Summary

Our Special Education Teacher will get the awesome job of supporting diverse learning needs of HLCS students. This team will collaborate with classroom teachers to provide the very best in Special Education, built on the belief that with the right supports every student can succeed! The right candidate will be passionate about creating a learning community where all are valued, social emotional learning is prioritized, and we work hard to find the tools needed for every scholar to succeed.

Description

Mission Statement

Heartland Lakes Community School exists to empower scholars to bravely live their truth, to become wise stewards of the land and resources and to ignite lasting curiosity that leads to positive change in their school, their communities, their world and themselves.

Purpose Statement on Using the Environment

An emphasis on outdoor learning by using the environment with which we live and learn by utilizing both structured and unstructured outdoor learning spaces; we intend to be an expeditionary learning school where students work together on a specific project throughout the school year to achieve a common goal. HLCS will be a smaller community school with smaller class sizes which will lead to more individualized attention and care.

Guiding Philosophy on Meeting the Needs of the Whole Child

To develop and meet the needs of the whole child. Providing hands on learning experiences fostering curiosity and allowing students to discover their abilities, values, passions. All members in the school community will strive to take responsibility in their learning, collaborate and build mutual trust so all individuals feel safe and confident to take responsible risks. Our school will intentionally foster a space of inclusivity for all members.

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Position Overview

The special education teacher will function as both a special education classroom teacher and an IEP manager to assigned students.

The successful candidate will be an individual who firmly believes

  • all students can and will learn, and that their learning can be directly influenced by focusing on factors over which we have control;

  • in the need to work interdependently with teachers, school, and district leaders throughout the system, aligning the work of adults around improving student learning by meeting the needs, interests, and aspirations of students;

  • in the need to work in partnership with staff to continuously improve practices to enhance student and family engagement, creating the conditions for equity, excellence, and student success; and

  • in personalizing learning for students, meeting academic, social, and emotional needs and aspirations so that each student feels valued and has a sense of belonging, leading to academic success.

Job Responsibilities

  • Create and implement effective lesson plans that utilize differentiation

  • Teach in both special education classrooms (as a lead teacher) and general education classrooms (as a co-teacher)

  • Knowledge of writing IEPs and due process

  • Evaluate and assess student progress toward their IEP goals

  • Collaborate with general and special education staff in regard to educational adaptations and modifications

  • Maintain student records of services provided, following Due Process best practices and compliance

  • Facilitate IEP and evaluation summary meetings

  • Support a trauma-informed approach to teaching and learning

  • Offer experiential opportunities consistent with EL Education including service learning, authentic assessment, and character education

  • Engage in professional learning with EL Education embedded into the school model and calendar

  • Utilize the outdoor environment as a backdrop to learning

Required Qualification

  • A valid special education license or qualifications to receive a valid special education license issued by the Minnesota Department of Education 

  • Prior special education experience preferred 

Candidates with experience in EL Education, Outdoor Learning, Social Emotional Learning, Trauma-Informed Care, and Restorative Practices are strongly encouraged to apply. 
 

Application

To apply for this position, send your resume, cover letter, list of 3 references, and documentation of licensure credentials to careers@heartlandlakescs.org by Dec. 2, 2024. Applications will continue to be considered on a rolling basis.

Please include a response to the following question in your cover letter: How do you see the HLCS Mission statement in your teaching philosophy and current or future practices?