Education Specialist (SPED) Teacher-Mild-Moderate Support Needs Bilingual (Spanish and English)

OverviewThough 9 in 10 Latino young adults say a college degree is important for success in life, fewer than 15% age 25 or older hold a bachelor’s degree. Voices College-Bound Language Academies exists to change that.

Voices is a public charter school network with a mission to prepare all students for the challenges of higher education through the context of an academically rigorous dual-immersion program. Every student, regardless of home language, graduates bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish.

Role SummaryVoices Academies’ Education Specialist (SPED) Teacher will be an inspiring and motivating educator who can work independently. Under the supervision of the Principal and Student Services Manager, the Education Specialist instructs students with Individualized Education Plans in an inclusive environment. This role works directly within a school site and collaborates regularly with Special Education staff, general education staff and may work with outside consultants and district personnel as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSAdminister academic assessments, write the academic assessment reports and present at IEP meetingsConsult and communicate with faculty and parents via meetings, phone, and email regarding the needs and progress of studentsMaintain knowledge of current regulations pertaining to special educationCollaborate with faculty to ensure that student modifications and accommodations are being appropriately implemented in the general education classroomAssist with the development of the master schedule to plan for all student IEP needs.Meet the minimum IDEA requirements related to case managementInput weekly IEP service tracking and meet all IEP timelines Maintain a high level of rigor for students with disabilities in order to ensure equitable access to common core standards. Develop progress monitoring tools for student goals that is shared with the IEP teamRegularly collaborate with team members and related service providers for the purposes of: reviewing student data, ensuring IEP and behavior plan implementation, co-planning and/or co-teaching.Daily oversight of paraprofessional support, including support with creating a schedule and implementation of the IEPDemonstrate effective organization skills in order to create and maintain notifications, records, files, and reports as required by federal, state, and SELPA regulationsImplement health and mobility supports (i.e. support student/s with toileting, g-tube feeding, administration of medication while under supervision of school nurse) and assist with the physical needs of students (i.e. lifting, assisting with mobility, access to campus.)Oversee, teach and implement a student’s behavior intervention plan, including gathering and analyzing relevant data on a regular basis, and collaborating with staff members around student plan and progressRegularly co-teach/co-plan with General Education teachersCoordinate the development and implementation of a student’s Individualized Transition ProgramDevelop lesson plans consistent with Voices best practices & guidelines, instructional materials and provide individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student

Additional Responsibilities: Knowledge of special education principles, concepts, methodologies, and documentation requirementsKnowledge of special education assessment, planning, instruction, and evaluationKnowledge of child cognitive development and different learning stylesBelief in inclusion and Voices Charter School equity beliefs and demonstrates high expectations for students with diverse learning needsAbility and willingness to reflect and improveAbility and willingness to follow and meet mandated deadlines and due datesFlexibility and ability to adapt to changing conditions; ability and good judgment to take initiative to modify activitiesStrong written and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate with general education and special education colleagues, administration, parents and communityAbility to excel as a member of a team and implement new learnings from professional developmentAbility to work with an ethnically and economically diverse student bodyPerform other related duties as required and assigned.Participate in daily grade-level meetings and professional development Identify unique student needs and collaborates with other team members and outside service providers to address learning challenges Participates in various meetings and professional development activities, including retreats, IEP, SST, Parent conference, In service training, Staff meetings, etc.Participating in collaborative curriculum development, grade-level activities, and school-wide functions, events, and tripsDemonstrate knowledge of, and support, Voices Charter Schools mission, vision, value statements including antiracism, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.

Professional Activities:

Represent the school and program to local and State groups as assigned maintaining a positive and professional image; interact with outside agencies as necessaryMentor and co-plan with Associate Teacher; keeping him/her informed of weekly plans and goals and evaluating Associate Teacher Other duties as assigned Voices Academies Education Specialist Teacher candidates will have the following:

QUALIFICATIONSCA Special Education Teaching Credential (Mild/Moderate Education Specialist) requiredBridge Authorizations for Mild-Moderate Credentials received prior to June of 2022Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred

Competencies:Expertise in applicable grade-level Common Core State Standards and Academic IEP goal development Knowledge around the models of co-teaching and serving students with disabilities in an inclusive modelAbility to learn quickly and to be effective in a fast-paced, dynamic, entrepreneurial environment: able to work autonomously and thoroughly with independent self-reflection, as well as take direction as neededAlignment to and urgency around Voices’ mission, vision and values

Minimum educational level:Bachelor’s Degree required in a related field.

Experience preferred:2+ years working with students with special needs in an educational setting

Physical requirements:Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces. Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.Communicating with others to exchange information.Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Work authorization requirements: Clear the Department of Justice background screening.Authorized to work in the United States.Provide health (TB) clearance (renewed every four years). Valid bilingual authorization (BCLAD or equivalent , BCC, ELD, or LDS, etc.)Demonstrated passion for the mission, vision and values of Voices Academies with a deep commitment to improving the lives of students from low-income communitiesExcellent oral and written communication skills in English and SpanishOutstanding written, speaking, and organizational skills with experience interacting with a broad range of stakeholdersCommitment to accelerated educational progress of childrenExperience or commitment to public education, social justice, efficacy and equityWorks well in a high pressure environment

Preferred Qualifications: Can work independently, have flexibility, and demonstrated success in building a dual-immersion curriculumUnderstanding of dual immersion instructional practices and school design and the unique characteristics of public charter schools is a plusHigh proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Google AppsWorking Conditions:Regular requirement to stand, sit, walk, talk, hear, see, read, speak, reach, stretch with hands and arms, stoop, kneel and crouch Lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Occasional evening and or weekend work Occasional travel Willingness to be trained as needed

Prior To Employment: Once an offer has been extended, a candidate must meet the following criteria to receive a final offer:First Aid/CPR CertificationCleared criminal background checkValid TB ClearanceKey Compensation:Annual Salary Range: $64,446 $97,299 DOEEligible for $10,000 one-time high needs stipend. Stipends are taxable, and all regular payroll taxes will be withheld.Medical benefitsExceptional growth opportunitiesRetirement planEmployment:Reports directly to Principal, Student Services ManagerPermanent Salaried, Exempt Position Position follows 11-month calendarAt-Will Agreement

Voices College-Bound Language Academies will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position, in accordance with applicable federal and California law.

Voices College-Bound Language Academies is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Voices to afford equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, citizenship status, medical condition, or any other legally protected status.