Intern Special Education Teacher

Salary: $71,900 - $81,900

ABOUT LA CHEIM

La Cheim has been providing a robust continuum of care for nearly 50 years to help children and adults who were previously unreachable. Our non-public school, community mental health center, therapeutic behavioral services program, and Short-Term Residential Treatment Program offer educational and mental health services throughout Alameda and Contra Costa County.

Our team is made up of teachers, art therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, RNs, social workers, MFTs, and mentors who are known for their caliber and compassion. They create life-changing experiences for those they serve. All La Cheim programs embrace and apply a Trauma-Informed approach to addressing emotional and behavioral issues.

By joining La Cheim you will be part of a supportive community serving an inspirational mission. You will enjoy rich benefits, valuable training and wellness opportunities, close support, and room to grow.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

La Cheim School is excited to welcome a passionate and motivated Intern Special Education Teacher to our Non-Public School. Were looking for an Intern Special Education Teacher who is eager to make a lasting difference in the lives of students while gaining invaluable hands-on experience in a supportive, multidisciplinary team environment.

The Intern Special Education Teacher will provide specialized academic instruction and supportive interventions aligned with each students Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP). By implementing a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach, the Intern Special Education Teacher will help students unlock their potential and thrive both academically and personally.

The Intern Special Education Teacher serves as the teacher of record, receives ongoing supervision and support from the university and school district, and is expected to build inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Opportunity for continued employment upon credential completion.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

1. One of the following is required
   1. A Mild-Moderate teaching credential OR
   2. Moderate-Severe teaching credential OR
   3. Internship Education Specialist Instruction Credential AND/OR
   4. pending eligibility for one of the above credentials, utilizing a CDE/CCTC Emergency Credential or Short-Term Staff Permit
2. Must have a valid California Driver License and car insurance
3. Must be able to pass all required tests and clearances (Live Scan (DOJ, FBI, Guardian) TB test, etc.)
4. Experience in Special Education classroom with concentration in Mild/Moderate Disabilities and/or experience in a treatment milieu
5. Actively enrolled in a CTC-approved Education Specialist Intern Program (University or District pathway)
6. Completion of at least 120 clock hours (or equivalent coursework) in foundational pedagogy, including: classroom management, special education pedagogy, human development, reading/language arts, and English Learner instruction
7. Basic Skills Requirement (CBEST or equivalent) satisfied
8. Subject-Matter Competence demonstrated through CSET, degree, or approved coursework
9. Constitution requirement met through coursework or exam
   1. Intermediate-level skills in MS Office (including Excel, Word, Microsoft TEAMS, and Outlook)
   2. Preferred but not required: Intermediate-level skills in Special Education Information System (SEIS)
   3. Preferred but not required: Previous experience with youth, particularly underserved populations, youth with moderate to severe mental health
      

SUPERVISION & SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS

Must participate in regular supervision as required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and the assigned university/district intern program, including:

1. At least two-five hours of indirect and direct supervision and support per week from a university/district-employed supervisor (or designee).
2. Completion of an individualized mentoring plan aligned with CTC standards (instructional practices, classroom management, IEP compliance, and English Learner support).
3. Documentation of supervision hours, submitted to both the university/district program and La Cheim as required.
4. The Associate Director of Educational Program will serve as the on-site supervisor, providing regular check-ins, feedback, and support.

PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES

1. Functions as a team player, prioritizing the organizations best interests.
2. Proactively identifies opportunities for improvement and ways to contribute.
3. Exhibits creativity, adaptability, openness, and a high level of professionalism.
4. Possesses strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
5. Maintains confidentiality with discretion.
6. Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills.
7. Works effectively independently and pays close attention to detail.
8. Collaborate well with other agency staff.
9. Outstanding organizational and time management abilities.
10. Exhibits a strong professional commitment and represents La Cheim effectively while engaging with the community.
11. Strong classroom management and de-escalation skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Stairs climbing stairs up to 50-100 up to 2-4 hours, not continuously.
2. Sitting up to 2 hours, not continuously; standing up to 4 hours, not continuously.
3. Walking up to 2 hours, not continuously; bending over up to 1 hour, not continuously.
4. Crawling up to 0 hours; climbing up to 0 hours, reaching overhead up to a few minutes.
5. Crouching up to hour, not continuously; kneeling up to a few minutes.
6. Balancing up to 0 hours; pushing or pulling up to a few minutes.
7. Lifting or carrying 25 pounds or less; repetitive use of feet up to 0 hours.
8. Repetitive use of hands up to 0 hours.
9. Grasping with one or both, simple and firm, for up to 1 hour, not continuously.
10. Fine dexterity - either hand up to 1 hour, not continuously.
11. Auditory and visual acuity 8 hours within normal limits and maybe with glasses, contact lenses or hearing aids.
12. Driving cars and vans; Exposure to uneven concrete and blacktop.
13. Exposure to normal dust, heat, and noise.
14. Exposure to emotionally disturbed students who may be physically and verbally violent and require safe physical management.
15. Frequent exposure to office equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Develop and teach the daily curriculum for English, Math, Science, and History to students in grades 612 with emotional disability or other health impairments.
2. Complete 30-Day, Annual, and Tri-Annual IEPs, including assessments, goal development, and progress reports, in collaboration with the university/district supervisor.
3. Complete all IEP documentation, monitor and manage IEP timelines to ensure compliance, and actively participate in IEP meetings with school districts as a collaborative team member.
4. Teach during the Extended School Year (ESY), a program providing additional instruction outside the regular school year, to support students with credit recovery and continued academic progress.
5. Collaborate with Behavioral and Educational Support Specialists and multidisciplinary teams (therapists, nurses, administrators, caregivers, and classroom staff) to provide academic, behavioral, and therapeutic interventions for students.
6. Maintain and actively reinforce the schools reward program to promote and encourage positive student behavior.
7. Respond to student crises as needed, using de-escalation strategies and, when necessary, physical intervention as a last resort to ensure student safety.
8. Complete and document daily Medi-Cal progress notes to track services provided to youth, ensuring compliance with billing and electronic health record requirements.
9. Engage caregivers and students treatment team in discussions about student growth and education involvement.
10. Create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive classroom that supports and reinforces the schools therapeutic program.
11. Responsible for all standardized academic and statewide assessments

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Supervise students across all school settings, including breaks and lunch, as assigned
2. Attend all required meetings, supervision sessions, and professional development trainings.
3. Meet regularly for individual oversight with supervisor(s).
4. Other duties may be required as La Cheim continues its development. Employees are expected to be flexible and responsive to changes in the scope of duties.
5. Understand and embody La Cheim's philosophy, organizational culture, and communication channels by practicing a collaborative approach.
6. Complete any additional tasks assigned by the Supervisor, Department Head, and/or CEO.
7. Meeting with school district representatives to describe the academic program.
8. Provide lessons and assist students in developing transition goals, including assessment and preparation for work and volunteer positions on and off campus.
9. Complete all mandatory training, including through Relias, and Pro-Act. Always maintain a high standard of professional behavior.
10. Attend Field Trips to build rapport and provide enriching experiences for students.
11. Maintain La Cheim Schools rewards program by effectively assessing student challenges, setting clear and consistent boundaries, and communicating progress with caregivers and school district personnel.
12. Complete quarterly report cards and prepare quarterly summaries of student performance.