Who We Are ?
Bridges Public Charter School is a public charter school district made up of a single-site Prek 3-5th grade school. Although we are small in size, we are most certainly mighty in numbers. Our community includes over 400 students and employs 150 faculty members, and hundreds of families. The majority of our students and families reside in the District of Columbia. We believe in serving an inclusive learning community for all of our students, including those with special needs and English language learners.
What Do We Believe?
We believe in providing an inclusive learning community that builds bridges of understanding, awareness, and support by connecting children and families with a variety of different needs, cultures, and backgrounds. With our student population being more than 36% with high level special needs and a diverse teaching staff, our mission is to provide an exemplary educational program that includes all students. Our developmentally appropriate, student and family-centered educational approach nurtures students to expand their developmental skills, in order to build a foundation for life-long learning.
Who Are We Looking For?
We are seeking passionate educators to build an inclusive preschool and elementary school community. We are seeking committed individuals to provide high-quality and innovative instruction to a diverse student community. If you are a dedicated educator who is passionate about creating a culture of inclusion and respect, we invite you to join our team. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students and build a brighter future for our community.
As a Special Education Resource Teacher You Will…
Hold this position for 10 – 16 weeks of maternity leave coverage. Bridges is seeking an individuals who are committed to the learning and development of Students. Our classrooms are culturally and linguistically diverse and include students with special needs. The position of PreK Teacher Assistant in a general education inclusion classroom.
Daily Responsibilities
- Providing high quality direct specialized instruction to students according to students’ IEPs/504 plans.
- Developing IEPs/504 plans that are strength-based as well as child and family centered for overall educational improvement.
- Planning and implementing specialized instruction services using the school’s curriculum (i.e. High Reach, Everyday Math, and Handwriting without Tears, Readers and Writers Workshop, Math in Focus, FOSS, Social Studies Alive, and Second Step). Ensure the program of instruction meets the individual students’ goals and objectives on their IEP/504 plans and is aligned with Common Core Standards.
- Collaborating with classroom teacher to implement student’s IEP/504 plan. This includes planning for: classroom environment, adapting and modifying curriculum, managing classroom behaviors, and connecting with parents and family members.
- Modifying and administering classroom-based and school-wide assessments to document student’s progress.
- Developing a system to regularly collect all specialized instruction data towards IEP/504 plan goals.
- Writing quarterly progress reports (IEP progress reports and curriculum progress reports).
- Collaborating with related service providers, Special Education Coordinator, Assistant Director of Student Support Services, curriculum coordinator, ELL teacher, and students’ parents to plan for student needs and to ensure skills are generalized across settings.
- Facilitate a collaborative relationship with classroom teachers, assistant teachers, and dedicated aides to support students’ needs and ensure students’ IEPs are being implemented with fidelity.
- Implementing and maintaining students’ Functional Communication Protocols and Behavioral Intervention Protocols to respond to students’ behavior appropriately and successfully.
- Participating in eligibility and annual IEP/504 plan meetings by presenting information, completing essential paperwork, and assisting with note taking.
- Managing a detailed log of services provided and services missed due to student or teacher absences.
- Writing and modifying lesson plans outlining scope of work for specializing instruction for students with disabilities and submitting lesson plans on a regular basis.
- Participating in parent teacher conferences
- Co-facilitating 2 parent events.
- Collaborating with curriculum coach to plan orientation and professional development sessions.
- Conducting regular summative and formative assessments to determine student progress.
- Receiving EasyIEP training and serving as a resource to others using EasyIEP.
- Maintaining specialized instruction supplies
- Support the creation of a classroom culture and environment that develops and nurtures the emotional, cognitive and social abilities of the students.
- Engaging parents and families in their student’s learning and acting as an ambassador for the school in the community. Provide families with resources to support their child at home and in the community.
- Contributing productively to the school as a whole.
- Attending and participating in school events outside of regular school hours.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Have a: Masters Degree in Special Education and certification in Special Education; a Masters Degree in Special Education; Bachelors Degree and certification in Special Education or Bachelors degree and DC SPED exams.
- Have 1 to 2 years of successful classroom teaching experience in an urban school setting. 2 or more years of teaching experience is preferred.
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of instructional strategies for students with autism, developmental delay, specific learning disabilities, and behavior disorders.
- Be a strong classroom manager and team leader.
- Demonstrate strong skills in partnering with families.
- Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of colleagues, parents, families, and community members.
- Be committed to meeting the needs of a diverse student population.
- Have a track record of being a team player and community minded.
- Be committed to their own learning.
- Have excellent time-management skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
- Have a passion for urban public schools.
- Adhere to a high level of professional and ethical standards.
Building A School Culture
- A track record of being a team player and community minded
- Upholding school and grade level systems and structures with fidelity
- Assuming extracurricular responsibilities, if desired
- Modeling joy and empathy to oneself and others
SALARY & BENEFITS
Salary is based on educational level, certification(s), and years of experience. Employees will be contracted yearly. Employment agreements will be renewed according to evaluations and staff interest. Health benefits (medical & dental), disability insurance, and a retirement plan: 401-(k) or the continuation of the DCPS retirement plan.
At Bridges Public Charter School, we acknowledge barriers to opportunities that exist within the job seeking market. Many potential candidates shy away from applying due to lack of confidence in their skills and imposter syndrome. As we do our part to dismantle these barriers within our own recruitment processes, we encourage candidates from all walks of life, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, to apply and make positive change within the lives of our students.
To ensure safety for all students, all staff members may be fingerprinted. Background checks will be conducted on all school staff prior to their service as employees.
