SUMMARY OF MAIN DUTIES: 

Maintain a developmentally appropriate learning environment so that all students meet with academic and social success

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Knowledge of best instructional practices including reader’s and writer’s workshop
• Knowledge of authentic assessment practices
• Plan and implement motivating and creative age appropriate activates to address goals as outlined in each students’ IEP
• Assist in the development, implementation, and revision of a standards based curriculum that promotes active learning by providing a variety of developmentally appropriate learning experiences
• Collaborate with other teachers and therapists to implement an integrated educational/ therapeutic model
• Develop lesson plans, progress reports, and IEPs within specified timelines as directed
• Create a learning environment where the students are stimulated and motivated to work to their best potential
• Design and implement appropriate academic and social goals for all students
• Facilitate interactions among children that provide opportunities for emotional, social and cognitive growth
• Collaborate with other educators and specialists in the planning, adapting and teaching of the curriculum for all learners
• Maintain data records on each student’s progress in order to be used to write accurate evaluations and/or progress reports
• Demonstrate positive guidance techniques with children such as redirection, modeling appropriate behavior and praise
• Develop, implement, and maintain contact with families
• Perform other duties as directed or required
• Collaborate with other staff to implement an inclusive educational/therapy classroom model

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Actively seek and participate in ongoing professional development
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, and school-wide activities such as The Hope Academy events
• Participate in team meetings
• Assist in the evacuation of children during fire drills and other emergencies

QUALIFICATIONS:

SKILLS

• Ability to relate and communicate sensitively to children and their families
• Ability to work as a member of a team; flexibility
• Organizational skills including developing effective classroom schedule for learning, etc.
• Effective communication skills (interpersonal, oral and written)
• Proficient computer skills including but not limited to MS Word, Excel, other data monitoring systems, and school software such as Skyward, SchoolDude, etc.

PROFESSIONAL AND LEGAL STANDARDS

• Access to all Hope Academy student records
• Use and disclose PHI only as authorized, as necessary to carry out job duties
• Complete and maintain privacy and security training
• Report suspected violations, including those of a business associate or contractor
• Professionalism in/outside school

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in General Education and Special Education Mild and Moderate with current certification from RIDE
• A minimum of 2-3 years teaching experience, with prior experience working with children with and without disabilities in an inclusive environment preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work environment and physical requirements consistent with those of a typical school environment
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk continuously throughout the workday
• Able to follow/run 25 yards to secure students for safety reasons such as elopement, as needed
• Bend, stoop, squat, push and pull (10-15% of the time)
• Kneel and reach above shoulder level occasionally (1-33% of the time)
• Utilize the Computer (20%) of the time and other office equipment
• Lift and carry students as well as transfer students from wheelchairs to equipment as required. Usually requires the ability to lift up to 100 pounds frequently with the assistance of another staff member or adaptive equipment; 50 pounds independently (67-100% of the time)
• Ability to participate in physical restraints of students, as needed and trained
• Physically able to position physical/occupational therapy equipment, splints, etc. Ability to use various equipment (switches, cooking equipment, etc.)

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Hope Academy is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.