Special Education Teacher

Who Are We? Prospect Hill Academy Charter School is a highly successful urban PK-12 public school located in Somerville and Cambridge. We enroll over 900 students from cities and towns throughout the greater Boston metro area. Our inclusive and restorative school celebrates and serves a diverse community - with 87% BIPOC, 27% ELL, and 16% of our students qualifying for special education services.

Our mission is to prepare all students for success in college, foster responsible citizenship, and inspire a lifelong love of learning - as we believe academic achievement opens doors and creates opportunities for our students.

We center the values of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work. Our approach to instruction is founded on culturally sustaining, inquiry-based, and student-centered practices. To invest in the growth of our educators, we offer comprehensive professional development, instructional coaching, and mentorship. Our campuses foster a collaborative team environment with extraordinary educators who are committed to ongoing learning, reflection, and professional growth.

What does a Special Education Teacher at Prospect Hill do? The Special Education Teacher ensures that all students receive a Free, Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in accordance with IDEA.

Essential Responsibilities:

* Design and implement high quality instruction to students with a variety of mild to moderate learning disabilities.

* Administer, interpret and report on standardized evaluations and informal assessments.

* Utilize assessment data to monitor student progress, develop Individual Educations Programs (IEPs) and inform instruction.

* Attend and participate in IEP Team Meetings (annual, initial, 3 year re-evaluation, interim).

* Collaborate with general education colleagues and members of the multi-disciplinary team to monitor IEP implementation and service delivery.

* Facilitate an inclusive model of special education within the PHA community (provide resources, model best practices, disseminate strategies, etc.).

* Adapt curriculum and materials in accordance with the principles of Universal Design.

* Utilize instructional and assistive technology for students, as needed.

* Provide explicit instruction in meta-cognitive and executive functioning skills (time management, organization, self advocacy, etc.).

* Participate in professional development that is specific to the mission of PHA and responsive to the needs of our student population.

* Maintain ongoing communication with parents and colleagues.

* Adhere strictly to timelines for the completion and submission of all required paperwork.

* Supervise special education associate teachers (as needed).

Additional Responsibilities:

* Fulfill non-instructional duties as assigned by the building director (morning supervision, advisory, bus duty, etc.).

* Maintain a high degree of professionalism at all times (attendance, punctuality, dress, written and oral communication, etc.).

* Perform other duties assigned by the Director of Student Services and/or the building Principal.

What Knowledge, Skills, and Experiences are needed for this role?

* Bachelor's Degree required, Master's Degree preferred

* Current Massachusetts licensure in Special Education (Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities, K-8 or 5-12)

* Additional Massachusetts licensure in content area, if applicable

* Comprehensive understanding of state and federal regulations pertaining to Special Education

* Commitment to Prospect Hill Academy's educational mission and values

* Commitment to and experience working with students from diverse backgrounds with diverse profiles

* Willingness to work collaboratively with a dedicated staff and involved parent body

* Strong organizational and communication skills

* Flexibility, collaboration and a growth mindset

* Ability to multi-task and perform a range of instructional and administrative duties

* Attention to detail

Our students and families are diverse, and we are committed to hiring educators who reflect the wonderful diversity of our students. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply to work at Prospect Hill.