Education Specialist Jobs in Massachusetts

Organization Overview Excel Academy is a network of 5 schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that prepares students in grades 5-12 to succeed in high school and college and engage productively in their communities. The majority of our 1,700 students identify as Latinx or Hispanic and will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Families choose Excel because our students consistently outperform their peers in growth and achievement and are 5x more likely to graduate from college. At Excel, we believe that every studentregardless of race, zip code, or economic statusdeserves access to a free, high quality holistic education. During their middle school journey with us, students grow at a pace faster than most peers in their state. This is possible through a combination of high expectations, rigorous instruction, and individualized support. At our nationally ranked high school, students achieve at the highest level and are poised for success in their chosen college or career path. About our TeamEveryday, our team members choose to be positive, drive their own growth, uplift one another, and hold the highest possible beliefs for what students can achieve. About the RoleExcel teachers are responsible for delivering effective, high-quality, rigorous college-preparatory instruction designed to foster the success of their students. Teachers who thrive at Excel tend to be entrepreneurial instructors and hungry learners who crave frequent high-quality feedback on their practice. Out of the classroom and with the support of school administrators, the Middle School Special Education Teacher will manage administrative/regulatory aspects of the Special Education Program. Duties and ResponsibilitiesKey responsibilities include, but are not limited to:Instructional ResponsibilitiesTeach daily instructional support lessons to students on caseload, utilizing time outside of core-academic classes;Serve as an inclusion teacher as needed to more effectively support the learning abilities of students with high needs;Work closely with general education teachers to differentiate curriculum, help create effective accommodations, and modify curriculum when appropriate; andEnsure that all work with students with special needs is aligned with the schools academic goals for student achievement.Administrative ResponsibilitiesWrite all IEPs of new Special Education students & revise/update existing IEPs;Coordinate outsourced Special Education testing and manage Special Education Consultants (i.e. Speech and Language Therapist; Occupational Therapist, etc.);Ensure that implementation of Special Education services is in compliance with federal and state special education regulations;Manage all paperwork (e.g. IEPs, 504s, Child Study Records of Accommodations, Teacher Input Questionnaires, IEP Progress Reports, subject-area checklists for MCAS, etc.) associated with Special Education cases, ensuring deadlines are met and information is accurately recorded;Maintain regular communication with students parents/guardians and families; andCreate all CPR/CAP documents to ensure DOE compliance.Team Member ResponsibilitiesEnforce school-wide systems and procedures to effectively manage the classroom;Continually communicate with students and families regarding academic and behavior performance and progress;Serve as a homeroom teacher and student advisor; andServe as a productive member of the Excel Community.QualificationsA bachelors degree is required; a masters degree is preferred;A commitment to and belief in all students and the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excels values and educational model;A commitment to addressing racial and economic inequity in education;The ability to focus and thrive in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment;The ability to work effectively in a team environment and the willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work; andAn openness to change, a willingness to problem-solve, and an interest in receiving feedback for continuous improvement.Preference will be given to applicants who also:Have experience in a public or charter school settingSpeak Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic fluentlyCan speak to the importance of rigorous classroom instruction and cultureCan speak to the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusionExcel Academy Charter Schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, age, ancestry, athletic performance, special need, proficiency in the English language or a foreign language or prior academic achievement.Applications will be reviewed as they are received and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.