Summary

Math and Science Academy is hiring a Special Education Teacher for grades 6-12 to start in August 2024. The Special Education Teacher is responsible for assisting MSA in assessing and identifying students with special needs such as learning disabilities, health impairments, developmental cognitive delays or other similar needs according to state eligibility criteria.

Description

Math and Science Academy is hiring a Special Education Teacher for grades 6-12 to start in August 2024. The Special Education Teacher is responsible for assisting MSA in assessing and identifying students with special needs such as learning disabilities, health impairments, developmental cognitive delays or other similar needs according to state eligibility criteria.  The Special Education Teacher plans for, develops and implements individualized education plans and instruction in academic, functional and social emotional areas.  Our Special Education Teacher works in collaboration with other educational professionals and administrators in designing, modifying and implementing educational services to promote a learning environment that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential. 

Required Qualifications:  Minnesota teaching license in special education.  

Preferred Qualifications: Two years of teaching experience in a diverse classroom preferred; ASD or SLD licensure preferred. 

Reports to the MSA Special Services Director.

Schedule:  Student contact days, office hours, service requirements, and other days as assigned for professional development.  MSA expects teachers present from 9:00 am to 4:15 pm on student contact days.  

FLSA: Exempt, 1.0 FTE .  MSA is an at-will employer.  

Benefits: MSA offers a generous benefits package and 12 days of paid time off to teachers.  

The duties below are not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties and tasks performed by those holding this type of position. 

 

  1. Classroom Instruction

  • Promotes the MSA Mission and Vision in all communications and interactions.

  • Embodies MSA Core Values in daily activities. 

  • Serves as a case manager and carries out all steps and procedures of the Special Education assessment process including the preparation of all due process forms; assessment procedures, determining eligibility, needs, recommendations and written evaluations; monitors student schedules for appropriateness throughout the year; meeting with parents and staff to share results.

  • Completes all required due process paperwork required and/or mandated by the state and federal laws or as required by MSA.

  • Develops, implements and monitors strategies to support students’ functional and social/emotional development as appropriate.

  • Instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment.

  • Use relevant technology to support and differentiate instruction.

  • Treat all students in an equitable manner.

  • Manage student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.

  • Maintain discipline in accordance with the rules and disciplinary systems of MSA.

  • Utilizes proper students’ preferred pronouns and name(s) in class and when communicating with parents/guardians.

  • Provide timely feedback to students on all assigned work.

  • Prepare required reports on students and activities.

  • Participate in department, school, and parent meetings.

  • Assist in adapting curriculum and materials to best fit the needs of identified students.

  • Assess student progress and determine the need for additional reinforcement or adjustment to instructional plans/techniques/IEPs/goals. 

  • Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities.

  • Assist in adapting curriculum and materials to best fit the needs of students. 

  • Observe and evaluate student’s performance and development.

  • Assign and grade class work, homework, test and assignments.

  • Comply with all 504 and Individualized Education Program (IEP) accommodations and modifications for classroom students.

  • Collaborate with Educational Assistants on behavioral and academic areas of concern for students they support.

  • Prepare a yearly budget for classroom resources.

  1. Additional functions:

  • Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic, and ability backgrounds.

  • Attend and participate in 8 am Wednesday staff meetings.

  • Encourage parent and community involvement.

  • Obtain information for parents when requested.

  • Promptly return phone calls and respond to emails.

  • Participate in appropriate professional development activities.

  • Monitor hallways before school, between class periods, and after school.

  • Participate as an active member in governance and service activities.

  • Participate in extracurricular activities such as social activities, sporting activities, clubs and student organizations as directed.

  • Other duties as assigned.

3.   Knowledge, Skills, and Ability Required:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and /or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • B.A./B.S. degree in teaching from an accredited institution or related teaching field.

  • Minnesota State certification/license in teaching in appropriate subject area.

  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. 

  • Must have the ability and proven ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis.

  • Perform all other related work delegated or required to accomplish MSA’s Mission and Vision.

  • Knowledge and implementation of relevant technology.

  • Meet professional teacher education requirements of school and state.

  • Demonstrate and promote MSA Core Values.

  • Teaching principals, practices, techniques and approaches.

  • Knowledge of current child development theories and development stages and needs.

Physical Job Requirements:

 

Physical requirements associated with the position can be best summarized as follows:

  • Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must lift and/or move up to 10 pounds frequently.

    • Occasionally comfortable with exerting force/lifting up to 50 pounds with assistance. 

  • Employee(s) may be exposed to some conditions involving human/student contact, verbal outbursts, physical aggression, exposure to body fluids and other related conditions.

  • Employee(s) may be required to assist students with bathroom functions, based on student needs.