Special Education Guide (Elementary)

Job Description

Job Title: Elementary Special Education Guide
Level: Elementary (grades 1 - 3/4 - 6)
Classification: 1.0 FTE
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Compensation: Commensurate with experience
Licensure or Certification: Preferred Licensure Area(s): EBD, ABS, ASD, SLD, or the ability to obtain a license
Reports to: Elementary Special Education Coordinator / District Special Education Coordinator
Starting Date: Fall 2024

General Job Description:
The position is to work collaboratively within the Special Education Department and greater GRS community to support student development. This is an opportunity to serve a community of students and families and to complement and support the mission of the school. Great River School is committed to Montessori and International Baccalaureate pedagogy and has an excellent reputation as a Public Montessori Charter School. The role of the Special Education Guide is to further our mission to provide a quality Montessori education through inspiring learning environments and strong relationships based on respect for the gifts of each student.

Areas of responsibility and Concomitant Tasks:

Teaching:
Exhibit reverence, belief, and trust in each student
Work to support and guide each student towards realization of their unique potential
Actively plan and teach small group and individual lessons, employing a variety of appropriate teaching strategies; maximizes time on task.
Establish a community based on freedom with responsibility, and create a classroom environment that responds respectfully to the needs of individual learners.
Upholds and enforces board policy, district goals, administrative procedures, school rules and regulations.
Maintains appropriate work habits, including regular and punctual attendance and appropriate use of conference and planning time. Model professional integrity
Encourages and facilitates work of other staff members in a collaborative, supportive environment in service of students
Respects the confidentiality of records and information regarding students, parents and teachers in accordance with accepted professional ethics and state and federal laws. Uphold all federal and state laws in accordance with best practices of a Special Education Guide
Actively plan and participate in major classroom outings, trips and key experiences.

Student Contact and Communication:
Observing students on a regular basis
Maintain positive, constructive, and timely communication with students/families/community members regarding challenges and successes in work choices, interactions with others and their commitment to the community
Evaluates accomplishments of students on a regular basis using multiple assessment methods; provides progress and interim reports for feedback

Other:
Other duties as assigned by the Head of School or Elementary Special Education Coordinator
Contribute to their fair share of the operational needs of the school
May be required to attend Montessori courses or courses that assist in observed areas of professional growth

Qualifications

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree
Knowledge of Due Process paperwork and timelines
Civility, Honesty, and Integrity; as reflected in daily interaction with faculty, students and parent / guardians
Serve the community; as reflected in student/parent community relationships
Judgment: as reflected in decision-making and problem-solving skills
Depth: ability to draw from a broad base of knowledge or experiences
Relationships: ability to develop appropriate relationships in support of teaching and learning
Excellent written and verbal skills.
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Possess positive and high expectations for themselves and for student success
Work hard and is a solid role model
Ability to manage competing tasks with competing deadlines
Ability to remain on task and follow through projects to their completion
Excellent word processing skills and good computer knowledge (or ability to learn computer skills to function effectively in the GRS setting)
Preferred candidates will have a current MN Special Education Teaching teaching license. Ideal candidates possess an orientation toward constructivist learning and are foundationally guided by respect for students and their potential.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:
Montessori Elementary training (or experience working in a Montessori Elementary program)
CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) training, or similar training
Experience conducting FBAs and writing IEPs, evaluation reports, and BIPs (Behavior Intervention Plans)
Experience teaching emergent and early-stage reading

Institution Description

Great River School is a public Montessori school serving students grades 1st through 12th grades with the International Baccalaureate program in 11th & 12th grades. Our community is committed to an engaging environment which prepares students for their unique roles as responsible and engaged citizens of the world. Our vision is world peace through education. We specifically seek to deconstruct systems of bias and oppression that interrupt relationships and access to education. We welcome applications from all backgrounds - racial justice, gender inclusion, and accessibility of education is central to our core values as a school community

Application Instructions/Comments

Great River School provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Great River School will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis until successful candidate(s) are hired. Please send a letter of interest, resume and three professional letters of reference (email of application materials is preferred) to:

Email: jobs@greatriverschool.org
Great River School
1326 Energy Park Drive
St. Paul, MN 55108