Elementary Special Education Teacher

Overview

Academics West is searching for Special Education Teachers for our Lower School who will be responsible for direct instruction that is designed to address goals and objectives specified in the students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and/or follow the NYS Common Core guidelines. The ideal candidate is bright, energetic, and motivated to help children with learning and emotional challenges. The applicant should be committed to learning and infusing our Clinically Informed Academics ("CIA") model into all daily instruction.

Start date:

August 2026. Located in the heart of Lincoln Center-NYC, Academics West is a high-support college preparatory school that serves up to 88 students from 1st through 12th grade who exhibit social-emotional challenges and/or learning differences. Our small student-to-teacher ratio (typically 5:1:1 but can be slightly higher) allows us to work more intensively with students, achieving positive outcomes. Clinically Informed Academics (CIA) is an approach infused throughout the curriculum that considers the whole student to formulate effective individualized learning strategies.

This approach combines clinical knowledge with academic interventions to help students improve beyond what traditional methods can achieve. The programs are both therapeutic, treating the social-emotional aspects, and academic, providing intense support and interventions for educational success.

• Prepare and implement lessons that scaffold appropriately to students’ needs in core subject areas (Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies).
• Implement consistent classroom management techniques for all students.
• Collaborate with clinicians to ensure consistent expectations, accommodations, and strategies are being used to support students’ clinical needs.
• Review and assess student data to drive instruction in the classroom.
• Use Crisis Prevention Institute ("CPI") strategies to de-escalate students.
• Welcome prospective students as they complete trial days.
• Author bi-weekly progress reports for each student in their core academic subjects.
• Review students’ neuropsychological reports, Individualized Education Plan, and internal learning profile to inform student instruction.
• Attend IEP meetings as needed, and submit supporting documentation.
• Attend required student and staff meetings throughout the school year.
• Attend Professional Development Days.
• Assess student progress throughout the academic year.
• Oversee the assigned Teaching Assistant in your classroom.
• Lead teachers will report directly to the Associate Director of Education and receive coaching in the foundational knowledge of the CIA model.

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s Degree in Special Education.
• 1-3+ years of experience teaching students with special education needs.
• New York State (or other U.S. state) Certification in Special Education.
• Prior behavior management training preferred (CPI, or other methods).
• Experience working with students who exhibit emotional challenges preferred.

• Monday through Thursday, 8 AM – 4:00 PM
• Fridays, 8 AM – 3:00 PM