Compass Charter School 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 scheduled to open at 300 Adelphi (between Dekalb and Lafayette) in Fort Greene, Brooklyn in the fall of 2014. At full capacity we will serve children from kindergarten through fifth grade. We plan to open with two kindergarten classes and two first grade classes with 96-100 students. THE OPPORTUNITY Compass Charter School is seeking committed educators to join our founding team. Special Education Co-teachers will work in collaboration with a Classroom Co-Teacher in each of our Integrated Co-Teaching classrooms and will teach the same group of students for two consecutive years. Qualifications: 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 Support the academic achievement and social emotional growth of students with special needs, English Language Learners, and atrisk 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 high-quality, 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-to-face 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 founding team of Compass Charter School. If you have questions about any of our positions, please feel free to email Brooke Peters, Co-Director of Curriculum and Instruction, at brooke@brooklyncompass.org.