Special Education Teacher

Company Description

The Episcopal Center for Children (ECC) is a private, nonprofit, non-denominational day treatment facility for emotionally troubled children and their families from the greater Washington, DC area. The program is designed for children between the ages of 5 to 14 years, grades K – 8. The goal of treatment, therapeutic milieu, and individualized special education programming is to empower each child to function productively within his/her family and the community, to return to his/her public school, and have a real opportunity for a successful, emotionally healthy, and productive future. The ECC’s programming is based on the core belief in children, their strengths, and in what they can be. You can also read more about ECC at http://www.eccofdc.org/what-we-do

Job Description

The special education teacher will provide instruction to students with various behavioral, social-emotional and learning challenges. Each class grouping of up to five students consist of varying grade and ability levels. The teacher must demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and employ various co-teaching methods. The position requires a commitment to pairing research-based instructional methodologies with impassioned, inspirational teaching to create new opportunities and perspectives for students who have struggled in the traditional public school setting. The teacher must be willing and capable of working within a multi-disciplinary clinical, behavioral management, related services and educational team.

Key Responsibilities 

• Develops lesson plans/instructional materials and provides individualized and group instruction in order to meet the needs of each student as stated on the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
• Assesses the progress of students on a regular basis utilizing tests, curriculum measurements and observation skills and/or modified-adapted assessment devices.
• Serves as a member of the school IEP Team.
• Assists in the planning, writing and development of student IEPs.
• Facilitates the implementation of special education services.
• Assists in organizing and implementing a continuum of appropriate service delivery options for students with disabilities.
• Plans collaboratively within the students' therapy team and provides consultation and support to the team regarding implementation of IEPs, reasonable modification, etc.
• Works collaboratively with the Director of Education in the implementation of IEPs and access to the general education curriculum.
• Consults and confers regularly with Therapy Team regarding the educational, social, physical or emotional goals and objectives of students.
• Consults with the Director of Education regarding equipment and instructional strategies appropriate for students with disabilities.
• Supervises teacher assistants/Para-Educators supporting the instruction of students with disabilities.
• Remains knowledgeable of current trends and best practices in the field of special education.
• Takes all necessary safety precautions to protect students and materials of instruction.
• When appropriate, collaboratively conducts Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) and develops Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. Concentration or advanced degree in education preferred.
• Teacher license eligible. Licensed preferred.
• Familiarity with Special Education Data System (SEDS)/EasyIEP.
• Excellent writing, organization and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills as a member of a multi-disciplinary assessment team.
• Ability to effectively communicate with diverse communities and develop outreach strategies to encourage parental involvement in student learning.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively engage diverse parents/guardians with varied communication styles, levels of skill and experience to support their child’s education experience.
• Belief that all students can and will succeed.
• Proven experience creating systems and routines that support strong classroom management
• Demonstrated ability to influence and motivate others to reach their potential
• Ability to employ a variety of teaching styles to respond to the needs of diverse learners.
• Desire to continually improve practice by reflecting and seeking feedback
• Demonstrated knowledge of special education regulations (Federal and State) and current trends/research in the field for accelerated achievement of students with disabilities.

Additional Information

Compensation

Salary is based on educational level, certification(s), and years of experience. Employees will be contracted yearly. Contracts will be renewed according to evaluations and staff interest. A comprehensive benefits package is provided to include: Health benefits (medical & dental), disability insurance, employer contribution to retirement plan, and an employee 403(B). In addition, ECC promotes a continuous learning environment. On-going opportunities for growth and development are provided throughout the academic year.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.