Special Education Teacher- The Academy for Global Citizenship

Special Education Teacher

The Academy for Global Citizenship seeks an exemplary special education teacher to support diverse learners. Special education teachers are responsible for helping all of our children learn, classroom management, participating in professional development, providing feedback to others, taking ownership in the development and improvements of Individual Educational Plan (IEP), consulting general education teachers on special needs, and communicating to staff and parents regarding student performance. This position involves teaching students in their general education classrooms as well as pulling students out in small groups. AGC is an International Baccalaureate and Dual Language School that is internationally recognized as a laboratory in public education. Educators have the opportunity to define and disseminate best practice in pedagogy. Special education teachers report to the Leadership Team

Key Responsibilities:
Teaching: provides students with special needs with various modes of learning to accommodate their different learning styles, by using inquiry, real-life experiences, current events, information technology, the dramatic arts and other lively sources of knowledge.
Instructional Strategies: responsible for using many different types of instructional strategies including teaching through inquiry, differentiating instruction (different learning styles and language backgrounds) and data-driven instruction.
Technology Integration: incorporates technology across all disciplines as much as possible, where appropriate.
Professional Development: participates in coaching cycle, stays abreast of latest techniques and demonstrates an eagerness to learn new skills and share experiences with others.
Curriculum Development: works closely with coach, other teachers to ensure taught curriculum is aligned with Common Core Learning Standards, IB, and is achieving the goals of the school.
IEPs: designs and writes the IEP or 504 plans of students in his/her caseload based on evidence-based data and in regards to Spec. Ed law.
Performance Assessment: sets high and measurable goals for student achievement and evaluates student progress in the instructional program.
Community: encourages the use of community resources, cooperates with families in welcoming them to our community, and maintains solid communication with all community members.

We are looking for staff who…
Have a big heart to match a big brain
Are bilingual in English and Spanish
Want their work to define best practice
Respect and thrive in a dynamic, changing, and growing environment
Know extraordinary things can happen when people work hard together
Want to participate in a laboratory for innovation in education
Are 10 degrees off center

Working at AGC means…
Being surrounded by thoughtful, inquisitive students and hard-working, like-minded colleagues
Thinking outside of the box to do what is best for our students
Being held to high standards for continuous personal and school improvement, and being given the time and support to do so
Promoting student profile qualities of the International Baccalaureate Program: inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk takers, knowledgeable, principled, caring, open-minded, well-balanced, and reflective.
Gaining experience with interdisciplinary International Baccalaureate Units of Inquiry, balanced literacy, arts integration, and constructivist Mathematics approach.
Having high academic expectations for every student in the school everyday
Getting your hands dirty in our school garden
Enjoying 100% organic, scratch made meals prepared by our on-site chef
Working in an environmentally sustainable school culture

Required Skills and Experience:
LBS1 (required)
Bilingual and biliterate: English/Spanish (ideal)
3+ years experience as an educator (ideal)
Familiarity with IB program (ideal)
Familiarity with various educational models: Inquiry-based teaching and Responsive Classroom
Believer in culturally relevant teaching
Strong leadership skills and personal drive
Ability to maintain a safe, orderly environment
Strong communication skills

Education Requirements:
Bachelor Degree in Special Education
Master’s Degree in Special education (ideal)
State of Illinois Teaching Certificate (Type 03 and 10)
ESL or Bilingual Endorsement

Compensation:
A competitive salary will be based on experience and level of education. Full benefits, free organic breakfast and lunch, a wellness fund, and professional development funds are offered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, or disability.