Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher

Hiawatha Academies is a network of college-preparatory schools focused on closing the opportunity gap in Minneapolis. We seek to create a K-12 school experience that empowers scholars with the knowledge, character, and leadership skills to graduate from college and serve the common good. At Hiawatha Academies, we are committed to making our city and our world a more inclusive, equitable, and just place.

Our equity vision: to honor the humanity of all people, we actively disrupt systemic inequity in pursuit of an equitable world. Hiawatha Academies permanently disrupts educational inequity by ensuring a great school for every child.

Northrop seeks a K-4 Special Education teacher and teammate for the 2022-2023 school year.

Job Description

Every Northrop teacher has the opportunity to join a team of motivated, mission-driven teammates who are committed to taking responsibility for their students’ learning. Hiawatha teachers are charged with providing a rigorous, fast-paced, and inspiring learning environment for their students. The Special Education teacher will provide instruction to students with identified special education needs and strategically support the general education staff with implementation of Individualized Education Plans.

The Special Education Teacher will work under the guidance of the Dean of Specialized Instruction and Instructional Leadership Team and in close collaboration with the rest of the Special Education Team, the Dean of Students, classroom teachers, and advisors.

Candidates selected for an interview will receive additional information regarding the specific roles and responsibilities for the position.

Responsibilities

Instructional Planning and Implementation

Utilize curriculum to develop and implement standards-based lesson plans that include an understanding and modeling of independent thinking skills, creative problem-solving, and evidence-based reasoning, differentiating and scaffolding as needed
Implement assessments that are aligned with daily, weekly, and unit objectives
Use data to adjust short- and long-term plans in order to meet students’ learning needs

Learning and Development

Collaborate with colleagues and seek feedback in the spirit of continuous improvement
Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and student achievement; reflect on instructional practices to meet individual professional development goals
Actively participate in professional development, grade level, and community meetings

School and Classroom Culture

Establish and maintain relationships with students and families based in trust and regular communication; collaborate and communicate regularly with families about academic progress and behavior
Establish and maintain high expectations and routines for academic work and classroom behavior
Establish and reinforce expectations and accountability structures to maintain a positive, focused classroom

Support students with Identified Special Needs

Write, implement, and track the goals for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
Assist in the initial and three year re-evaluation of students to determine qualifications and need for special education services including conducting achievement testing, data collection, observations, interviews, and completing functional behavior assessments
Provide direct academic and behavioral instruction and support for students with learning needs in the general education classroom
Provide individual and group support for the development of social/emotional skills
Work closely with other members of the Student Support Team (Dean of Students, ELD teacher(s), paraprofessional(s), and school and network administration) and general education staff to ensure high quality service is being provided for identified students
Maintain compliant special education records

Additional Responsibilities

Maintain accurate records, grade book, and data tracking systems
Actively attend to supervision duties and contribute positively to a collaborative school environment

The Special Education Teacher role must demonstrate knowledge of and support Hiawatha Academies’ mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.

Hiawatha Employment Logistics

Northrop students’ school day is from 7:25am-3:00pm, Monday-Thursday and 7:25am-1:15pm on Friday.
Staff must be present from 7:00am-3:15pm, Monday-Thursday.
Professional development sessions are held each Friday from 1:30pm-3:15 pm.
All Hiawatha Staff are expected to attend and participate in all Family Events at the school, including evening events throughout the year.

Skills & Qualifications

Required:

Bachelor’s Degree
MN Teaching License: Special Education EBD, LD, or ABS (dual license preferred)
Knowledge of Special Education law and Due Process compliance
Experience working with students with learning and emotional-behavioral needs
Knowledge of writing and implementing IEPs
Knowledge of MN EBD and/or SLD criteria and the evaluation process including: conducting Functional Behavior Assessments; understanding the use of Positive Behavior Supports; knowledge of how to write a Behavior Intervention Plan
Training or willingness to be trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
Experience working with diverse groups of students

Highly Preferred:

Bilingual or multilingual (Spanish and Somali preferred)
A minimum of two years teaching in a high-need school with demonstrated student results

Compensation

Salary for this position is competitive and based on prior experience. Hiawatha offers a collaborative and committed team of colleagues and a comprehensive benefits plan including medical, dental, life, and retirement.

Anti-Discrimination Policy and Commitment to Diversity

We believe that diversity is strength, and we are committed to maintaining an inclusive, multicultural network. We are an equal-opportunity employer and welcome all qualified applicants.