Special Education Teacher

The Opportunity: PLA Special Education teachers are passionate and devoted leaders bringing creativity and rigor to our classrooms to support an improved learning experience for our scholars. Our teachers are compassionate and committed to building a caring environment that nurtures the success of our school community. As a Special Education Teacher at Phalen Leadership Academies, you will develop and provide specialized instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. You will provide appropriate accommodations to the set curriculum in support of the success and growth of scholars; identify the individual needs of students; create a supportive and effective learning environment; and ensure that our scholars have the resources they need to meet academic expectations.

The Details

Key Deliverables:

• Develop and adapt individualized teaching methods that are suitable for each scholar
• Performs a variety of assessments and observations to determine the areas in which students may need extra or modified educational services. Assessment areas may include academic performance, behavior, social development, or physical health
• Identifies student’s needs and develops related lesson and teaching plans
• Develops individualized education plans (IEPs) for each student, setting learning goals and adopting modifications as necessary; ensure each student’s activities and lessons are planned and organized according to his/her abilities.
• Develops and teaches lessons that provide engaging learning opportunities for small groups and individual students while meeting required specifications of IEPs and 504 plans
• Implements IEPs, provides ongoing or follow-up assessments, continually tracks progress, and makes modifications as necessary
• Collaborates with classroom and homeroom teachers to ensure each student’s needs are met and plans are followed

Experience and Education Requirements:

• A passion for working with students and families in under-served communities
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Special Education from an accredited college or university; with appropriate endorsements, if applicable
• Valid State Teacher License or enrolled in a credentialing program
• Effective pedagogical skills driven by standards and data-driven assessment
• Experience tracking and using data to drive instruction
• Demonstrate organizational and technology skills to encourage scholar engagement

The Network: PLA is a transformative education nonprofit changing communities across the country by providing a depth of resources not found in the traditional education model. In addition to serving as one of the country’s best turnaround school operators and successfully launching charter school start-ups, PLA also provides our school communities with a successful, research-based summer learning program (Summer Advantage), a successful Reading and Math Intervention program (Reading and Math Advantage), and a workforce development program (PLA University) that provides expanded opportunities for our high school graduates, along with the family members of our current staff and students. This menu of programs and services is unique to our network, sets us apart from other organizations, and provides expanded opportunities for our staff through career advancement opportunities, and expanded income opportunities.

The Campus: Trix Academy is a tuition-free charter school located on the Eastside of Detroit. Trix Academy supports K-8 scholars through data-driven instruction, differentiated learning, 1:1 intervention, and social/emotional support. The school has committed educators and support staff who go above and beyond to inspire and support scholars.

The Academy also offers daily enrichment classes that consist of Arts, STEM, Culture & Citizenship, and Cultural History. Trix Academy has cultivated an environment where students feel safe, respected, and encouraged to explore their interests and talents.

Compensation and Benefits:

PLA Special Education Teachers receive a base salary that is competitively aligned with the market. In addition to a base salary, PLA Special Education Teachers receive:

• Competitive Compensation
• Benefits – Healthcare, vision, and dental insurance
• Professional development opportunities, coaching and mentoring, and being a part of professional communities within the school
• Incentive and bonus opportunities

PLA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Please read carefully.

Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is an equal opportunity employer. PLA does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service.

By completing this application you understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for PLA to hire me. If hired, I understand that either PLA or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of PLA has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.

You attest by applying to this position that you have given PLA true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize PLA to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.