Special Education Teacher - $10,000 Sign-On Bonus (0.4 FTE)- 26/27 SY - Orangevale

Description:

Job Title: Special Education Teacher

About Us: California Montessori Project (CMP) is a successful public charter school network based in the greater Sacramento area with an exceptional TK-8 Montessori program that is tuition-free and open to all students. The network serves over 3,000 students on seven campuses. CMP is authorized through, and maintains strong relationships with four school districts: Elk Grove Unified School District, Sacramento City Unified School District, San Juan Unified School District and Buckeye Union School District.

CMP teachers are supported in pursuing dual-certification, holding a Montessori certification from an AMS-accredited training center and a California state credential. The CMP Leadership Team, including the Governing Board, Directors, Principals, and Deans, provide stability and focused guidance to the organization. CMP’s commitment to equity and student success is anchored in the frameworks of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), which build sustainable systems and promote whole-child development.

CMP Mission: The Mission of the California Montessori Project is to provide a quality, tuition-free, TK-8, Montessori education that challenges our students to reach their full potential.

Summary/Objective
The Special Education Teacher provides individualized instruction, specialized academic support, and case management for students with disabilities. This role ensures compliance with IDEA and California Education Code, while fostering inclusion and collaboration in alignment with CMP’s Montessori philosophy. Special Education Teachers will continuously collaborate with teachers and other professionals to create and sustain an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Essential Functions
* Plan and deliver specialized academic instruction aligned with students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
* Develop, implement, and monitor IEP goals in collaboration with parents, general education teachers, and service providers.
* Develops, completes, and maintains all paperwork/documentation mandated by local, state, and federal guidelines, laws, and regulations.
* Assess student abilities using formal and informal assessment tools and maintain accurate records of progress.
* Provide case management services, including scheduling and facilitating IEP meetings.
* Support general education teachers in implementing accommodations, modifications, and differentiated strategies.
* Adapt and modify curriculum materials and teaching strategies to create an inclusive learning environment that caters to students across a range of abilities.
* Work closely with general education teachers, specialists, therapists, and support staff to facilitate collaborative learning experiences that enhance students' academic, social, and emotional growth.
* Collaborate with specialists, paraprofessionals, and administrators to ensure coordinated services.
* Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local special education requirements, including timely documentation in SEIS.
* Provide instructional and behavioral support that promotes student independence and social-emotional development.
* Utilize the Special Education Information System (SEIS) to maintain accurate records, track student progress, and communicate with parents and fellow educators in a seamless and efficient manner.
* Engage in professional development and training in Montessori principles, structured literacy, and evidence-based practices.
* Communicate effectively with families to support student growth and maintain strong school-home partnerships.
* Create a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment that promotes students' independence, self-confidence, and collaboration. Ensure that each student’s needs are met and plans are being followed.
* Utilize Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to teach and reinforce expectations. Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) to support students with challenging behaviors, fostering a positive and respectful classroom atmosphere.
* Maintain open and regular communication with parents and guardians, sharing student progress, strategies, and fostering a partnership that promotes student success.
* Oversee and mentor instructional assistants, ensuring the effective implementation of individualized education plans (IEPs) and fostering an inclusive learning environment tailored to meet the diverse needs of students.
* Special education teachers often play a role in providing toileting support to ensure the well-being and comfort of their students. This is an important aspect of caring for students with special needs, particularly those who require assistance due to physical or cognitive disabilities.
* Stay updated with best practices in special education, Montessori education, and SEIS usage through ongoing professional development opportunities.

Competencies
* Knowledge of IDEA, California Education Code, and special education compliance.
* Ability to develop and implement effective instructional and behavioral strategies.
* Strong skills in collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.
* Strong understanding of diverse learning needs, inclusion strategies, and differentiated instruction. Commitment to inclusive practices and equity for all learners.
* Knowledge of child development
* Effective oral and written communication skills.
* Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with students, colleagues, parents, and specialists
* Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
* Empathy, patience, and a genuine commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment

Supervisory Responsibilities ( if applicable)
* May provide guidance and direction to instructional aides assigned to support students with disabilities.

Work Environment
* This role often works in classrooms where conditions can vary. This may include exposure to noise, varying levels of student engagement, and the need to adapt to changing circumstances.
* Working with students can be emotionally demanding but also incredibly rewarding. Must remain patient, compassionate, and composed, even in challenging situations.

Physical Demands
* Mobility: Moving around the classroom, engaging with students, and providing one-on-one assistance. This might include walking, bending, and kneeling.
* Assisting Students: Depending on the disabilities of the students, teachers might need to provide physical assistance with behavior, mobility, transfers, and activities of daily living, such as toileting and feeding.
* Lifting: Some students may require lifting or guiding in and out of chairs, mobility devices, or sensory equipment. Teachers need to use proper techniques to avoid strain.
* Bending and Kneeling: When working with young children, Special Education Teachers might need to bend down or kneel to be at the child’s eye level during interactions.
* Classroom Setup: Organizing the classroom, arranging furniture, and setting up materials to accommodate students’ needs and facilitate learning.

Safety Measures
* Safety Protocols: Following established safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of all students.
* Proper Techniques: Utilizing appropriate techniques for assisting students with physical disabilities or behavioral challenges to prevent injury to both students and staff.
* Health Considerations: Adhering to health and hygiene standards and being mindful of any allergies or medical conditions that students may have.

Travel Requirements
* Minimal travel required; occasional visits between CMP campuses or to central office for meetings.

Required Education and Experience
* Must possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Education or a related field
* Must hold a valid California Education Specialist Instruction Credential (Mild/Moderate Support Needs, Extensive Support Needs, or equivalent).
* Must have a minimum of one year of successful teaching or related experience in special education.

Preferred Education and Experience
* Proficiency using the Special Education Information System (SEIS) or similar Special Education Data management system or willingness to learn and adapt to its use
* Montessori experience

Compensation and Benefits
* Time Off: Sick leave, paid holidays, vacation (as applicable by position),
* Retirement: 403(b) and 457 retirement plans through CalSTRS Pension2 according to California state law, California Education code and CMP policy.
* Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance for Full Time Positions: Comprehensive coverage for you and your eligible dependents.
* Childcare Support: Access to free before and after care through Club M for employees with students enrolled at a CMP campus (subject to availability; application fees apply).
* Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Options for health care and dependent care.
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for personal or work-related challenges.
* Mental Health Support: Access to Nivati, a mental health platform offering counseling, coaching, and wellness tools.

AAP/EEO Statement: It is the policy of California Montessori Project to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This policy applies to all employment practices including recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, training, and termination.

Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

HOW TO APPLY
CMP is currently accepting applications for a full-time Special Education Teacher. Knowledge of Montessori philosophy and teaching strategies is preferred.

Candidates must complete an on-line application. Required documents must be scanned and attached to the application to include all documents listed below:
* Certification (Autism certificate or any other specialist certifications are a plus)
* Copy of Credential
* Credential Document Number
* CPR Certification
* Letter of Introduction (include campus(es) preference)
* Letter(s) of Recommendation (3 recent letters of reference attesting to your professional attributes)
* Other (3 professional references, with at least one from someone in a supervisory role)
* Resume

Apply

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