Special Education Teacher - IHSCA

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Instituto Health Science Career Academy along with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has set ambitious goals to ensure that every child—in every school and every neighborhood—has access to a world-class learning experience from birth, resulting in graduation from high school college- and career-ready. In alignment with CPS/ISBE, our school strives to provide high quality and specially designed instructional supports and services for all students with disabilities within the least restrictive environment. We work collaboratively with the goal of improving the academic achievement of all students with disabilities by ensuring they receive meaningful and relevant access to grade level core instruction within the school. The special education teacher provides appropriate, effective, and culturally relevant instruction to, while ensuring a safe environment that supports student’s social-emotional growth and individualized education plan (IEP).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Designing lessons consistent with student IEPUtilizing adaptive devices/technology to provide general curricular content access to students Preparing and implementing IEPs (including transition plans and behavior management plans) for each assigned student based on individually assessed needs Using appropriate assessment instruments pertinent to academic, communication, and behavioral areas Adapting teaching materials to make it appropriate and relevant to the students’ needs Conducts individual or group sessions to meet educational, social, and emotional needs of the students Participates on the school-based intervention team, in-school staffing team and in the screening processes, as appropriate Actively participates on student IEP meetings Uploads/Updates all documentation in accordance with CPS and IHSCA program compliance Plans and implements self-care programs, including direct assistance to students (e.g., toileting, positioning, lifting, feeding, etc.)Monitors and oversees services provided by paraprofessionals and/or other support personnel assigned to classroom and/or student in classroom Obtains and monitors present levels/baselines of assigned special needs students Refers those students who require further evaluation or follow-up services to the appropriate school personnel Provides timely feedback to students, parents and administrators of student progress, expectations and goals Includes a school-wide focus on the social/cultural domain of learning and student experience, with an emphasis on incorporating the No Non-Sense Nurturing framework and Health Sciences-related materials into the classroom on a regular basis Takes daily attendance and submits it to PowerSchoolParticipates on Teacher Parents Conferences to discuss academic student progress Contacts parents via e-mail, phone or during Parent Teacher Conferences to discuss academics and behavior on a regular basis Willingness to sponsors extracurricular activities Follows all IHSCA’s school-wide standards regarding teacher behaviors Adheres to all IHSCA’s electronic and web-based rules and restrictions. Follow all guidelines found in the Instituto and IHSCA employee handbooks Other duties as assigned Professional Educator and Leadership Identifies and participates in conferences, workshops and Professional Development sessions to keep up to date with the best teaching practices and implementing best practices in the classroom. Works collaboratively with instructors of core subjects to identify multiple learning strategies in order to successfully teach students with varying learning styles most effectively and in an engaging manner Work collaboratively with social workers, special education staff, and deans of students to ensure the behavioral and educational abilities of students are developed for success after high school. Uses reflective practices to assess personal and professional growth in order to seek out opportunities to continually advance professional knowledge and skillQUALIFICATIONSCompletion of a Bachelor’s degree in special education and/or core area content A valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) in one of the following areas: Special Education (PK-Age 21) endorsement (LBS1) or School Support Personnel endorsement with a supervisory endorsement Reading and/or ESL/Bilingual endorsement a plus Five years of experience working with students with disabilities requiredICTS Basic Skills and Content Area tests successfully passed Working knowledge of federal and state laws related to the education of Diverse Learners Ability to maintain a high sense of confidentiality Able to work with a wide variety of people Team player and willing to take on multiple tasks at once and independent worker, requires minimal supervision Exceptional organization and time management skills Excellent oral and written communication skills, bilingual English/Spanish preferred Maintain composure under pressure Dependable and punctual Strong project management skills, attention to detail and effective management of multiple projects at one time Ability to adhere to deadlines, react to unpredictable events quickly and efficiently, be resourceful, manage conflict and challenges The above is intended to describe the general conditions of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities and requirements. PHYSICAL DEMANDSNature of work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment. Requires ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files. Approximately 50% of time spent standing as well as some lifting (under 30 lbs.)

WORKING CONDITIONS: Majority of work performed in a general school environment. Position requires availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours may be required to perform job duties. Also requires participation and attendance at organization sponsored events and meetings.