SY 23-24 Special Education Teacher $2,500 Sign on Bonus

About AppleTree

AppleTree focuses exclusively on Preschool and Pre-K education with a mission of closing the achievement gap before students get to kindergarten. We provide free, full-day public charter school programming for three- and four-year olds in 12 locations across Washington, DC,  employing our innovative and award winning instructional model, called Every Child Ready (ECR). This instructional model provides educators with tools and resources for “What to Teach”, “How to Teach” and “How to Measure Success.” Our instructional model is also used with partners across the nation. We continuously test and improve this model through feedback from AppleTree educators, partners and other stakeholders to ensure that children are learning and exploring through play and appropriate instruction.

Position Summary

The Special Education Teacher ensures that all children and families with special needs receive optimal, developmentally-appropriate educational experiences. Under the primary direction of the Special Education Manager and secondary direction of the Principal, the Special Education Teacher will implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in inclusion, push-in and/or pull-out settings.  The Special Education Teacher will work with general education teachers in a consultative manner to integrate research-based interventions into their practice applying the Response to Intervention model.

This position will support the Special Education Manager with administrative tasks including IDEA compliance activities and comprehensive case management of students participating in the special education program.  The Special Education Teacher reports to the Special Education Manager, with input from the school Principal.

What you’ll do…

Support the development and achievement of young and diverse learners

Implement developmentally-appropriate instructional activities that encourage the child with special needs abilities to analyze, conceptualize, synthesize and evaluate
Demonstrate competency and expertise with the implementation of AppleTree’s instructional program
Implement the Response to Intervention (RTI) instructional model to maximize student achievement, especially for those students identified for special education and students in need of intervention
Plan and provide differentiated and individualized instruction that supports students’ social, emotional, physical and cognitive development in alignment with AELPCS’ standards and/or the IEP
Consult with general education teachers to support the implementation of the RTI model
Support assessment activities related to the special education program including identification and eligibility in accordance with IDEA, and aligned with RTI and AELPCS standards
Provide specialized instruction during Extended School Year (ESY) to eligible students.

Provide case management for special education and related services

Develop annual IEPs in collaboration with the instructional team and the Special Education Coordinator that include developmentally-appropriate student goals
Document student data and progress through the Special Education Data System (SEDS)
Adhere to all aspects of the IDEA compliance process
Collaborate with general education teachers and related service providers, such as therapists and social workers, to assess and ensure: 1) students’ progress toward IEP goals, 2) successful access to the general curriculum through Specialized Support Plans (SSP)

Establish and maintain cooperative partnerships with parents

Collaborate with families and other school personnel to develop effective and viable transition plans to a Kindergarten Program for students with IEPs
Regularly communicate the school’s and individual students; educational goals and progress to families

Ensure compliance with federal and local regulations.

Support the full continuum of services for children transitioning from Tier 2 to Tier 3 of the RTI process
Utilize the OSSE approved special education data system (SEDS) including SEDS, Easy IEP, and other mandated systems to track and document student progress
Assist with the development of the AELPCS Special Education Program for the purposes of ensuring program quality and continued compliance with all state and federal laws
Maintain accurate special education records, to include documentation of service delivery and monitors the documentation of special education services provided as required by IDEA, state regulations, and AELPCS policies

Uphold professional responsibilities

Maintain strict confidentiality of student information
Maintain necessary ongoing licensure/certification requirements within specified timelines
Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions with staff, students, and families
Allocate time and resources effectively
Actively participate in professional development opportunities provided and seeks out additional professional development opportunities
Fulfill the standards of professionalism in dress, attendance and timeliness
Plan collaboratively and share ideas and resources with the AppleTree school community

What we’re looking for…

Candidates must have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in elementary or early childhood special education and a passing score on the Praxis 5025 exam
A master’s degree in early childhood special education or a certified speech language pathologist are preferred
Two or more years of professional teaching of young children with special needs
Ability to deliver virtual instruction using modern technology and video conferencing softwares
Ability to travel to multiple AppleTree locations if needed
Demonstrated teacher leadership experience is preferred
Strong organizational skills and communication abilities
Ability to work collaboratively and well within a team
Candidates must also receive a passing score on the Special Education and Elementary Education Content Knowledge (PK-3) Praxis within 60 days of hire

What’s in it for you…

Competitive Salary
Employee Health Benefits that are in the 95th percentile of other schools in the DC Metro Area
Fully covered Dental
Benefits for you and all eligible dependents
Fully covered Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Life insurance with buy-up options
Free Online Wellness Platform for you and up to 4 eligible dependents
Competitive Paid Time Off, including early close Mental Health Days
5% Employer Contribution to your Retirement Account (whether you contribute or not)
AppleTree Scholarship to pay for continued education
Network Professional Development Opportunities

AppleTree Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

At AppleTree, we endeavor to foster an environment where each person’s true self and experience is welcome.  We believe that only with a diverse and inclusive environment can you truly celebrate and support all students, families, and staff. Our commitment to diversity is founded on the belief that our community is strengthened by the vibrant exchange that occurs when individuals with different backgrounds, abilities, and heritages share their various perspectives with one another.