The Sanford School Department is seeking 2 High School teaching positions for our Bridge Program. Our program uses a multi-disciplinary approach to education. The team includes, a clinical supervisor, teachers, Ed techs, clinical staff and Director of Special Education.
This position requires a collaborative approach, working closely with a multidisciplinary team to support students' behavioral and academic needs.
The successful candidate will:
- Participate in regular team meetings with general education teachers, school psychologists, counselors, and other specialists to discuss student progress and develop strategies.
- Collaborate with paraprofessionals and classroom aides to implement behavior plans and instructional strategies consistently.
- Work closely with school administrators to address severe behavioral incidents and develop program-wide positive behavior support systems.
- Engage with families as part of the educational team, maintaining open communication and involving them in decision-making processes.
- Coordinate with related service providers (e.g., speech therapists, occupational therapists) to ensure comprehensive support for students.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) as part of a team approach.
The student population is comprised of students who have not been successful in navigating the demands of a traditional school setting. Many of our students learn best when content is taught through a traditional model combined with hands- on instruction. The ability to form trusting relationships with students is a critical component of being succesful within the Bridge program. The program provides weekly opportunities for professional development, as well as two team meeting each week. These components of the program provides a regular forum for new learning and opportunities to discuss each student and find solutions to issues based on student data, and staff experiences with each student.
Essential Functions
-- Participates in IEP and assists in the development of Individual Educational Plans.
- Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEP's and behavior management plans.
- Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed.
- Coordinates with administrators/clinical supervisor and program managers to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with social work services.
- Serves as ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school.
- Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
- Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
- Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
- Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
Equipment
- Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.
Travel Requirements
- Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
Skills, Knowledge, Abilities
- Knowledge of Special Education principles, as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs.
- Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
- Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
- Ability to organize and coordinate work.
- Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
- Works in standard office and school building environments.
Qualifications Profile:
Certification/License:
- State Certification as a Special Education Teacher or be eligable for conditional certification.
- Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
Education:
- Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline or related field applicable to teaching assignment.