SUMMARY

GPA uses both English and Spanish to instruct students in all core content areas. As a dual language school, we connect students from diverse linguistic backgrounds and educate them together in a highly rigorous, engaging and nurturing environment. Students will develop high levels of bilingualism and bi-literacy, as well as a deep value and understanding of other cultures. Through two-way immersion (TWI) in English and Spanish, students will affirm the values of their own cultures while acquiring an understanding and appreciation of other cultures. We are committed to providing relevant instruction pushing our students to be critical thinkers and change makers in an ever-changing world.

Reports to: Principal/Director of Exceptional Learners

Job Objective: Oversees special education services for students at Global Prep Academy. Meets all federal, state and local compliance requirements and provides educational services and instruction to students based on their current Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Essential Functions: The following are typical work responsibilities. A reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential functions.

Employee Expectations:

• Upholds board policies and follows administrative and departmental guidelines/procedures. Refers questions about corporation policies to administrators/supervisors.
• Advances the school’s image. Actively support and participate in the school’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity goals.
• Maintains open/effective communications. Uses problem-solving techniques to tactfully address questions/concerns.
• Consults with parents as needed (e.g., phone calls, E-mail, notes meetings, etc.).
• Facilitates opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in an inclusive educational environment. Implements behavior management and/or prescribed medical plans when required.
• Promotes the proper care and use of school property. Ensures that all materials are stored properly. Works with staff/students to address equipment safety and security issues.
• Respects personal privacy. Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Upholds the student conduct code.
• Takes precautions to ensure safety. Watches for conduct and situations that may indicate a problem. Works with supervisors to manage or eliminate risk factors.
• Reports suspected child abuse and/or neglect to civil authorities as required by law.
• Participates in staff meetings, conferences, and other required school activities.
• Pursues growth opportunities that enhance professional performance and advance corporation goals.
• Strives to develop rapport with colleagues and serves as a positive role model for others.
• Maintains a professional appearance. Wears work attire appropriate for the position.

Staff Support/Facilitation

• Evaluate the academic needs of students to develop effective student educational experiences and develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for each student for whom you are TOR (Teacher of Record)
• Helps parents/students understand program objectives and performance standards.
• Attends and leads all case conferences for students of record: Completes progress on goals reports at least three times a year.
• Consults with support personnel and families to address student concerns (e.g., academic difficulties, excessive absences, behavior mental/physical health, family/peer relations, etc.).
• Provides direct services to students in a pull out or push in setting
• Participates as MTSS team member - provides interventions for students in MTSS process
• Creates/uses a variety of formal/informal progress monitoring assessments to determine student progress/goals/needs
• Makes sure student IEPs, health plans and behavior plans are followed and understood
• Communicates student needs with Related Service staff members (speech, OT, PT) counselors, and general education staff members
• Assists in the completion of student evaluations as needed
• Completes small group lesson plans to meet student, grade level, and school expectations
• Keeps records of minutes of service to meet student IEP guidelines
• Schedules conferences with TOR parents and team members
• Makes sure that parents are given a written 10 day notice of conferences and copies of safeguards (and document)
• Attends all special ed department meetings

Abilities Required: The following personal characteristics and skills are important for the successful performance of assigned duties.

• Acknowledges personal accountability for decisions and conduct.
• Acts in accordance with the professional code of ethics.
• Anticipates time constraints. Manages tasks efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Averts problem situations and intervenes to resolve conflicts.
• Demonstrates professionalism and contributes to a positive work/learning environment.
• Effectively uses active listening, observation, reading, verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills.
• Exhibits consistency, resourcefulness, and resilience.
• Interprets information accurately and initiates effective responses.
• Maintains accurate records and submits required paperwork on time.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Skillfully manages individual, group, and organizational interactions.
• Uses diplomacy and exercises self-control when dealing with other individuals.

Working Conditions:

• To promote safety, employees are expected to exercise caution and comply with safety regulations and corporation policies/procedures when involved in the following situations/conditions.
• Balancing, bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, and standing.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes.
• Exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Interactions with aggressive, disruptive, and/or unruly individuals.
• Lifting, carrying, and moving work-related supplies/equipment.
• Operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Traveling to meetings and work assignments.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid state department of education license/certificate in the state of Indiana.
• Meets all mandated health requirements.
• A record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment.
• Complies with drug-free workplace rules and board policies.
• Demonstrates mastery of  instructional skills required to provide special education services for students with disabilities.