Education Specialist K-12/Special Education Teacher

• Description The Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP) seeks a full-time, exempt, on-site, Education Specialist K12 (Special Education Teacher) who wants to make a positive impact on the lives of young women by upholding and communicating the Catholic mission and philosophy while modeling behavior that inspires academic excellence, an enthusiasm for learning in a culture that fosters support for one another.
• The Education Specialist provides assessment services and develops, implements, and supervises Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• In collaboration with classroom teachers and parents/guardians, the Education Specialist supports and monitors student progress towards IEP goals, and plays a crucial role in communicating needs, services, and accommodations to staff and parents/guardians.
• This role will provide direct guidance for students with moderate to severe cognitive learning disabilities inclusive of down syndrome, as part of the launch of our new St.
• Joseph Scholars Program.
• It will also provide direct instruction for the study skills class, for designated students, and support for those with mild to moderate learning disabilities in our Sisters and Scholars Program.
• The Education Specialist, in the spirit of our sponsoring religious order, the Sisters of St.
• Joseph of Carondelet, will also support all students to become women of heart, faith, courage, and excellence as they progress through their educational journey at OLP.
• OLP is the oldest remaining, all girls’ Catholic school in San Diego with a population including 69% identifying as young women of color, and on average 18% crossing the International US Border from Baja California daily to call OLP home.
• We welcome 750 young women to our campus forming a diverse educational community from over 80 different zip codes.
• As a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) school, OLP places a strong emphasis on 21st-century learning and leadership skills across the curriculum.
• The professional culture at OLP is committed to continuous improvement, a growth mindset and lifelong learning.
• Educators applying for the Education Specialist position should have an educational background and work experience in a special education setting with a record of high student achievement, understanding of differentiated learning and varied instruction, and the ability to use data to guide intervention strategies.
• The ideal candidate would also be able to directly support high school math intervention particularly in the 9th and 10th grades.
• Desirable skills include being well-versed in forms and uses of technology and emerging learning technologies.
• Applicants must show a willingness to work collaboratively with all levels of the school team in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs); partner with Administrators, families, and students; and work closely with the Counseling Department.
• OLP offers a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.

Primary Responsibilities These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

Directly related to a Special Education Specialist: Provide individualized instruction and support to students with special needs in a one-on-one setting for foundational learning; Provide individualized instruction and support to students who require specialized interventions and supports with special needs in a general education setting (particularly high school math intervention); Identify student individualized learning needs in collaboration with teachers, counselors and administrators, and implement instructional services to maximize the learning of students, consistent with individual educational goals and objectives; Support general education teachers by developing related goals and objectives, planning, and implementation strategies to meet the needs of students with IEPs; Provide accommodations for students with individual needs to encourage learning and success in partnership with a general education teacher; Identifies and supports students’ social, emotional, and behavioral learning needs; Works collaboratively with local partners such as the San Diego Regional Center, St. Madeline Sophie Center, Noah Homes, etc., to integrate local service providers on campus in support of student learning needs; Provides opportunities for student engagement and partnership in designing student experiential internship courses for students in the St. Joseph Scholars Program; Designs formal and informal assessments that measure student progress; Collaborates and supports the SAS Counselor and the extended time testing process as needed; As a member of the Student Support Team participates in the Learning Support Plan initial meetings with the SAS counselor, student, and family and provides support for additional meetings as needed;

Duties and Responsibilities

Directly Related to Pupil Progress: Plans and implements appropriate instructional activities: Shows evidence of being consistently prepared; prepares appropriate materials for assignment; develops lessons appropriate to time constraints; and relates lesson to curriculum or course of study; Utilizes a variety of instructional skills and methods: Varies instructional modes to accommodate student needs, interests, learning styles, and ability levels; provides opportunity for student inquiry and problem solving; Selects appropriate learning materials: Utilizes appropriate materials for the learning task; assists students in understanding relationship of materials with concepts to be learned Monitors and evaluates student progress, consistently checks progress of individual student achievement; evaluates results and adjusts the learning process as needed; provides timely feedback to students and parents; Participates in IEP meetings. Develops and monitors student objectives in conjunction with other members of the IEP team; Classroom management skills: Shows respect for students and their ideas; encourages participation consistent with objectives of lesson; promotes recognition of others' rights and ideas; counsels students displaying inappropriate behavior or performance; directs the activities of the class appropriate to learning tasks; Demonstrates knowledge of subject matter: Presents lessons with a clear and logical structure; assists students in understanding relationships of concepts; displays skill in making lessons interesting; stays abreast of current trends in subject matter; Provides individualized instruction: Adjusts instructional approach and follow-up activities to the ability of the individual student; demonstrates knowledge of each student's achievement level and needs; uses questions that require responses at a variety of cognitive levels; Establishes appropriate relationships with students: Actively interacts with students; demonstrates enthusiasm, intellectual stimulation, and organization. Helps to develop each student's self-image: Respects the dignity of each student; strives to develop positive student attitudes of self-worth and confidence; Encourages students to accept responsibility: encourages participation in school activities; promotes the worth of accomplishment and self-discipline; allows for individual responsibility and freedom commensurate with maturity level; Assists the student in setting and achieving goals. Assures that students are knowledgeable of the objective of the lesson being taught; communicates with students about their achievement and goals; offers specific guidance and suggestions that aid students in the process of achieving goals; Provides for student growth and enrichment: Makes specific suggestions for continued academic growth; sets standards that are challenging and attainable; provides for the opportunity of transfer of learning and application of required skills; assists students in understanding and developing healthy peer relationships; Utilizes academic learning time: Adheres to an on-task agenda with procedures that are well understood by students; develops a program of intermediate difficulty with high levels of success; develops a sense of pride in academic achievement; Participates in ongoing professional growth activities; Conducts conferences and communicates with students, parents, and support personnel concerning individual student needs; Works cooperatively with students’ peer faculty members with the SST team, in evaluating IEP goals. The ideal candidate would possess the following: This position requires an understanding of research-based interventions tailored to an all girls’ learning environment; a high level of professionalism; attention to detail; self-motivation; strong organization; and commitment to the OLP mission. This role requires the ability to work on site at the school location; A teaching credential, special education credential, and bachelor’s degree is required, a master’s degree is preferred; The ideal candidate would also be able to provide high school math intervention support in the general education classroom in partnership with the general education teacher; A minimum of two years of teaching experience in a special education setting with a record of high student achievement; Familiarity with the SST process, as well as the IEP process and reporting; Inform and communicate effectively with parents and students; Knowledgeable of evolving pedagogy, differentiation, diagnostic assessments, the use of quantitative and qualitative data to inform instruction; Personal qualities of maturity, humility, self-reflection, strong work ethic, and “whatever it takes” attitude; Ability to take feedback well and implement changes immediately; Acute attention to detail coupled with the ability to think and act strategically; Entrepreneurial energy and ambition necessary for leading new programs; Ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor in the face of competing demands and external pressures.

Requirements

• At the time of submitting your application, OLP requires both a cover letter and resume, along with three references from supervisors who have seen your work directly, verification of degree credentials, and a copy of transcripts. Upon hiring you will be required to complete a TB test, Livescan
• fingerprinting and background check, and provide all official transcripts. Placement on the faculty salary scale based on experience and degrees. This position reports to the Assistant Principal for Student Support and the Assistant Head of School. *OLP will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if OLP is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/.