Curriculum and Instruction Specialist - Education Services

YAI; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

yai is seeking a qualified education specialist to lead curriculum development and support teachers in implementing iHOPE curricula across divisions. You will coordinate with education leaders to align lesson plans with individualized student needs involving hearing-related services.

The role requires strong communication, coaching skills, and experience in special education. You will work with a multidisciplinary team to ensure accurate progress reporting and effective instruction.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education and current certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Develops curriculum expertise with iHOPE, collaborating with educational leadership to structure units and model lesson plans.
• Coordinates with Directors of Education to adapt curriculum for divisions and student needs including vision, hearing, motor and speech abilities.
• Trains and coaches teachers in instruction and lesson planning, observes classrooms to assess curriculum effectiveness.
• Partners in co-teaching, modeling instructional methods and adapting lessons for individual students.
• Provides training for related service departments on curriculum, lessons, and adaptations to support teachers and students.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Coaching teachers

Teacher training

Planning & problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

Master's degree in Education with NYS certification

Permanent Special Education Certification

Related services license (NYSED)

Job description

Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Develops expertise in iHOPE's curriculum, working with educational leadership to create a structure with units and model lesson plans, planning and creating adaptations for lessons and recommending necessary materials.
• Collaborates with Directors of Education to improve and adapt curriculum and lesson plans for each division of the school, which may include participating in development and implementation of optimal and functional curriculums that account for each student's individualized needs including vision, hearing, motor and speech abilities.
• Assists with the identification and coordination of activities and community outings related to specialized curriculums.
• Facilitates and/or works directly with teachers in whole group, smaller planning groups and individually to train and assist with instruction and lesson planning, providing regular feedback and coaching to support implementation of successful teaching methods and conducts observations of teachers in classrooms to assess effectiveness of curriculum and instruction.
• Participates in co-teaching with teachers within assigned classrooms, modeling instructional methods and appropriate use of the various lessons within whole group, individualized and/or adapted lessons for specific students.
• Provides training for each related service department at iHOPE to provide information on curriculum, lesson plans, instruction and adaptations and to provide or elicit ideas regarding how the service can better support teachers and students within their sessions.
• Supports classroom teachers with development and writing of educational goals and all applicable reports for students, reviewing education stand-alone assessments and education sections of progress reports and IEPs to ensure appropriate information is included and updates are made when needed.
• Develops and maintains familiarity with students schoolwide, regularly engaging with students and student teams to inform hearing-related activities.
• Serves as point person for all hearing-related activities, regularly tracking and reviewing court cases and relevant hearings and coordinating the scheduling and assignment of hearings to applicable school witnesses in collaboration with Principal to ensure coverage and appropriate participation, escalating concerns or issues on a regular basis.
• Coordinates with student teams in preparation for upcoming hearings, collecting information and conducting observations of students throughout their program to support testimony, affidavits, etc.
• Drafts affidavits for hearings using information from student teams, observations and other documentation, ensuring appropriate and complete information to support cases.
• Serves as primary school witness for hearings, collaborating with student attorneys and representing iHOPE by providing live, direct testimony during hearings and participating in cross examinations.
• Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements including education, experience, licensure/certification, etc. and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.)

• Master's degree in Education and current certification and registration as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (grades B-2, 1-6, 7-12 and/or All Grades) or Permanent Special Education Certification, issued by the New York State Education Department; or
• Valid license and current registration in a related services profession, such as Occupational or Physical Therapy, Speech Language Pathology or Social Work issued by the NYS Department of Education (NYSED); and
• Five (5) years of experience in special education including classroom teaching and/or providing related services to students with complex physical, medical and communication needs between the ages of 5 - 21 years, which must include at least two (2) years of experience with iHOPE.
• Solid understanding of iHOPE policies and procedures, operations and educational and related services programming.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation/training skills, including the ability to effectively communicate and collect information from a variety of stakeholders, including student attorneys, families and iHOPE staff at varying levels.
• Exceptional interpersonal, planning and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to build collaborative relationships across the school and with external partners and to appropriately elevate concerns or seek assistance with complex matters.
• Ability to effectively engage, coach and support teachers through hands‑on support, including during classroom instruction.
• Ability to work independently, using sound judgment to prepare, present and articulate student cases, remaining calm and composed during hearings and cross examinations.
• Well organized with superior attention to detail and the ability to effectively man