Special Education Teacher

Special Education – Elementary School Teacher

Organizational Background:

Bridge Prep is a unique, mission driven public charter elementary school on Staten Island. We are dedicated to providing a student-centered educational option for our students, many of whom have dyslexia or other language-based reading difficulties. At Bridge Prep, we ensure that our students gain the skills and confidence to meet their full academic potential. Our innovative and rigorous student-centered environment develops our students into confident, creative, life-long learners. Our academic offerings are rooted in our commitment to the Science of Reading and multisensory instruction approaches which provide all students with an experience focused on academic and personal growth through targeted support. All our staff members share the same belief that all students can learn, regardless of their differing learning styles or academic ability, if they are provided with the necessary and appropriate learning environment.

Position Description:

Teachers are critical to achieving a culture of achievement at Bridge Prep. We are seeking innovative, talented, and dedicated educators to bring their skills, experience, and energy to our collaborative, student-centered learning environment, and want our teachers to be committed, dynamic, and innovative pedagogues. We seek Special Education Teachers who are passionate about inclusive education, differentiated instruction, and supporting the diverse learning needs of all students.

Essential Functions:

• Create a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where all students can learn.

• Plan and facilitate engaging, differentiated lessons, as part of a classroom teacher pair, in alignment with NY State Standards, Bridge Prep’s curriculum, and students’ individual learning needs.

• Routinely analyze data with the purpose of increasing student achievement and monitoring progress toward individualized learning goals.

• Build students’ academic and social emotional skills through modeling and explicit instruction.

• Engage in Professional Learning opportunities to improve knowledge and skills with the purpose of increasing student achievement.

• Maintain regular and open communication with families to promote the success and growth of all students and promote family participation, inclusion and collaboration.

• Advocate to ensure students receive appropriate support, accommodations, and services.

• Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs in accordance with federal and state regulations.

• Participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, parent conferences, and multidisciplinary meetings to support student progress.

• Collaborate with the co-teacher to differentiate instruction through effective lesson planning and use a variety of strategies to support diverse student learning needs, engagement, and a positive classroom environment.

Reporting: This is a full-time position reporting to the Principal or their designee(s).

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Education, Special Education, or a related field

• A current New York State Special Education teaching certification (Students with Disabilities) or equivalent out-of-state certification with eligibility for New York State certification

• Commitment to or experience working with students at various academic levels

• An understanding of special education mandates, protocols, processes, and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and service plans

• Experience analyzing data to create, implement, and reflect on student instructional goals

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Education, Special Education, or a related field

• Dual Certification in both General Education and Special Education

• Experience as a classroom teacher working with students at a variety of academic levels, with experience working with struggling readers most preferred

• Evidence of strong classroom management skills

• Experience with remediation strategies and differentiated instruction for students of varying ability levels

• Experience in data evaluation and applied decision making

Qualities and Core Values

A successful candidate will:

• Maintain a demonstrated passion for Bridge Prep’s mission, vision and core values.

• Commit to developing a strong track record of building positive relationships across various stakeholder groups, demonstrating a value towards diversity and inclusivity.

• Maintain a steadfast belief that all students can achieve at the highest academic levels.

• Exhibit cultural competencies to work in a diverse school community and a willingness to examine own biases across lines of sameness and difference.

• Maintain professionalism through excellent organizational skills, timeliness, regular communication, and meeting deadlines.

• Be self-reflective and open to feedback, with the ambition and desire to grow one's practice.

• Have an entrepreneurial spirit, embracing the opportunity for creativity and hard work.

• Display a positive, solutions-oriented attitude and drive for excellence and show eagerness to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Salary: Compensation is commensurate with experience, ranging from $65,000–$95,000 annually.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

Advantages of Working at Bridge Prep Include:

• A professional learning environment that is focused, innovative, and creative. We empower our instructional team with knowledge sharing practices, frequent training, and targeted Professional Learning opportunities to support their professional growth unlike any other school currently in NYS.

• Supports designed to provide teachers with an extensive and balanced approach to professional learning and strategies and skills rooted in the Science of Reading, structured to increase their knowledge and skills in teaching literacy acquisition.

• As a member of our team, your care and well-being are a top priority and our benefits package is competitive, affordable, and offers flexibility to meet the needs of a diverse staff and includes medical, dental, vision, and an optional 403b retirement plan.

• We provide an opportunity to alter the educational trajectory of students. We believe each of our students has the potential to do great things and our school structure will help you to lead them across the bridge toward success.

• Our staff work and operate as a team. It is our commitment to support each staff member and provide individualized attention to students. Partnership and collaboration are not only encouraged, they are part of our core values.

Bridge Prep is an Equal Opportunity Employer.