or behavioral challenges.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple caseloads, documentation, and intervention plans effectively.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify barriers to student success and develop appropriate intervention strategies.
• Adaptability and flexibility to adjust intervention plans based on student progress and changing needs.
• Citizenship, residency, or work VISA in the United States required

Who We Are / Our Purpose

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Georgia Fugees Academy Charter School (Fugees Academy), is on a mission to advance educational justice for refugee students and English Language Learners. Our school model addresses a pressing need not currently met by traditional public education systems – the education of newcomer (refugee and immigrant) students in an environment where their unique identities and needs are welcomed and understood. 

Our Approach / Design Principles

Built around the values, structures, and shared experience of soccer, the Fugees approach is defined by a unifying commitment to working together as a team. On and off the field, Fugees teammates support each other to address challenges, take collective and individual responsibility and realize success together. These Design Principles are reflected in every aspect of our school model.

Relationships: Fugees is an intentionally small and nurturing environment in order to build deep community and relationships. All students are known on a personal level by teachers, staff, leadership, and other students.

Mind, Body, Character: Expression, movement, and the visual and performing arts are as important as academics to overall growth and development. Social-emotional learning, character and student well-being are seen as essential to success on and off the field.

Personalization: Despite being part of a larger team, students and families are given exactly what they need as individuals, whether those needs are academic, social, emotional, or wrap-around services.

Multicultural Identity Development and Celebration: Fugees believes that students can honor and own their identities while also acclimating to U.S. society. The school recognizes and celebrates each student’s and family’s backgrounds and cultures and recognizes diversity as an asset. 

Loving Accountability: Fugees expects that all students can succeed at high levels both academically and behaviorally and students are lovingly held accountable to these expectations through a balance of frequent feedback, authentic consequences and multiple opportunities for success.

Collective and Individual Responsibility: Students and adults take on increasing levels of responsibility both for themselves and for the larger community. This gradual release of responsibility is designed to support every member of the school in developing leadership and life skills.

More About Us!

Fugees Academy, part of the non-profit organization, Fugees Family, Inc., is a tuition-free, community-based, public charter school designed to meet the needs of new American students through English language acquisition and foundational skill study, culturally relevant curriculum and wraparound supports, restorative practices, arts programming, and soccer participation. Every student works as a team member on and off the field to bridge significant gaps in formal schools to graduate on time.We blend creative teaching with academic fundamentals, interwoven with leadership and character building. The Fugees Instructional Model is trauma-aware and is designed to meet students where they are, focusing on the foundational skills that are often lacking in children whose schooling has been nonexistent or interrupted.

Salary is Based on Years of Direct K-12 Experience and Degree Held

Benefits

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package, which includes the following: 

• Benefits provided through the State of Georgia’s State Health Benefit Plan
• Specific medical, dental, and vision plans covered 100% for employees and 50% for eligible dependents
• Generous employer contribution towards the employee’s retirement plan as part of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia
• Paid holidays and days off 
• Paid family leave and backup care reimbursement
• Working for a mission-driven organization doing impactful work 
• A fun, collaborative, and balanced culture 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Fugees Family, Inc. and Georgia Fugees Academy Charter School are equal opportunity employers, dedicated to building a culturally diverse staff committed to working in a multicultural environment and strongly encouraging applications from those with refugee and/or immigrant backgrounds.

Perseverance | Respect | Integrity | Dedication | Excellence

www.gfacs.org | www.fugeesfamily.org

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