K-2nd Grade Special Education Lead Teacher

Who We Are

Our mission is to provide an exemplary educational program that includes all students. Our developmentally appropriate, student and family-centered educational approach nurtures students to expand their developmental skills, in order to build a foundation for life-long learning. Our Core Values are:

• Responsibility
• Engagement
• Acceptance
• Creativity
• Honesty

Who Are We Looking For

We are seeking passionate educators to build an inclusive Pk-5 school community. We are seeking committed individuals to provide high-quality and innovative instruction to a diverse student community.  We are seeking individuals that recognize that they are in a position of public trust and are held to a high standard of personal and professional conduct.  If you are a dedicated educator who is passionate about creating a culture of inclusion and respect, we invite you to join our team. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students and build a brighter future for our community.

Our Graduate Profile

A Bridges “Graduate”

• Is a unique and independent individual who is prepared to pave their own path.
• Self advocates through their preferred communication modalities.
• Welcomes diversity with inclusion, openness, acceptance, and respect for others.
• Demonstrates empathy and a desire to help and support others in need.
• Perseveres in the face of challenges to meet their individual academic, social and extra curricular goals. 
• Is prepared for next steps after leaving Bridges Public Charter School.

As a Special Education Teacher  you will be responsible for...

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• Plan and manage a non-categorical self-contained classroom with high level special needs students and assistant teachers.
• Plan and implement a program of instruction using the school's curriculum (ELA, Math, FOSS / Science, Social Studies Alive, and Second Step). Ensure the program of instruction meets the individual students' goals and objectives on their IEPs and is aligned with Common Core Standards.
• Modify and administer classroom based and school-wide assessments to document student's progress.
• Regularly collect data to track students’ progress in 3 program areas: curriculum, IEP, and ABA/VB.
• Complete quarterly progress reports (IEP progress reports and curriculum progress reports).
• Collaborate with related service providers, special education coordinator, curriculum coordinator, ELL Teacher and student parents to plan for student needs.
• Implement and maintain student’s Functional Communication Protocols and Behavior Protocols to respond to students' behavior appropriately and successfully.
• Participate in the IEP process by writing present levels, IEP goals, and providing thoughtful reflections during team meetings.
• Coordinate with general education teachers to create opportunities of inclusive learning.
• Support the creation of a classroom culture and environment that develops and nurtures the emotional, cognitive and social abilities of the students.
• Engage parents and families in their student's learning and acting as an ambassador for the school in the community.
• Contribute productively to the school as a whole.
• Attend and participate in school events outside of regular school hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Adhering to the 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. work day
• Regularly attends work and adheres to all attendance policies.
• Be on time for classes, duties, team meetings and professional development activities. Communicate about and plan for absences in advance with teaching teams and the Principal.
• Participate in weekly Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings.
• Contribute to PLC sessions by being prepared to share data,  ideas, student work,  materials, feedback, facilitating  sessions and/or discussions.
• Participate in a Summer Professional Development. Summer Professional Development will be two weeks in August before students return.
• Seek out additional opportunities for professional development that will lead to achieving personal and school-wide professional development goals.
• Reading provided school information  and adhering to all deadlines.
• Respond to all emails within 24 hours or the next business day. 
• Other professional duties as assigned.   

SCHOOL CULTURE 

• Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for students. 
• Communicate respectfully to students, staff and families at all times. 
• Model, practice and discuss respectful, unbiased and effective communication with students.
• Other school culture expectations as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Have a dual Masters Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education; a Masters Degree and certification in Special Education; a Bachelor's Degree and certification in Special Education; or a BA and passed the Praxis SPED exams. BA and experience in special education.
• Have 1 to 2 years of successful classroom teaching experience in an urban school setting. 2 or more years of teaching experience is preferred.
• Be a strong classroom manager.
• Be committed to meeting the needs of a diverse student population.
• Have a track record of being a team player and community minded.
• Be committed to their own learning including training in ABA/VB.
• Excellent time-management skills and ability to work independently.
• Passion for public schools.
• Adherence to a high level of professional and ethical standards.

 Child care and health savings plans, pre-tax deduction for Metro, bike racks and regular staff engagement and wellness activities. Staff lounge and lactation room for nursing mothers. Health benefits (medical & dental), disability insurance, and a retirement plan: 401-(k) with a 4% match or the continuation of the DCPS retirement plan.