Middle School Special Education Teacher/Learning Specialist

Excel Academy Charter Schools; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Excel Academy Charter Schools in Boston seeks a Middle School Special Education Teacher to deliver high-quality, college-preparatory instruction. You will manage IEPs, coordinate testing, and work with administrators to ensure compliance and student achievement.

You will collaborate with general education teachers to differentiate instruction, serve as homeroom teacher, and communicate regularly with families to support student growth and equity in education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Commitment to serving all students and Excel’s mission.
• Commitment to addressing racial and economic inequity.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Strong teamwork and willingness to support colleagues.
• Open to change and to receiving feedback.

Responsibilities

• Teach daily instructional support to caseload and include inclusion teaching.
• Serve as an inclusion teacher to support learning needs.
• Differentiate curriculum with general education teachers and modify when appropriate.
• Ensure work aligns with school goals for student achievement.
• Write and update IEPs for new students and revise existing IEPs.
• Coordinate outsourced SPED testing and manage consultants (SLP, OT).
• Ensure SPED services comply with regulations.
• Manage paperwork and deadlines for IEPs/504s and related records.
• Maintain regular communication with families and guardians.
• Create CPR/CAP documents for DOE compliance.
• Enforce school-wide systems and procedures in the classroom.
• Communicate student progress to families and staff.
• Serve as homeroom teacher and student advisor.
• Be a productive member of the Excel Community.

Skills

Bachelor's degree required

Master's degree preferred

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Feedback receptiveness

Commitment to equity

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Job description

Organization Overview

Excel Academy is a network of 5 schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that prepares students in grades 5-12 to succeed in high school and college and engage productively in their communities. The majority of our 1,700 students identify as Latinx or Hispanic and will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Families choose Excel because our students consistently outperform their peers in growth and achievement and are 5x more likely to graduate from college.

At Excel, we believe that every student—regardless of race, zip code, or economic status—deserves access to a free, high quality holistic education. During their middle school journey with us, students grow at a pace faster than most peers in their state. This is possible through a combination of high expectations, rigorous instruction, and individualized support. At our nationally ranked high school, students achieve at the highest level and are poised for success in their chosen college or career path.

About our Team

Everyday, our team members choose to be positive, drive their own growth, uplift one another, and hold the highest possible beliefs for what students can achieve.

About the Role

Excel teachers are responsible for delivering effective, high-quality, rigorous college-preparatory instruction designed to foster the success of their students. Teachers who thrive at Excel tend to be entrepreneurial instructors and hungry learners who crave frequent high-quality feedback on their practice. Out of the classroom and with the support of school administrators, the Middle School Special Education Teacher will manage administrative/regulatory aspects of the Special Education Program.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Instructional Responsibilities

• Teach daily instructional support lessons to students on caseload, utilizing time outside of core-academic classes;
• Serve as an inclusion teacher as needed to more effectively support the learning abilities of students with high needs;
• Work closely with general education teachers to differentiate curriculum, help create effective accommodations, and modify curriculum when appropriate; and
• Ensure that all work with students with special needs is aligned with the school’s academic goals for student achievement.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Write all IEPs of new Special Education students & revise/update existing IEPs;
• Coordinate outsourced Special Education testing and manage Special Education Consultants (i.e. Speech and Language Therapist; Occupational Therapist, etc.);
• Ensure that implementation of Special Education services is in compliance with federal and state special education regulations;
• Manage all paperwork (e.g. IEPs, 504s, Child Study Records of Accommodations, Teacher Input Questionnaires, IEP Progress Reports, subject-area checklists for MCAS, etc.) associated with Special Education cases, ensuring deadlines are met and information is accurately recorded;
• Maintain regular communication with students’ parents/guardians and families; and
• Create all CPR/CAP documents to ensure DOE compliance.

Team Member Responsibilities

• Enforce school-wide systems and procedures to effectively manage the classroom;
• Continually communicate with students and families regarding academic and behavior performance and progress;
• Serve as a homeroom teacher and student advisor; and
• Serve as a productive member of the Excel Community.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred;
• A commitment to and belief inallstudents and the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel’s values and educational model;
• A commitment to addressing racial and economic inequity in education;
• The ability to focus and thrive in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment;
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment and the willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work; and
• An openness to change, a willingness to problem-solve, and an interest in receiving feedback for continuous improvement.

Preference will be given to applicants who also:

• Have experience in a public or charter school setting
• Speak Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic fluently
• Can speak to the importance of rigorous classroom instruction and culture
• Can speak to the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion