Description

2017-18 Education Specialist (Special Education Teacher)

About KIPP Bay Area Schools

KIPP is a non-profit network of 209 college-preparatory, public charter schools around the country educating early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students. KIPP schools are united by a common mission, a commitment to excellence, and a belief that if we help children develop the academic and character strengths they need for college and choice filled lives, they will be able to build a better tomorrow for themselves, for their communities, for us all.

There are currently 12 KIPP schools in the Bay Area educating 5,200 students in East Palo Alto, Oakland, San Francisco, San Lorenzo, San Jose, and Redwood City. In the fall of 2018, KIPP Bay Area Schools plans to open a new high school in East San Jose and a new elementary school in the Bayview Hunter's Point.

Position Overview

At KIPP Bay Area Schools, the Special Education Teacher, or Education Specialist, is considered an integral part of the general education staff, therefore, they will be expected to collaborate and consult with all teachers on a regular basis.  Students on Individual Education Plans are assigned to general education classrooms for a majority of the school day.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Individual Education Program process

• Responsible for academic progress of students while working with staff and families to provide excellent educational opportunities for exceptional students.

• Appraise academic, behavioral, and executive functioning of an individual student.

• Provide a standards-based curriculum program for special education students consistent with state and federal education code requirements.

• Administer formal and informal academic assessments for the purpose of facilitating student learning in core academic subjects.

• Analyze assessment results to drive and inform instruction and Individual Education Program development.

• Develop Individual Education Programs in accordance with federal, state, SELPA and KIPP standards.

• Facilitate Individual Education Program meetings.

• Ensure Individual Education Program compliance and that all timelines are met.·

• Monitor students’ progress utilizing data that reflects student performance and adjust instruction as needed based on analysis of data.

• Complete progress reports in accordance with KIPP Bay Area Schools and school specific guidelines.

• Lead and guide para-professional staff assigned to work with individual students or within program.

Training/Consultation

• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to support exceptional students in general education classes, interpreting the abilities and disabilities of these students to the entire staff, and assisting the student’s core curriculum instructional needs.

• Manage compliance of accommodations and modifications for exceptional students in the general education classroom.

• Develop and implement student appropriate behavior management techniques for students with special needs.

• Assist other staff members in resolving the unique psychological and/or disciplinary concerns of such students.

• Develop specialized professional development sessions for school and community personnel.

• Assist with the development of parent education programs in the areas of prevention, understanding, and remediation of exceptional needs when appropriate.

Interpersonal and Agency Relations / Communications

• Confer with parents (or guardians), staff members and members of related disciplines, including outside agencies regarding the educational, social, and personal concerns of exceptional students.

• Manage relationships with contracted providers to ensure students receive all prescribed Individual Education Program services.

• With the Director of Special Education, assist in referral of students with exceptional needs to available community agencies, as appropriate.

• Coordinate and supervise transition programs and services for exceptional students as required by their Individual Education Program.

• Keep attendance records, computerized Individual Education Program records and all other records pertinent to the special education program for the state reports and program accountability.

• Participate in KIPP Bay Area Schools’ Special Education Community of Practice.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Desired Characteristics

• Valid California Credential or license authorizing service in grade levels and areas assigned as an Education Specialist. Click here to learn more.

• Willingness to teach in our extended day and year schedule (click here to view a sample schedule)

• Bachelor’s degree, including all courses to meet credential requirements

• Two years of successful, full time teaching experience in Special Education, preferred

• Possession of either BCLAD or CLAD certification is highly desirable

• Demonstrated success teaching students from educationally underserved areas;

• Excellent organizational, planning, and implementation skills

• Ability to manage the ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in an entrepreneurial environment

• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with multiple constituencies

• Detail-oriented team player willing to roll up sleeves and get the job done

• Unquestioned integrity and commitment to KIPP Bay Area Schools and our students.

Compensation

We are dedicated to you and your family's well-being! KIPP offers a competitive salary as well as comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and transportation benefits. Although KIPP does not post salary scales, we are happy to walk candidates through the compensation package.

How to Apply

We recommend that you become thoroughly familiar with www.kippbayarea.org before applying. To officially submit an application, do so by clicking apply at the top of this page.

Questions? Email Kevin Ith at teach@kippbayarea.org.

KIPP Bay Area Schools does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, color, national origin or ancestry, cultural background, religious creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital/registered domestic partner status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, primary language, citizenship or immigration status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.