Special Education Teacher and Coordinator: SY 25-26

Role Expectations

The Special Education Teacher works closely with the Lead Teachers, the Dean of Academics and the Executive Director to support CCA scholars who are at-risk for academic underperformance due to emotional, cognitive, and/or physical challenges so that they can succeed in the school’s academic program. The Special Education Teacher holds primary responsibility for managing the school’s special education caseload, monitoring scholar IEPs, and providing academic, emotional, and physical support and interventions for scholars who require additional support to thrive within the school’s inclusion model. Special Education Teachers will support teachers in all academic subject areas.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Special Education Program

• Ensure I operate in compliance with special education law and procedures at all times.
• Serve as the case manager for scholars who have IEPs on case load
• Attend all required charter school sponsor special education training and workshops.
• Participate in  the school’s pre-referral and IEP and 504 processes.
• Participate in the development of Individual Educational Programs (IEPs) (and potentially 504 plans) as needed.
• Develop expertise with the school’s literacy program and ways to successfully adapt literacy instruction to all special education scholars. 

Within caseload:

• Ensure scholar IEP requirements and 504 plan accommodations on caseload are being met.
• Assess and report mastery of IEP goals to parents and other members of the scholar’s support team.
• Maintain all special education records according to privacy and confidentiality requirements.
• Communicate regularly with parents and as required by law to support special education scholar learning needs.
• Participate in and collaborate with school leader or SPED coordinator to lead multi-disciplinary team meetings, including but not limited to annual, eligibility, re-evaluation, and manifestation determination meetings.

Instructional Collaboration and Support

• Provide direct intervention (i.e. instruction) to scholars in accordance with their IEP requirements.
• Assist teachers to adapt weekly lesson plans and instructional for individual scholars that require additional support to experience a high-quality curriculum.
• Assist teachers to utilize effective teaching strategies to support special education scholars in the least restrictive manner.
• Implement scholar behavior supports consistent with special education laws and scholar IEPs to achieve an optimal learning classroom learning environment.

Assessment and Data

• Participate cooperatively in CCA’s assessment system and data platforms to monitor special education scholars’ learning and progression.
• Administer alternative assessments in accordance with CCA’s testing programs and state testing requirements.
• Evaluate scholar’s academic and SEL growth, keep appropriate records, prepare scholar reports and regularly communicate with parents regarding their scholar's progress.

General Responsibilities

• Regularly participate in CCA’s professional development program, including CCA’s annual summer professional development prior to school opening.
• Actively participate in CCA’s instructional coaching program (coach and be coached).
• Supervise scholars in out-of-classroom activities on rotating schedules. Examples include, but are not limited to: cafeteria duty, bus monitor, and recess duty. Not sure if this should be part of my job description, but I’m ok with it.
• Communicate with parents, CCA leadership team, and CCA colleagues in a timely, consistent manner.
• Attend school wide functions and community events as requested.

The Special Education Teacher will perform other duties as required to achieve the school’s mission.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s degree is preferred.
• South Carolina teaching certification in relevant special education teaching field is required.
• Expertise and knowledge of applicable special education laws and procedures.
• Proven track-record of achievement as a teacher, instructional coach, or academic leader.
• Experience working with a culturally diverse student body preferred.

Ability to:

• Work hard to achieve the school’s mission.
• Improve the minds and lives of scholars in and out of the classroom.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written language.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with a variety of people. 
• Engage families and the larger community in the life of the school.

Additional Information

Salary is competitive and commensurate with your experience. Compass Collegiate Academy full-time employees are provided with a benefits package that includes medical, vision, and dental insurance, retirement plan, parental leave, and a laptop.

All employment with CCA is AT-WILL and nothing contained in this job description or in any other document provided by CCA creates a contract of employment for a specified term. In at-will employment, both the employee and employer retain the right to terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and with or without any advance notice.

Compass Collegiate Academy is committed to providing equal access to educational and employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, pregnancy, age, sex, or any other protected characteristic, as may be required by law.