Special Education Teacher - San Diego, United States - e3 Civic High

Description

Job Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Education Specialist (SPED)

TYPE: This is a salaried, exempt status, certificated position.

LOCATION: e3 Civic High

OVERVIEW:

• Under the direction of the Program Specialist (SPED), Education Specialists provide an engaging, educating, and empowering experience to our scholars with disabilities. The Education Specialist is responsible for managing a SPED caseload* for one grade level (9th, 10th, 11th or 12th). The Education Specialist creates and maintains effective inclusive learning environments that support the academic, social, and emotional development of scholars with disabilities. They collaborate with scholars, families, general education teachers, and related service providers to develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to each scholar's unique needs. This position requires an understanding of special education laws, instructional strategies, and assessment techniques to ensure scholar success in inclusive settings.
• The Education Specialist is committed to the e3 Mission, Vision, Values; the e3 Learning Model; and, to continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

TPE 1 - Engaging and Supporting All Scholars in Learning:

• Collaboratively develop and implement IEPs aligned with California Common Core State Standards.
• Identify appropriate supports for scholars with complex communication needs and design strategies to foster access and comprehension.
• Monitor scholar progress toward learning goals and adjust instruction as needed.
• Develop IEPs with scholars and families, incorporating goals for independent living and post-secondary education.
• Support scholars in assuming increasing responsibility for learning and self-advocacy.

TPE 2 - Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments for Scholar Learning:

• Develop accommodations and modifications to optimize learning opportunities for all scholars.
• Address functional limitations for scholars with orthopedic impairments and co-existing health issues.
• Collaborate with families and related service providers to support access to optimal learning experiences.
• Implement positive behavior intervention plans and multi-tiered systems of supports.
• Ensure interventions and instructional environments are appropriate to scholars' needs.

TPE 3 - Understanding and Organizing Subject Matter for Scholar Learning:

• Adapt instruction to facilitate access to the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
• Demonstrate knowledge of disabilities and their effects on learning and behavior.
• Understand atypical development associated with various disabilities and risk conditions.

TPE 4 - Planning Instruction & Designing Learning Experiences:

• Utilize assistive technology and evidence-based practices to provide equitable access to curriculum.
• Create short and long-term goals responsive to scholars' needs and grade level requirements.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with other service providers and stakeholders.
• Use person-centered planning processes to support scholars' meaningful participation in curriculum.

TPE 5 - Assessing scholar Learning:

• Apply knowledge of different assessment types to determine eligibility, progress monitoring, and placement.
• Demonstrate understanding of special education law regarding assessment and documentation.
• Address cultural and linguistic differences in assessment and identification.
• Appropriately administer assessments and implement accommodations for scholars with disabilities.

TPE 6 - Developing as a Professional Educator:

• Collaborate effectively with paraprofessionals and other adults in the classroom.
• Utilize conflict resolution techniques during IEP meetings and collaborations.
• Demonstrate knowledge of historical and contemporary models of disability education.
• Understand federal, state, and local policies related to specialized health care in educational settings.
• Provide appropriate supports and services for scholars and families experiencing trauma or chronic illness.

Professional Responsibilities

• Treat all members of the e3 community with respect, care and professionalism.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date parent/family communication log.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date information in SEIS (Special Education Information System).
• Fully participate in all schoolwide, department and special-purpose Professional Learning Community (PLCs) meetings and trainings
• Work with support staff such as instructional tutors, SPED support providers, to meet scholars' academic and social needs
• Attend and participate in various schoolwide programs, activities, and events such as Presentations of Learning (POLs), Scholar Lead Conferences (SLCs), Back to School Night, Summer Bridge, All Family BBQ,, Home Visits, Civic Service Days, Career Speakers Week, Exhibition Days, College Tours, e3 Theatre Productions, Award Assemblies, Graduation, Summer PD Team-Building and Excursions, e3 Way Lessons and Activities, ASB activities, Movie Night, ASB Elections, Senior Fitch Day, various field trips, and others. Per e3 Employment Agreement, there is an expectation that as exempt employees, LFs will, from time to time, work some nights and weekends.
• Adhere to and implement all e3 Employee Handbook policies, procedures, and expectations
• Participation in special school-wide committees and meetings like School Site Council (SSC), English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC/ELAC), and Coffee with the Principal is encouraged but not required.
• Provide scholar supervision during passing mods, breaks and during special events, as assigned
• Performs other duties as assigned.

