Special Education Co-Teacher Job Description
MISSION OF THE SCHOOL
Compass Charter School is a safe and nurturing educational environment that honors the individuality of each
learner. By engaging in a process of inquiry, our graduates will be equipped with the necessary skills to lead
fulfilling personal and professional lives, including a developed sense of self, the ability to think in innovative
and flexible ways, and the inspiration to make a positive impact on their community.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHOOL
Compass Charter School is a new, progressive elementary school that opened in the fall of 2014 in Fort
Greene, Brooklyn. In the 2015-2016 school year we will have approximately 150 students in kindergarten
through second grade.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Compass Charter School is seeking committed educators to join our team. Special Education Co-teachers will
work in collaboration with a General Education Co-teacher in each of our Integrated Co-Teaching classrooms
and will teach the same group of students for two consecutive years.
Qualifications:
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Bachelor's Degree, Master’s Degree preferred
New York State Certification in Special Education
3 or more years of relevant teaching experience
Previous success in raising academic achievement of students with special needs
Previous success in raising academic achievement of students in an urban community
Ability to collaborate with Learning Support Coordinator and related service providers to ensure that all
mandated services are being provided in accordance to IEPs
Educational philosophy aligns with Compass’ mission and vision
Reflective practitioner in a state of constant professional growth with a willingness to share their craft with
others
Has own passions and interests
Commitment to integrating sustainability and the arts into the curriculum
Knowledge of the school neighborhood
Experience with co-teaching preferred
Experience working with children with special needs in an ICT classroom preferred
Commitment and knowledge of experiential and inquiry-based teaching and learning
Commitment to diverse learning environments
Strong interpersonal skills
Strong written and oral communication skills
Responsibilities:
 Actively participate in all meetings pertaining to intervention, referral, and special education needs of
students
 Collaboratively plan instruction with co-teacher to meet the needs of the diverse learners in the class
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Support the academic achievement and social emotional growth of students with special needs, English
Language Learners, and at-risk students
Ensure that all IEP goals are being worked toward and documented quarterly
Use data from a variety of sources to determine when a student is in need of intervention or enrichment
Collaborate with co-teacher, coordinators, and Directors of Curriculum and Instruction to provide highquality, relevant instruction to all children
Actively participate in a professional learning community, including professional literature circles, peer
coaching, reflection meetings, planning meetings, data meetings, and staff meetings
Use a variety of assessments to measure student learning and drive instruction
Use student performance data to tailor and differentiate curriculum to individual students and to
determine small groupings and modifications
Collaboratively plan interdisciplinary units of study with grade level teams, specialists, and Directors of
Curriculum and Instruction
Commit to working with one class of students for two consecutive years and with one co-teacher for two
consecutive years (looping)
Actively participate in the school’s decision making process
Regularly communicate with families, students, and community partners through phone, email, or face-toface conversation
Integrate the Compass Habits for Living and Learning into classroom culture, units of study, and
interactions with staff, families, and students
Integrate the real world and surrounding community into units of study, lessons, and classroom culture
Maintain positive relationships with students and staff
Maintain confidentiality with student information and records
Create a positive and safe classroom culture and community
Teach intervention groups as needed for Response to Intervention program
COMPENSATION
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.
TO APPLY
 Send your resume and cover letter to apply@brooklyncompass.org. Please include SPECIAL
EDUCATION CO-TEACHER in the subject line of the email.
 Your cover letter should include a statement of your educational philosophy and also state why you are
interested in becoming part of the team at Compass Charter School.
 If you have questions about any of our positions, please feel free to email Michelle Healy, Co-Director of
Curriculum and Instruction, at michelle@brooklyncompass.org.