Special Education Teacher - LIFE Male STEAM Academy

The commitment of the LIFE Male STEAM Academy to the students and families that it serves is demonstrated in the name as we seek to develop young men who will Live Intelligently Fulfilling Expectations. We seek teachers who can help fulfill the goal of making the LIFE aspiration a reality for our students. Considering the uniqueness of a culturally diverse building that is single gender focused, teachers who become part of our team will exhibit a demonstrated commitment to our particular student population and a desire to become more appropriately equipped with knowledge and resources to support this dynamic population. In addition, the STEAM focus of the school necessitate that the instructional staff are highly collaborative and innovative in creating lessons that promote the breadth of and integrated STEAM world. Special Education Teachers, are essential to the Life Male STEAM Academy.

The primary function of the Special Education teaching staff is to develop classrooms where students’ cultural backgrounds are seen as assets and their potential is uncovered daily. Teachers will be subject matter experts who facilitate instruction for students according to their educational needs, abilities, and promote their attainment in designated subject matter or grade level areas in accordance with the curriculum and/or other educational programs adopted by the Board of Directors. Teachers are expected to create and deliver engaging, culturally responsive lessons to diverse groups of students at all levels; promote enthusiasm for learning and for all subjects; adhere to national and state standards; maintain detailed records of student performance; and maintain classroom order.

A. Planning:

1. Plans the instructional program based on the needs of the assigned students and with an understanding of individual differences

2. Demonstrates preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic, and ability backgrounds

3. Develops lesson plans which meet established school, state, and national standards.

4. Organizes a sequence of lessons which provide instructional continuity

5. Selects and evaluates resources and activities that provide for a variety of learning styles

6. Plans appropriate evaluation of student progress

7. Collaborates with colleagues in creating lessons with a unique STEAM focus

B. Instruction

1. Provides clear directions to students for instructional activities; teaches to an objective that is organized and communicated

2. Ensures that identified students (IEPs, 504s, ELL, Gifted) are taught according to their unique learning needs

3. Provides for pacing and continuity of instruction with tasks appropriate to the class level

4. Maintains interest/motivation through the use of appropriate strategies

5. Captures students’ attention by actively involving them in the lesson

6. Ensures high standards of professional practice and quality of teaching

7. Uses relevant technology to support and differentiate instruction

8. Encourages and monitors the progress of individual students and uses information to adjust teaching strategies

9. Models and demonstrates skills that students are to perform

C. Classroom Management

1. Provides a safe, positive learning environment for students by establishing classroom rules to maintain good order and discipline

2. Establishes and maintains positive rapport with students

3. Manages the material and human resources in the classroom in an effective manner

4. Assesses, records, and reports on the development, progress, attainment, and behavior of assigned students

5. Uses time appropriately

D. Communications

1. Communicates necessary information regularly to students, colleagues, and parents

regarding student progress and student needs

2. Communicates with a variety of resource persons such as counselor, nurse, child study team to serve the best interests of students

3. Promotes student growth through contact with staff and parents

4. Facilitates home-school communication by attending/initiating parent conferences, telephoning and/or sending written/electronic communication

5. Maintains confidentiality

E. Professional Responsibilities

1. Stays current on professional knowledge; participates in in-service education, training courses and professional development opportunities

2. Stays current regarding the completion of Act 48 requirements

3. Performs non-instructional responsibilities such as record keeping, punctuality, attendance and participation in faculty and other meeting

4. Provides guidance and advice to students on educational and social matters and on their further education and future careers

5. Participates in grade level, department, school, and parent meetings

6.  Other duties as assigned.