Elementary School Special Education Teacher

•  Do you want to help create a more just and kind world? 
• Do you believe that diversity is a powerful strength for a school community? 
• Do you want to ensure that every student can be successful and prepared to thrive in college, career and life?

 

 

You Are: 

A kind, communicative, social justice leader that seeks a Special Education teaching position, with a strong belief that you will prepare students with Individualized Education Plans to thrive in college, career, and life. You want to teach students in order to create a more just and equitable world. You have a growth mindset, want to develop the perspective, agency, and urgency to make a positive impact in the world around you, and take actions that promote justice and equity in your community.

 

We Are E.L. Haynes.  

A learning community where every student – of every race, socioeconomic status, home language, and ability – prepares to thrive in college, career, and life. Together, we create a more just and kind world.

 

Founded in 2004 and named for the first African-American woman to earn her Ph.D. in Mathematics, the award-winning E.L. Haynes Public Charter School serves more than 1,135 students in grades Pre-K3 through  12th grade. E.L. Haynes operates two campuses in the Petworth neighborhood of Northwest Washington, DC, and offers a rigorous educational program designed to prepare students to succeed in the college of their choice.

 

We believe that our most significant contribution to ending systemic injustice is through purposefully empowering our diverse community— as individuals and as a collective— with the skills and the conviction to be effective leaders for equity.

 

Our mission of student success is inextricably linked with our commitment to equity and the daily efforts of every member of our community to live our motto-Be Kind, Work Hard, and Get Smart.

 

We:

• Lead For Equity: We challenge ourselves and each other to interrupt inequities and build equitable alternatives.
• Choose Joy: We find, bring, and share joy in our work every day. We practice gratitude, celebrate wins, and offer praise.
• Achieve Excellence: We deliver high-quality work every day. We set ambitious goals, embrace challenges, and hold ourselves and each other to high standards.
• Own Our Learning: We model a growth mindset for our students. We own our actions, mistakes, and learning. We continually look for ways to improve and produce high-quality work.
• Succeed Together: We value every member of our community and treat each other with kindness and care. We build meaningful relationships with students, families, and each other. We achieve more through collaboration and teamwork.

 

We are different. We are:

• A diverse and inclusive community, with nearly 70% of our staff identifying as people of color.
• The hub of the neighborhood. We are a community school and partner with neighborhood organizations to provide our families with comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health services. 
• A place where all community members have their voices heard in the decision-making process
• A school where students learn in a rigorous and coherent PK-12 environment

 

We expect students to demonstrate the following skills and qualities in our graduate profile.  

  

 

Student Support Team Model:

Our strong belief is that all students, including those with disabilities, can achieve at high levels. We also believe that all students benefit from the inclusion of students with disabilities in the general education classroom. Both research and our own experience demonstrate that students with disabilities perform better with greater access to the general education curriculum and non-disabled peers. Based on this belief, we only remove students from the general education classroom when absolutely necessary for the student to learn. Our special education program is designed to provide access to our students with disabilities through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans.

 

About The Position:

Special Education Teachers work with students with learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities by providing specially designed instruction aligned with individualized education plans and 504s. Working alongside general classroom teachers and in coordination with related service providers, Special Education Teachers serve as case managers, assess and monitor students' progress, design and update IEPs, and collaborate with parents and other school staff to track students' progress. 

 

This 10-month, full-time role may report to the Principal and/or Assistant Director of Student Support Services at the campus.

 

Starting Salary: $65,000-$110,500

 

You Will:

• Provide support and ensure students receive accommodations and modifications to the curriculum, lessons, and learning environment;
• Maintain a caseload of students with identified special needs;
• Work together with other teachers and specialists through our inclusive program to reach all students;
• Keep students on track for success by monitoring progress and data;
• Ensure services and supports are in compliance with Washington, D.C. and federal laws and regulations;
• Advocate for students so staff and families understand exceptionalities and the community can support every student’s achievement; 
• Collaborate with general education and other support teachers to ensure student success;
• Create a positive and supportive classroom culture and environment that puts relationships with students first;  
• Engage parents and families in their students' academic success;
• Lead a morning meeting or advisory group to build community and for social, emotional, and academic support; 
• Be an active member of the school community, attending and participating in school events outside of regular school hours, and completing other duties as assigned; and
• Own your learning through participation in ongoing instructional feedback cycles and individual and team professional development.

 

You Have:

• A bachelor’s degree;
• Two or more years of experience teaching students with disabilities and/or special needs in culturally, demographically, and socially diverse educational settings;
• Experience in data-driven instruction;
• A clear understanding of standards-based curriculum and standards-based assessment;
• Demonstrated experience, comfort, and success in building a positive and supportive classroom culture;
• Used models and exemplars to drive instruction;
• Strong collaboration skills in order to ensure student success; and
• Full COVID-19 vaccination.

 

You Might Also Have:

• A Washington, D.C. teaching certification;
• A strong background in differentiated and individualized instruction; 
• Experience in hands-on learning such as experiential learning or project-based learning;
• Proficiency in another language; and
• A master’s degree in education or your subject area.

 

We Look Forward To Meeting You!

We proactively recruit, intentionally develop, and deeply value all members of our diverse and highly talented staff community. Our work environment fosters inclusion and authenticity, supporting all staff to thrive in their roles and maximize their impact on our students.

 

Our hiring process consists of an online application, a one-way virtual interview and a final panel interview with a lesson plan demonstration. Please see more here.

 

Spanish speakers and people of color are encouraged to apply.

 

Location: Washington, DC