Special Education Teacher/Department Chair

Job Description

Job DescriptionSalary: $66,732-$103,271

Integration Charter School
is dedicated to providing innovative pathways to college that fully integrate students with special needs. In building a family of associated schools that share this common mission, ICS strives to fill gaps in public education. The ICS network is composed of four schools located on Staten Island, New York. The guiding principles of ICS are teamwork, courage, community and integrity. We take these principles into the classroom to enrich our students learning experience. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, our social-emotional learning program plays a key role in fostering resilience, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills, preparing students for success both in and out of the classroom. We offer opportunities for students to earn college credits through partnerships with higher education institutions, allowing them to gain valuable experience and accelerate their academic journey.

At Integration Charter Schools, we are committed to creating innovative educational pathways that meet the diverse needs of every learner. Our dedicated team of passionate educators, skilled instructional staff, and supportive professionals work together to cultivate an inclusive, enriching learning environment for our entire school community.

Overview

Integration Charter Schools is looking for passionate and creative education professionals to join and lead our teaching teams at each of our network of charter schools. Were excited about education professionals who are fired up about our inclusive program and commitment to serve all students of Staten Island. Join us as we foster social and emotional wellness, encourage inclusive learning, and guide students to find their unique learning paths. As a Special Education Teacher/Department Chair at ICS, you will play a crucial role in creating inclusive pathways to academic and social-emotional success for all types of learners in the classroom. You will work collaboratively with students, families, and colleagues to provide a supportive and enriching learning environment.

Summary

Under the direction of the principal and/or assistant principal, the Special Education teacher/department chair provides high-quality personalized instruction and supports the coordination of special education services. The Department Chair serves as a key leader in ensuring compliance with special education regulations, supporting teachers and related service providers, and promoting inclusive instructional practices that meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Instruction and Preparation

• Craft and deliver captivating lessons that engage and energize students across various subjects, enriching their educational journey
• Address the learning needs of all learners in your classroom by creating lessons aligned with IEP goals and individualized student needs.
• Plan Specially Designed Instruction
• Present a passion for learning, growth mindset and a love for the subject matter you are teaching
• Deliver high quality content in the assigned content area integrating Social Emotional instructional practices
• Tailor teaching methods to meet the unique learning needs of every student, ensuring no one is left behind on their educational journey
• Lead by example, demonstrating your passion for learning and instilling it in our students, nurturing their growth and development
• Deliver engaging, differentiated instruction
• Support general education teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications within inclusive settings.
• Review, edit, and ensure the accuracy and quality of IEPs, progress reports, and other documentation.
• Monitor IEP implementation and support compliance with federal and state special education regulations.
• Coordinate the provision of services with related service providers (e.g., speech, OT, PT, counseling).
• Facilitate and participate in IEP meetings, ensuring student needs are accurately identified and addressed.

Relationship Building and Student Support

• Create a predictable, physically, emotionally and intellectually safe learning environment for all stakeholders (students, family members, teachers and staff).
• Make space for student voice and choice
• Use the principles of ICS to manage conflicts and redirect off-task behavior, using mistakes as learning opportunities
• Hold a high bar for effort, persistence, critical thinking and quality of work
• Celebrate progress and recognize student achievement

Community Engagement

• Create positive relationships by showing care and trust with families
• Provide weekly communication with and touch points for families
• Provide families with the tools and tips that they can work on and support their students at home
• Embrace and celebrate diversity, creating an inclusive classroom environment that reflects the dynamic nature of our community

Teacher Leadership

• Plan and facilitate department teams through the process of data-driven inquiry and instructional planning in weekly team meetings.
• Coordinate and support the school Special Education compliance systems including supporting teachers with timely completion of teacher reports and participation in IEP meetings
• Serve as a model Special Education teacher for best practices in co-teaching and small group instruction.
• Assist in school-level data analysis to monitor progress toward school-level goals.
• In consultation with the principal and/or assistant principal, conduct learning walks and observations to provide teachers with quality feedback to improve practice.
• Coach and development of teachers through timely and impactful cycles of feedback
• Co-plan and facilitate differentiated professional development to meet teacher needs.
• Collaborate with the schools Instructional Leadership Team to implement the DWIP process, including the high-leverage instructional strategy, and to measure the impact of that strategy on student learning
• Serve as the liaison between school leadership, the ICS network, counseling team, the CSE and external agencies regarding special education services.
• Assist with the recruitment, onboarding, and development of special education staff and related service providers.
• Regularly collaborate with Department Chair colleagues and district-level coaches/directors to ensure alignment across the district of Special Education compliance, MTSS, content & curriculum, expectations of rigor, professional development opportunities, and pedagogy.
• Assists in interviewing applicants for instructional positions in the department.
• Serve as spokesperson for students with disabilities in all aspects of work including the process of developing school and district policies and procedures.
• Facilitate the process of IEP goal progress reporting 3 times per year.

Professional Responsibilities

• Commit to being reflective and responsive to feedback that will impact your practice
• Participate in school and network wide professional development opportunities
• including but not limited to, mentorship, coaching cycles, observation
• and feedback rounds
• Constantly reflect on your practice, content knowledge and pedagogical skill
• Maintain accurate records for grading, progress monitoring and communication.
• Collaborate with colleagues and invest in yourself as an adult learner
• Support the school as directed by the Principal, Assistant Principal and Dean
• Create and champion an inclusive environment where students are valued; fostering a sense of belonging within our vibrant educational community

Additional Leadership Responsibilities:

• Participate in regular district-wide professional development series, to reflect and grow as a leader.
• Is available for the equivalent of 5 days over the summer to do a variety of work including leadership training, pacing, and curriculum development.

Competencies & Qualifications

• Unwavering commitment to our district vision of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• A strong competency and understanding for leading alongside others, rather than from the front.
• Whatever it takes attitude that is centered in the notion of children first.
• Deep knowledge of special education law (IDEA, Section 504) and New York State special education regulations.
• Demonstrated experience writing, implementing, and reviewing IEPs with fidelity.
• Strong understanding of differentiated instruction, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and inclusive practices.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding or willingness to learn New York State Graduation requirements
• Previous experience in a teacher leadership role is strongly preferred.

Salary

$66,732-$103,271 plus stipend for leadership role

*Salary is dependent on level of education and years of teaching experience