Breakthrough Montessori PCS·Washington, District of Columbia
The SPED teacher will function as the lead in a classroom serving high-needs students, utilizing research-based interventions to help them access Montessori materials and strengthen academic, functional, and social-emotional skills. Responsibilities include comprehensive case management for IEP students, providing individualized and small group instruction, and coordinating closely with the Director of Student Support.
About Breakthrough Montessori Public Charter School Breakthrough Montessori Public Charter School’s mission is to provide diverse families in Washington, DC, a public Montessori education designed to enable children to develop within themselves the power to shape their lives and the world around them.
Founded in 2016, Breakthrough Montessori is a public charter school in Washington, DC. We serve 388 students in PK3 through grade 6. At Breakthrough Montessori PCS, we believe in the unbounded potential of all children. Students of all races, classes, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and backgrounds deserve a personalized education.
Our school is grounded in an institutional commitment to development, prevention, and community. We support human development through an uncompromising application of the time-tested Montessori instructional model. We support prevention through early learning, support and intervention, enabling us to quickly and effectively address learning challenges. Finally, we support the community through an intensive approach to family engagement.
Breakthrough Montessori PCS is committed to equity in all areas of our school’s work. We are a supportive environment that seeks to employ a diverse staff reflective of all genders, races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and backgrounds.
Breakthrough Montessori PCS is a coaching school; all team members receive and give coaching to support professional growth.
The SPED teacher is an important role for a special education credentialed individual who will function as the lead in a classroom, serving our most high-needs population as they learn skills to acclimate to their Montessori classrooms. This person will utilize research-based interventions/strategies to assist students in accessing Montessori materials and strengthen their academic, functional and social-emotional skills to support their work in their classroom communities. They will work under the direction of the Director of Student Support and complete all tasks associated with the instruction of the aforementioned children while in your care. You should expect to provide both individualized and small group instruction (i.e. 2 or more students), as well as be flexible to meet the needs of the students/school. Children would typically be separated by age/skill band with groups closely mirroring our Montessori classrooms in ages 3-6 years, 6-9 years, and 9-12 years.
Design and implement interventions for students struggling in reading, math, or other areas.
Data collection and review: Support with data collection to help identify students suspected of having a disability and receiving Special Education services. Support teachers in the collection and analysis of relevant data. Regularly review data to inform student support (academic, emotional, behavioral, etc.)
Training: Participate in Montessori, SafetyCare, or other specialized training as deemed appropriate for the role Other duties as assigned by school leaders include substituting, covering classes, and assisting during arrival and dismissal. Participate in other school functions and activities as requested by the Executive Director
and Qualifications: Have a firm commitment to upholding the school’s mission and anti-bias/anti-racist pedagogy. Commitment to upholding the confidentiality of students and parents Proven ability to work as a member of a diverse team of educators Self-starter and self-manager Interest in learning to use Montessori materials required Experience collaborating and working with classroom teachers and assistants Enthusiasm and commitment to our vision and mission Creative, energetic, and nurturing personality Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills Excellent oral and written communication skills Experience with families from diverse backgrounds Fluency in a language other than English is a plus
Experience working with diverse populations of students, parents, and families. Bachelor‘s degree in an applicable field required Special Education certification and/or degree required Montessori Primary or Elementary Diploma preferred Experience in the field of special education and with academic interventions
We provide employees with a robust leave policy that includes: Paid personal time off Paid COVID sick leave Paid family leave (in addition to DC paid family leave) Paid bereavement leave Paid leave for the observation of a religious holiday
Breakthrough invests heavily in the professional development (PD) of our faculty through: A weekly early release schedule with professional development and collaborative planning time from 1:30-4:30 pm every Monday; An individual professional development budget of $250/year to pursue additional PD opportunities; Conference participation and A Continuing Education grant program that provides grantees up to $20,000 to complete Montessori teacher training, an advanced degree or other license.
Health, dental, vision Retirement (Vanguard Retirement) Educator wellness groups, facilitated by a clinical psychologist. For information on Breakthrough Montessori PCS, including more information on employee benefits and our company culture, visit our website at www.breakthroughmontessori.org.
Breakthrough Montessori PCS is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in an applicable field and required Special Education certification and/or degree, with a strong commitment to the school's anti-bias mission. Preferred qualifications include a Montessori Diploma and experience working with diverse student populations and families.
Market context
Special education teacher openings in the District of Columbia are typically driven by ongoing demand for certified educators who can support students with diverse learning needs. This role is competitive because it asks for both the required Special Education certification and a strong fit with the school’s anti-bias mission, while benefits include health, dental, vision, paid personal time off, and paid family leave. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, and if you apply, highlight experience with diverse student populations and any Montessori training.