*IMPORTANT NOTES ON IEP CASELOAD:

• Caseload numbers to be balanced amongst all Case Managers
• • Max IEP caseload is 28 students (California Education Code § 56362.c)
• Although California state law limits caseloads for special education resource specialists (i.e., Education Specialists) to 28 students, in the event that overages occur at e3, caseloads can increase up to 32 students with approval of a state waiver.
• In the event that overages occur beyond 28 students, additional compensation and/or support will be provided. A stipend of $500/year per overage student will be provided for each student beyond 28 students and up to 32 on the caseload. Proration applies for a student being less than a year on the caseload.
• Other Supports if Increasing SPED Numbers: Hire Education Specialist or District Intern; Contract with outside SPED agencies for additional staffing; hire substitute teacher for instructional push-in support in studios, to provide SAI minutes, and/or to provide other assistance or interventions; Program Specialist to support SPED team in preparing for and conducting overage IEP meetings, etc.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS, EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited university
• Possession of a valid California Education Specialist Instruction Credential or equivalent (e.g. Intern Eligible for SPED)
• English Learner Authorization (ELAE)

OTHER EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Department of Justice (DOJ) fingerprint clearance (Placed and maintained in SDCOE Clearinghouse)
• TB (tuberculin) clearance, as mandated by the California Education Code
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.
• Duties require direct contact and/or supervision of children (defined as individuals under the age of 18); serves as a mandatory reporter in support of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA).

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to work at a desk, conference table, or in meetings of various configurations
• Ability to see for purposes of reading printed matter and for observing scholars
• Ability to hear and understand speech
• Ability to communicate clearly
• Ability to operate office equipment

COMPENSATION:

• This is a salaried, exempt, certificated position and pay is according to the Learning Facilitator Salary Schedule (Step & Column), dependent on level of education and experience.
• Years of experience for initial salary schedule placement can be negotiated up to all years of previous credentialed employment.
• Positions regularly scheduled for 30 hours or more weekly are eligible for our generous and comprehensive benefit package (medical, dental, vision, chiropractic), an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Short and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance; CalSTRS Retirement.
• Voluntary benefits include: Additional Principal Life Insurance, AFLAC, CalSTRS Pension2 (403b); based on applicable school policy, terms and conditions.
• Additional compensation opportunities are available via extra duty assignments & stipend pay

METHOD OF APPLICATION:

• All applications are received on
• For consideration, please attach all required materials/documents.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:

E3 Civic High provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

About E3 CIVIC HIGH

1. We are a 2022 California Pivotal Practice Award School (1 of 4 HS in San Diego County).

1. We are a 2024 California Community School (CSSPP) Planning and Implementation Grant Awardee ($1.4 Million over 7 years)

1. The Mission of e3 Civic High is to engage, educate, and empower our learning community to be caring, passionate, life-long learners and civic leaders who are prepared for college, workforce, and life.

1. The e3 motto: "Take care of you, take care of each other, and take care of e3"

1. Our graduate profile:

-Literacy Communicators

-Civically Engaged

-Globally Engaged

-Innovative and Creative

-Career Competitive

1. Our unique learning experience provides a relevant and meaningful college and career preparatory education focused on a broad spectrum of 21st century literacy, the Common Core State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards. We offer small class sizes, purposeful field trips, modern studio classrooms, and a celebrated diverse population of scholars who come from all over San Diego. We are also proud of our 100% graduation rate.

1. e3 Civic High is a public high school located on the sixth and seventh floors of the San Diego Central Library in downtown San Diego. e3 Civic High serves approximately 400 high school scholars in grades 9 – 12.