Special Education Lead - Focus Casa de Niños and Gifted

Organization purpose

Montessori del Mundo (MdM) is a public dual-language Montessori charter school in Aurora CO. MdM follows the Montessori philosophy and curriculum. It uses a research-based dual language model with the goal of bilingualism and biliteracy for all students. Academic instruction in Spanish and English prepares students for the future bilingual world.

Ensuring the best possible educational outcome for all students

• Providing individualized instruction to children with mild/moderate disabilities and some social-emotional disorders, focusing on PK-1st-grade students
• Designing and implementing a high-quality GT program to support the stretch goal needs of gifted students.
• Developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Advanced Learn Plans (ALPs) for qualifying students, set personalized and challenging goals
• Reviewing the IEP/ALP with the student's parents, school administrators, and Montessori Guides
• Hosting IEP/ALP review meetings in Spanish or English, depending on the parents’ preference
• Informing parents of their child’s progress
• Supporting and collaboratively planning with Montessori Guides to adapt curriculum and teaching techniques to meet the needs of students with disabilities
• Observing and analyzing student work
• Ensuring students receive appropriate accommodation on standardized assessments
• Collaborating with the Coordinator on the Child Study Protocol (MTSS process) to identify appropriate supports for all students
• Coordinating and conducting initial evaluations and identifying students with special needs
• Assessing students with formal and informal assessment tools for progress monitoring, initial and triennial IEPs
• Maintaining the administration-approved record-keeping system to track student progress
• Providing effective literacy, math, study skills, and social-emotional instruction targeted at bilingual development
• Investing in families by building and maintaining positive relationships with parents
• Providing transition support in the fall for rising first graders before handoff to T1 SpEd Lead
• Supervising and ensuring student safety
• Submitting student progress reports, IEPs/ALPs, and other required paperwork on time
• Reviewing other Special Education Leads’ paperwork (such as IEPs) for compliance and quality, and providing appropriate feedback
• Coordinating with the Submissions Steward to ensure SpEd submissions to the Charter School Institute (district) are completed successfully and on time
• Supporting operations with regularly scheduled morning, midday, and/or dismissal duties
• Providing a spirit of hospitality at school gatherings, public events, and family engagement activities

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree and passing score on required PRAXIS exams
• Colorado Teaching License with Early Childhood Special Education Endorsement
• Native or native-like fluency in Spanish AND English, ability to provide instruction, communicate with parents, and participate in staff meetings in both languages
• Proof of passing the 45-hour evidence-based training in teaching reading as required by the READ Act or a willingness to complete required training during the first year of employment

Preferred:

• Montessori Children’s House Teaching Certificate
• 3+ years working in a Montessori Children’s House classroom
• Experience and passion for working with Second Language Learners
• 3+ years working in a 90/10 Dual Language model or with at-risk students

• Commitment to Dual Language education and Montessori philosophy
• Solution-oriented; takes the initiative to resolve conflicts
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate and foster collaboration with staff and families
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and make decisions based on summative and formative data
• Ability to lead from a foundation of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Ability to effectively manage time and competing priorities
• Desire to learn and grow as a professional
• Collaborative and open to feedback

This position will require the employee to move about the classroom and building regularly, including…