About Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School
Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School’s mission is to offer a quality Montessori education infused with culturally inclusive principles to guide children to develop to their fullest potential.
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Position Summary:
Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS (SSMA) is seeking a Learning Specialist /Special Education Teacher for students in grades PK 3 - 6. The role of the Special Education Teacher/ Learning Specialist at SSMA is to support students with different learning styles by providing individualized, evidence based, developmentally appropriate, Common Core State Standards aligned, and relationship-based intervention and remediation; co-plan with and support teachers in their efforts to advance students with different learning needs within the classroom; collaborate with parents, students, and outside professionals in order to better support students with exceptional and special needs.
The Learning Specialist /Special Education Teacher’s broad area of responsibility is to ensure that each student will learn and flourish academically, socially, and emotionally in a nurturing and responsive Montessori learning environment. Each student, guided by the Learning Specialist ,is expected to achieve at a high academic and personal level, according to his/her potential. The
The Learning Specialist/Special Education Teacher is a member of the school’s Special Programs instructional staff and Academic Unit. Please note : The position may require supporting student’s both in/person and virtually.
The Learning Specialist /SPED teacher is a 10-month position. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm .
Essential Functions & Accountabilities:
- Develops solid knowledge of the Montessori Learning Standards, Curriculum Maps, Scope and Sequence and all other grade-level curriculum in each content area taught, including the essential information, concepts and skills so as to better support students and assist classroom teachers.
- Prepares and submits to the Director of Special Programs and Principal weekly lesson plans.
- Uses Special Programs Data System to create documents and complete all case-management tasks in compliance with IDEA and OSSE laws and regulations.
- Co-plans and differentiates instruction as needed (in content, process, product, and environment).
- In cooperation with classroom Guides/Teachers, and Director of Special Programs creates an individualized educational plan (IEP) for each student requiring special needs support.
- Implements each student’s IEP in the inclusion special needs setting, and in support of and in cooperation with the classroom Guide/Teacher(s).
- Assists teachers in classrooms to help adjust, modify, and enrich curricular approaches and improve pedagogy.
- Collect data to monitor and document student progress.
- Works in conjunction with SSMA Director of Special Programs and to recommend tutors, psychoeducational evaluators, etc.
- Implements the school’s strategic plan for ongoing prevention, intervention and remediation in our PreK3-6th grade program.
- Seeks out new and innovative curricula, texts, and technological applications for implementation in our classrooms
- Assists with the testing of incoming students and current students with IEPs and 504 plans
- Meets with the appropriate teacher(s) and the Director of Special Programs to ensure the easy and comfortable assimilation of all new students.
- Remains current with accepted and appropriate instructional theory, practice and research. Including engaging in regular and strategic professional development to advance the role of the Special Education Teacher Learning Specialist (including local and national seminars and conferences).
- Provides skillful classroom management practices (routines and procedures) to ensure a safe, orderly, positive, enjoyable, and productive learning environment.
- Uses formative and summative assessment and documents student progress and achievement; assesses and analyzes student strengths and needs; designs and implements appropriate instruction to facilitate learning and growth.
- Establishes and maintains frequent communication with parents about their child’s academic, social, and emotional progress and needs. This includes Report Cards, phone calls, Class Newsletters, RenWeb, email blasts, etc. Makes recommendations for home interventions
- Attends meetings and collaborates with the Director of Special Programs to ensure compliance for all assigned students receiving Specialized Instruction.
- Gives input to teachers regarding student Progress and Report Cards as deemed appropriate and necessary.
- Attends and participates in weekly faculty meetings, committee meetings, school functions, and professional development activities during and after school hours as needed, appropriate, and assigned.
- Uphold the philosophy, principles, policies, and procedures of Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS.
- Represents Shining Stars Montessori Academy positively in the school community and the wider community.
- Adheres to strict student confidentiality.
- Performs other tasks as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Principal and Director of Education.
Required Competencies & Qualifications:
- Maintain confidentiality
- Excellent listening and communication skills
- Work collaboratively
- Use special programs platforms with proficiency and/or attend OSSE trainings
- Model Montessori ‘grace and courtesy’ curriculum
- A passion for teaching and working in and with diverse communities
- A passion for growing independent, confident, and intellectually curious children
- Ability to provide services to all children and families with respect and dignity
- Flexibility
- A love of children, sel,f and a sense of humor
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s or evidence of advanced training is highly preferred
- MUST hold a valid teacher’s license/certification in special education or be eligible to qualify for one in the District of Columbia
- Passing score in PRAXIS preferred
- Master’s degree in special education with course work specialization in reading (K-6) and/or working with children with autism and moderate to severe emotional and or behavioral disabilities highly preferred. Appropriate license or license eligible in the District of Columbia
- Knowledge of relevant adaptive and assistive technology
- Ability to administer formal and informal screening and assessment programs (ASQ, Brigance, Wilson, Woodcock-Johnson, Ortho-Gilliam, others)
- 2-4 years of experience in a public, public charter, and/or Montessori school in a special education teaching position preferred.
Benefits:
- Paid personal time off, sick leave, short/long term disability, life insurance, family leave, bereavement leave, all federal holidays and religious holiday leave.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Free after school for child enrolled at SSMA
- Retirement plan options
- Up to $10,000 funding for Montessori teacher training, advanced degree,s and conference participation
Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services.