Special Education Teacher
Ecology Learning Center - 230 Main Street, Unity, ME 04988
JOB TYPE: Contract, Full Time
REPORTS TO: Head of School, Leza Packard
SALARY: starting $40,000, commensurate with relevant experience, plus benefits
START DATE: August 19, 2024 (Part Time available immediately - April 2024)
OVERVIEW
The Ecology Learning Center is a public charter school in Waldo County, Maine with the mission to deeply root students in Maine’s ecological and cultural landscapes, foster authentic real-world learning through mentorship and craft, and cultivate compassionate and resilient leaders prepared to engage in the challenges of today and tomorrow. The Ecology Learning Center opened September 1, 2020 and currently enrolls 100 students (grades 9-12). The Center was authorized as the tenth and final charter school in Maine following a lengthy application process and operating a successful pilot program from 2018 to 2020.
We believe all students have the right to rigorous, relevant, and joyful learning experiences led by exceptionally talented and diverse educators who promote student achievement and a sense of belonging. Our goal is to prepare students for college and careers while focusing on rural community development and environmental stewardship.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated teacher who is team-oriented, committed to student success, and inspired by the opportunity to continue developing an innovative school. The Special Education teacher will provide special education services to identified students so they may receive their education in the least restrictive educational alternative with access to the general curriculum. The teacher will lead a team of three Ed Techs to help students learn subject matter and skills that will contribute to their development as mature, able, and responsible citizens, and lead them to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, and psychological growth.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide diagnostic and evaluative services to assist in identification of students requiring special education services including classroom observations, administration of appropriate evaluation instruments and diagnostic teaching
- Participate in screening of all new and transfer students and document in cumulative file
- Develop and implement appropriate Individualized Educational Plans for each identified student including direct instruction, consultation, and progress monitoring
- Maintain required records including daily lesson plans, evaluation reports, IEPs, transition plans as appropriate, behavior charts, and other SPED records
- Keep SPED files up to date and meet all mandated deadlines
- Provide supportive and consultation services to all staff involved with identified students including assisting teachers in implementing behavior plans and making modifications and accommodations in their classrooms
- Provide supportive and consultation services to parents of identified students
- Chair IEP meetings and other meetings as requested by the Head of School
- Provide case management services, collaborating with consultants, agency representatives, counselors and others to provide appropriate services to identified students and facilitate communication with other staff and parents
- Submit a yearly budget and maintain an updated inventory
- Keep up to date on changes in special education regulations, assessment techniques, materials, instructional strategies, theories, assistive technology, curriculum and local resources
- Assist in supervision/evaluation of Educational Technicians as appropriate
- Participate in staff meetings and share in assigned duties as requested by the Head of School
- Participate in restraints, be aware of emergency procedures, and be a member of the building response team as needed
- Align instructional support with school-wide environmental themes when possible
- Co-lead at least one overnight wilderness trip per year (hiking, camping, backpacking)
Legal and Ethical Duties:
- Maintain confidentiality about all aspects of student and staff performance and records
- Demonstrate a respect for the legal and human rights of students, staff and parents
- Follow health and safety procedures established by the Ecology Learning Center
- Arrive and depart punctually, notifying appropriate personnel about absences and coverage
- Demonstrate loyalty, dependability, integrity, and other ethical standards
- Reinforce standards of behavior based on school guidelines during class time and field trips.
- Create a safe, supportive environment in which students treat one another with respect, develop awareness of diversity, and celebrate differences.
- Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, materials, and facilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Current Maine Special Education Teacher Certification appropriate for grade levels, subject or special area in which they teach
- Bachelor’s degree in related field
- Prior teaching experience
- Ability to do appropriate reading, writing, math, reasoning and understanding of policies and procedures and related information, and to follow verbal or demonstrated instructions
- Physical ability to perform all necessary duties, including reaching, lifting, eye-hand coordination, sitting and stooping.
- Highly responsible, self-motivated, flexible, and capable of working in varied settings
- Has an abundance of patience working with teens, a good sense of humor, strong work ethic
- Be able to successfully pass all background, criminal record, fingerprinting, reference checks
TO APPLY
To apply, please send a completed “Ecology Learning Center Application” form, cover letter, resume, teaching philosophy statement and three references to: leza.packard@ecologylearningcenter.org OR
Human Resources, Ecology Learning Center, 230 Main Street Unity, ME 04988.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
The Ecology Learning Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Center does not discriminate in employment or in educational programs, services or activities based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or any other protected category in accordance with state and federal laws.