Position: Flex Special Education Teacher (2022-2023)
Reports to: Director of Student Services: Teaching and Learning
Location: TBD based on school needs (Denver, CO)
Salary: $50,000-$69,000 based on years of experience and education (Effective 12/17/21) as well as a $3,000 increase for having one of the following licenses, SPED Education Generalist (5.02, 5.03, 5.04, 5.05, 5.08, 5.09). Finally, this role is eligible for a $2,000 addition to base salary for passing a language proficiency test for an approved language .You can see an estimate of your salary offer by visiting the calculator on our website.
Status: Full time exempt, in-person position
STRIVE Prep is a Denver-based community of public charter schools that challenges every student to strive for college and thrive throughout life by helping them to discover and develop the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to succeed in college and beyond. We encourage you to read our 2021 Impact Report and learn more about what a career at STRIVE Prep is like here.
We seek dedicated educators that live STRIVE Prep’s core values of achievement, justice, & perseverance every day and are committed to growing as an anti-racist educator.
DAY IN THE LIFE
A STRIVE Mild/Moderate Special Education teacher will teach small group classes (resources) and co-taught classes (inclusion). Instruction will be in academic, behavior, social, and self-care skills to students with disabilities using a variety of teaching techniques, materials, and equipment. These services are designed for students with varying disabilities receiving instruction in the general education and/or special education setting. This job is fast paced and ever changing, as it is the special education teacher's responsibility to respond to student needs and implement the student’s individualized education plan with fidelity.
A flex teacher will directly respond to any of our 10 campuses special education teacher needs. This support could be for a couple of days or for a longer period of time. During periods of time that schools do not require additional support, the flex teacher will support Central Office IEP managers with case management tasks.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor of Arts or Sciences degree
- Achieve Qualified Teacher status within 60 days of starting through one of the following channels outlined by the Colorado Department of Education:
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- A valid Colorado Teaching License with Special Education endorsement OR
- Transfer a Special Education Teaching License from another state to Colorado OR
- Enroll in an alternative licensure program to obtain a Special Education license.
- Prior to receiving an alternate license candidates will be considered apprentice teachers until the alternative licensure is granted.
- Achieve English Language Acquisition (ELA) qualification within 2 years of start date through one of the following channels:
- Denver Public Schools (DPS) ELA Training Program
- Advanced coursework
- Colorado endorsement
- A commitment to the social emotional well-being of all scholars and the culture of the school. If the opening is located at any of the following STRIVE Prep campuses: Kepner, Montbello, Green Valley Ranch, or Federal this position will utilize the COMPASS: Valor's Social-Emotional Approach. We encourage you to check out this amazing program!
NICE TO HAVES
- Speaks Spanish and/or has experience working with English Learners
- Demonstrated success working with students of color
- Demonstrated success working with students with disabilities
SUMMARY of ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Service Delivery/Instruction
- Provide instruction to students with varying disabilities in the development of skills and knowledge that enables them to access the grade-level curriculum using accommodations and/or modifications in the least restrictive environment
- Prepare lesson plans and organize materials that are sequential and meaningful to instruction and geared to the student’s assessed needs, IEP goals and objectives, functioning level, and aligned with the general education curriculum
- Gain and maintain knowledge of disability awareness in order to plan and implement appropriate specially designed instruction to enable students full access to the general education curriculum
- In order to progress monitor IEP goals and performance in general education SPED Teacher will utilize data collection tools (CBM & CBA) and assessment results to document ongoing student programs, maintain and retain accurate records, and monitor and adjust instructional, behavioral, and social emotional educational plans.
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- For Example: For a student who receives math services and has math goals. The teacher may assess the student bi-weekly using a CBM, like MCOMP or MCAP, and document that data in Enrich (Digital IEP Tool). Additionally, whenever there are classroom assessment the teacher will also track that data and may use an excel spreadsheet. On a regular basis the teacher will review data, check for mastery, and determine the effectiveness of their specialized instruction and support.
