Special Education Teacher- Indianapolis Metropolitan High School

The Special Education (SPED) Teacher will serve as a member of the instructional team at the Indianapolis Metropolitan High School and will be a member of a school community with an educational model that complements the acclaimed barrier removal work Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana. The teacher will facilitate learning for students in classes ranging from grades 9-12 in a “best fit” environment for teenagers with significant barriers to education.

The SPED Teacher plans and provides for appropriate learning experiences for students with disabilities in accordance with a student’s Individual Education Program (IEP).  The Teacher facilitates a flexible program and learning environment that provides specialized instruction for students with disabilities, such that the students benefit from the general education curriculum to the greatest extent possible when assisted with supplemental aids, accommodations, and other needed supports.  With our core values of Professional, Unstoppable, Motivated, Accountable, and Supportive, the school priorities include:

• High rigor, high support instruction to close academic gaps and prepare students for post-secondary opportunities.
• Trauma-informed social-emotional learning.
• Student and family empowerment through coordination with a robust student services team of coaches, counselors, and more.

Example Duties and Activities

• Provides coordination for special education services, including the development of IEPs and coordination of referrals to outside resources.
• Helps teachers to develop instructional strategies and intervention plans that aid growth and increase achievement among struggling students.
• Accommodates the general education curriculum for students with disabilities based on a variety of instructional techniques and technologies.
• Holds case conference committee meetings to assist in developing measurable goals and benchmarks to meet students’ needs.
• Maintains accurate and compliant student records (IEPs and 504s) and prepares documentation as required by law.
• Regularly monitors the implementation of the student’s IEP and provides progress reports to the staff, student, and/or family.
• Develops compliant and comprehensive transition plans.
• Ensures any needed accommodations and modifications on district, statewide, and national assessments are implemented according to the student’s IEP.
• Builds relationships with students and their webs of support.  Communicates strengths and obstacles frequently and uses restorative approaches to resolve conflict.
• Partners with colleagues to refer and connect students to wraparound services including Family Empowerment Coaching for internal and community resources, Social-Emotional Learning, and more.
• Supports the school community by attending extracurricular events such as athletic contests and family nights.

Required Competencies

• Degree and Credential Requirements – Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a current Indiana Teaching Certification in Special Education-Mild and/or Intense Intervention.
• Federal, State, and Local Compliance – Demonstrates comprehension of federal, state, and local mandates governing the determination and delivery of special education services.
• Observations and Information Monitoring/Reporting – Is adept at performing student observations.  Creates, collects, reviews, and maintains information to manage or improve the achievement of learning behaviors and goals.
• Communication Skills – Articulates thoughts and expresses ideas effectively using oral, written, visual, and non-verbal communication skills, as well as listening skills to comprehend others’ needs. Delivers information in person, in writing, and in a digital world.
• Building Collaborative Relationships – Develops, maintains, and strengthens partnerships at all levels with others inside or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support.  Is able to receive as well as provide feedback to improve performance or processes.
• Coaching – Provides timely guidance and effective feedback to empower others to strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas needed to improve instruction.
• Adaptability – Maintains effectiveness when experiencing shifts in priorities; adjusts effectively while maintaining a positive learning environment.
• Teaching Expertise – Plans and delivers instruction and evaluation of student learning, ideally for high school-age students in a high poverty, racially diverse setting.
• Diversity Awareness – Works with diverse populations including people who have experienced barriers to their education.

Other Requirements

• Background Screening – All candidates must pass a pre-employment background check.

Benefits: Full-time employees may participate in a comprehensive benefits program that includes:

• Continuing education and leadership development as well as tuition reimbursement
• Comprehensive health plan
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Life, dental and vision insurance
• Parenting and sabbatical leaves
• Short- and long-term disability plans
• Nationally recognized preventive health and wellness program
• Section 125 pretax health spending account, dependent care spending account, and premiums
• Retirement plan with generous match or contribution into Teachers’ Retirement Fund for eligible employees
• Eligible for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program