Job Description
Be an Inclusion Special Education Teacher at RISE Prep Academies. RISE Prep Academies knows that educator quality is the most important factor driving scholar achievement. We are seeking educators who believe strongly in our mission and whose actions demonstrate high expectations for themselves, scholars, families, and colleagues. We hire smart, driven people who are relentless in their work and have the characteristics and experiences necessary to deliver ambitious results for scholars. RISE Prep Academies prioritizes professional development and growth for each of its educators.
About RISE Prep Academies:
RISE Prep Academies is a college preparatory K‑12 public charter school network based in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, where college preparation begins in Kindergarten. Approved by the Rhode Island Board of Education in October 2014, we opened our doors to our founding class of kindergarteners in August 2015 and our founding High School class in August of 2024. Through a rigorous curriculum, highly structured learning environment, and character education, RISE Prep Academies ensures that all Kindergarten through 12th grade students achieve the academic skills, content knowledge, and character required for the path to college or career. We are committed to establishing intentionally diverse schools that enroll students from both urban and suburban communities. Our curriculum includes a community engagement component to ensure habits of service, helping, and kindness are fostered within our students to shape engaged and caring members of their communities.
We will be expanding to serve 11th grade for SY 26-27 and need qualified special education teachers to support our programmatic growth.
RISE Prep Academies is built upon six critical elements:
- A rigorous college preparatory program focused on literacy and math
- A joyful culture with structure and discipline
- Recruiting and developing excellent teachers
- An extended school day for scholars
- Partnerships with families and communities
- Use of data to strategically propel scholar achievement
All educators at RISE Prep Academies will:
- Embody RISE Prep’s mission, vision, and RISE values (Respect, Integrity, Self‑Determination, Excellence)
- Believe in the urgency and importance of providing an outstanding college preparatory academic and character education to all students
- Take ownership for the achievement results of their students
- Have a track record of producing dramatic, demonstrable student achievement gains or comparable results in their current field
- Work well within a team and approach all work with positivity and determination
- Be goal‑driven, analytical problem solvers, and embody a can‑do spirit and strong work ethic
- Promote continuous improvement by being self‑reflective and open to feedback
- Demonstrate excellent verbal and written skills
- Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues
Responsibilities
The primary role of the Upper Academy Inclusion Special Education Teacher is to provide high‑quality Special Education services and case management to scholars in Grades 9‑11, including direct academic scholar support in the grade‑level content (ELA/Math) classroom, scheduling and facilitating team meetings, drafting IEPs, monitoring progress of goals, and ensuring compliance with scholars’ Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and all Special Education Law.
- Implement RISE Prep Academies Academic Program to ensure strong proficiency in grade‑level literacy and math
- Implement and adapt high‑quality, standards‑aligned curriculum and instructional materials grounded in the CCSS and RISE Prep’s scope and sequences, aligned to scholars’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for Grades 9‑11 ELA, Math, and Social‑Emotional Learning
- Uphold the belief that providing access to grade‑level materials, supplemented with strategic just‑in‑time supports such as scaffolds and targeted interventions, is the most effective way to meet the diverse needs of learners in the K‑12 classroom
- Differentiate classroom instruction to meet the needs of different learners, including providing relevant accommodations where appropriate and adapting curricular resources for scholars with IEPs, 504 plans, and Multilingual Learners (MLLs)
- Foster a joyful school community and structured learning environment, creating and maintaining clear expectations, routines, and procedures to manage classroom/scholar behavior and maximize instructional time
- Consistently implement school‑wide systems and employ classroom systems aligned to the school’s vision, including support for an advisory program that provides individualized mentorship, guidance, advocacy, and support related to scholars’ individual learning plans (ILPs) and pathways to graduation across grades 9‑12
- Use data to inform instruction, support the range of learner needs, and achieve high levels of success in the RISE Prep Academies classroom: engage in cycles of data collection, review, action planning, and progress monitoring with coach, content/grade‑level teams, and/or school leadership; utilize formative and summative assessments of student mastery to drive instructional planning and provide feedback to scholars
- Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and development as a professional: use feedback to make productive changes in performance and continually improve effectiveness in all instructional practices and job‑related administrative tasks; collaborate with other staff members and actively participate in training, professional development, and learning activities to increase impact as an educator
- Communicate and collaborate with critical stakeholders and colleagues to ensure a well‑rounded scholar experience: communicate with families and teachers about scholar progress regularly and as outlined in their IEP, including effective case management for IEP compliance and progress monitoring; work collaboratively with grade/content teams to align supports; participate in additional activities such as field trips, intensive academic support sessions, and other required programs and events outside of the established school day
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Current teaching certification or enrollment in coursework leading to teaching certification (see Rhode Island certification portal)
- Enrollment or completion of required Science of Reading training in alignment with the Rhode Island Rights to Read Act (knowledge or proficiency based on role)
- Exceptional verbal and written communication in English
- Technological proficiency and comfort with using online platforms
Preferred:
- Prior experience as a Special Educator with strong personal organization systems
- Familiarity with Teach Like a Champion and other effective instructional practices for delivery and classroom management
- Prior teaching experience with measurable results
- Certification or endorsement in Special Education, Multilingual Learner, Literacy/Dyslexia, etc.
- Fluency in a language other than English, particularly languages spoken by RISE Prep families (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, French, Wolof)
Compensation
We offer a competitive compensation package and comprehensive health benefits. Additional benefits include childcare reimbursement, MLL certification fellowship pathways, tuition reimbursement, investment in Special Education certification, and a vacation package. Final salary will be determined by years of experience, education, and current certification.
Contact Information
- Roaslind Dacruz
- 30 Cumberland Street
- Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895
- Phone: (401) 215‑5039
- Email: rdacruz@riseprepri.org