Special Education Teacher - ASD and Related Disabilities Program

About Lee Montessori Public Charter School

At Lee Montessori Public Charter Schools, our mission is to create a more just, liberated world. We are a diverse and interconnected community that redefines high-quality education by pairing Montessori with Anti-Bias/ Anti-Racist practices. We create a joyful learning environment where children and families flourish, and can show up authentically as their true selves. Grounded in the rigorous standards for excellence set forth by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), children from age 3 through 6th grade work in peaceful, multi-age learning environments that foster physical, social-emotional, and academic development.

Position Description

Under the direction of the Campus Director of Special Education, the Special Education Teacher will provide specialized instruction to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related disabilities, in grades K-2. The Special Education Teacher will be responsible for delivering interventions, participating in conferences, writing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), maintaining documentation, and data collection. The Special Education teacher will also be responsible for collaborating with the General Education Teachers to maximize inclusive opportunities with same-age peers.

Major Duties and Responsibilities 

Curriculum, Instruction, and Classroom Management

• Learn and implement the principles and components of Montessori, Restorative Justice, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Teachers at Lee are expected to commit to learning these models.
• Provide case management services for students.
• Implement best practice strategies by applying research-based strategies, seeking additional materials and resources as needed to address the learning needs of students in special populations. 
• Provide accommodations and modifications to materials and instruction to meet students’ needs.
• Support the design and implementation of Behavior Intervention Plans and any other plans that are part of a student’s IEP.
• Utilize the Common Core Standards in planning for instruction and in the development of the IEP.
• Implement toileting protocols when required.
• Regularly analyze student data to improve instruction, ensure equity, and make program recommendations and improvements.
• Collaborate on systems for arrival, dismissal, lunch, and recess.

Record & Data Assessment and Management

• Write high-quality Individualized Education Plans in a timely manner based on a set of evidence-based quality indicators.
• Maintain a system of progress monitoring that informs and guides instruction and planning for students with disabilities in your grade level.
• Complete special education paperwork in a timely manner.

Family Engagement, Meetings, and Conferences

• ​​Participates in school functions, including but not limited to open houses, orientation meetings, family education events, and school-wide activities.
• Providing timely and meaningful communication with parents/guardians about the progress/needs of their individual children in accordance with Lee Montessori communication expectations.
• Prepare documents and reports necessary to participate in parent-teacher conferences, MDT meetings (i.e., IEP, eligibility, AED, BIP, etc.), or other meetings requested by parents or school administration.
• Check voicemail and email daily and respond promptly to requests from parents, administrators, and colleagues.
• Communicate effectively with team members.

Professional Learning and Collaboration

• Meet regularly with the Coaches/Supervisor to discuss the classroom, set goals, and monitor progress towards those goals.
• Attend and participate in level meetings, PLCs, and other professional development opportunities and meetings held by the school to support the development of your practice.
• Collaborate with other staff members to develop collective best practices across departments of the school, which includes: advocating for inclusion in the classroom, challenging exclusionary mindsets.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Meet state educational requirements, preferably a valid state-issued teaching license for Cross-Categorical Special Education in elementary education. 
• Must hold, at a minimum, a Bachelor’s degree. A Master’s degree is preferred. Formal Montessori certification, or willingness to attain such certification, is required.
• Have experience working with children with disabilities 
• Familiarity with best practices in the field of Autism in relation to services, methodologies, communication systems, and data collection.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of Special Education law, best practices, and instructional methods
• Have a firm commitment to upholding the school’s mission and anti-bias/anti-racist pedagogy. 
• Demonstrate a willingness and ability to integrate specialized instruction with the traditional Montessori curriculum in order to close the opportunity gap for our students.
• At least three (3) years of classroom experience in a public or urban setting preferred
• Possess a growth mindset and a willingness to receive and implement regular feedback and actively participate in coaching. 
• Basic computer skills

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the classroom and outdoor spaces.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds at a time. 
• Must be able to sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, or squat to be at eye level with children.

Lee Montessori is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.