- Use appropriate adaptive equipment and assistive technology as recommended by related service providers and ARD to facilitate learning, communication, mobility, and positioning
- Fully implement student's IEPs, including behavioral intervention plans, social skills, and accommodations/modification of materials and/or curriculum
- Provide for basic needs of students who, because of their disability, are not able to care for themselves regarding personal care, including but not limited to toileting and feeding
- Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure full implementation of student's IEPs, including behavioral intervention plans, social skills, and accommodations/modification of materials and/or curriculum
- Maintain a strong understanding of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for the grade level(s) and content(s) you teach.
Special Education Compliance
- Follow all district, state, and federal guidelines related to serving students with disabilities
- Maintain confidentiality with regards to student with disabilities as required by law
- Depending on your school site, evaluating and writing initial and transfer IEPs may be part of your role.
Collaboration for IEP Development
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- Work collaboratively with the Central IEP managers and Assessment Manager with the development of clear and measurable individual educational plans (IEP) goals and objectives that are aligned with the CCSS and provide regular progress to parents.
- In collaboration with the Central IEP managers and Assessment Manager, review the data to determine the students’ present levels of performance.
- Collaborate with the Central IEP managers and Assessment Manager to determine the appropriate accommodations for students based on student needs and the students’ use of accommodations.
- Meet with the case manager for a pre-meeting to review agenda and IEP prior to the IEP meeting.
- Attend all IEP meetings for student on you service
- Collaborate with central accountability team on initials and transfers
- During busy IEP development times, if school support isn’t needed, Flex Teachers may support the Assessment Manager/IEP managers with IEP development.
Program Support
- Participate in appropriate professional development activities as required or assigned by campus, district, or special education department
- Provide support and direction to paraprofessionals regarding the implementation of students IEPs and needs
INTERVIEW EXPECTATIONS
For most of our positions, we hire on a rolling basis. Therefore, we recommend that you submit your application as soon as you are able. Most processes include a 30 minute phone interview with a member of our Talent Team then a 1-2 hour final interview over Zoom unless otherwise noted by your interviewer. You can read more about our process as well as get tips on preparing for an interview here!
TOTAL REWARDS
Employee retention is a top priority at STRIVE Prep. Therefore we offer competitive compensation and benefits including the following:
- Excellent Healthcare Plan: 100% of employee-only monthly premium paid by STRIVE Prep.
- Recognition for Years of Service: All STRIVE Prep employees will receive an additional $3,000 in their base salary after the 3rd year, 5th year, and 7th year of service at STRIVE Prep.
- Celebrated for Multi-Lingual Abilities: We value our multilingual staff and the impact they have on our students and community. Therefore, staff that speak a language spoken by our families are eligible to receive an additional $2,000 to their base salary.
- Time Off To Refresh: Industry high 6+ weeks of annual vacation/PTO. Hard work is rewarded with ample time to refresh.
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- Based on hire date, employees are eligible for up to 8 days of PTO
- All employees receive 2 floating religious holidays
- All employees receive summer vacation based on work location and position
- Community: Opportunity to work with passionate, mission-driven colleagues who are invested in your personal and professional growth. Join one of our Affinity Groups to build connections with staff across the network who share common identities.
- Career Support: Access to our Talent Team to support internal movement. We want you to grow your career at STRIVE!
- Family & Well Being Focus: Parental and medical leave of 6 weeks paid and 6 weeks unpaid for a total of 12 weeks.
- Mental Health Assistance: We value the wellness of our students and staff. That’s why we offer access to mental health support through our Employee Assistance Program with Optum.
- Resources and Development For Success: Equipment provided: laptop, Weekly coaching sessions
- Retirement Planning: Participation in the Colorado PERA retirement program, including a PERA 401k option.
- For more information, you can view our compensation and benefits FAQ here.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
STRIVE Prep is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other status protected by law or regulation. STRIVE Prep works to make a college preparatory education for all students in our community the norm, rather than the exception. To achieve this we are committed to building and sustaining a diverse team by maintaining hiring and recruiting processes that are free from bias.
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