Self-Contained Special Education Teacher

About AppleTree

AppleTree’s mission is to close the achievement gap before students get to kindergarten. To accomplish this mission, we focus exclusively on preschool and pre-K education. We provide free, full-day public charter school programming for three- and four-year-olds in 12 locations across Washington, DC,  employing our innovative and award winning instructional model, Every Child Ready (ECR). This instructional model provides educators with tools and resources for “What to Teach,” “How to Teach,” and “How to Measure Success.” Our instructional model is also used by partners across the nation. We continuously test and improve this model through feedback from AppleTree educators, partners, and other stakeholders to ensure that children are learning and exploring through play and appropriate instruction.

Position Summary

The Self-Contained Special Education Teacher ensures that all children and families with special needs receive optimal, developmentally-appropriate educational experiences. Under the primary direction of the Special Education Manager and secondary direction of the Principal, the Special Education Teacher will implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in inclusion, push-in and/or pull-out settings.  The Special Education Teacher will work with general education teachers in a consultative manner to integrate research-based interventions into their practice applying the Response to Intervention model. 

This position will support the Self-Contained Special Education Manager with administrative tasks including IDEA compliance activities and comprehensive case management of students participating in the special education program.  The Self-Contained Special Education Teacher reports to the Special Education Manager, with input from the school Principal. 

This is an on-site position based in Washington, DC. 

What you’ll do…

Support the development and achievement of young and diverse learners

Implement developmentally-appropriate instructional activities that encourage the child with special needs abilities to analyze, conceptualize, synthesize and evaluate

Demonstrate competency and expertise with the implementation of AppleTree’s instructional program

Implement the Response to Intervention (RTI) instructional model to maximize student achievement, especially for those students identified for special education and students in need of intervention

Plan and provide differentiated and individualized instruction that supports students’ social, emotional, physical and cognitive development in alignment with AELPCS’ standards and/or the IEP

Consult with general education teachers to support the implementation of the RTI model

Support assessment activities related to the special education program including identification and eligibility in accordance with IDEA, and aligned with RTI and AELPCS standards

Provide specialized instruction during Extended School Year (ESY) to eligible students.

 Provide case management for special education and related services

Develop annual IEPs in collaboration with the instructional team and the Special Education Coordinator that include developmentally-appropriate student goals

Document student data and progress through the Special Education Data System (SEDS)

Adhere to all aspects of the IDEA compliance process

Collaborate with general education teachers and related service providers, such as therapists and social workers, to assess and ensure: 1) students’ progress toward IEP goals, 2) successful access to the general curriculum through Specialized Support Plans (SSP)

Establish and maintain cooperative partnerships with parents

Collaborate with families and other school personnel to develop effective and viable transition plans to a Kindergarten Program for students with IEPs

Regularly communicate the school’s and individual students; educational goals and progress to families

Ensure compliance with federal and local regulations. 

Support the full continuum of services for children transitioning from Tier 2 to Tier 3 of the RTI process

Utilize the OSSE approved special education data system (SEDS) including SEDS, Easy IEP, and other mandated systems to track and document student progress

Assist with the development of the AELPCS Special Education Program for the purposes of ensuring program quality and continued compliance with all state and federal laws

Maintain accurate special education records, to include documentation of service delivery and monitors the documentation of special education services provided as required by IDEA, state regulations, and AELPCS policies

Uphold professional responsibilities

Maintain strict confidentiality of student information

Maintain necessary ongoing licensure/certification requirements within specified timelines

Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions with staff, students, and families

Allocate time and resources effectively

Actively participate in professional development opportunities provided and seeks out additional professional development opportunities

Fulfill the standards of professionalism in dress, attendance and timeliness

Plan collaboratively and share ideas and resources with the AppleTree school community

Note                                                                               

The preceding description is not designed to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of the Self-Contained Special Education Teacher. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

What we’re looking for…

Candidates must have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in elementary or early childhood special education and a passing score on the Praxis 5025 exam

A master’s degree in early childhood special education or a certified speech language pathologist are preferred

Two or more years of professional teaching of young children with special needs

Ability to deliver virtual instruction using modern technology and video conferencing softwares

Ability to travel to multiple AppleTree locations if needed

Demonstrated teacher leadership experience is preferred

Strong organizational skills and communication abilities

Ability to work collaboratively and well within a team

Candidates must also receive a passing score on the Special Education and Elementary Education Content Knowledge (PK-3) Praxis within 60 days of hire

IMPORTANT: Per Mayor’s Order 2021-109, on-site staff are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Requests for qualifying medical and/or religious exemptions will be considered. 

What's in it for you . . .

Competitive salary 

Employee Health Benefits in the 95th percentile of other schools in the DC Metro Area

Fully covered Dental

Benefits for you and all eligible dependents

Fully covered Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, and Life Insurance with buy-up options 

Free Online Wellness Platform for you and up to four eligible dependents 

Competitive Paid Time Off, including early-close Mental Health Days

5% Employer Contribution to your Retirement Account (whether you contribute or not)

AppleTree Scholarship to pay for continued education

Network Professional Development Opportunities

Commitment to Diversity

At AppleTree, we endeavor to foster an environment where each person’s true self and experience is welcome. We believe that only with a diverse and inclusive environment can you truly celebrate and support all students, families, and staff. Our commitment to diversity is founded on the belief that our community is strengthened by the vibrant exchange that occurs when individuals with different backgrounds, abilities, and heritages share their various perspectives with one another.

To Apply

Please visit our website: https://www.appletreeinstitute.org/join-our-team or email talent@appletreeinstitute.org with your resume and cover letter.