Special Education Teacher

Location : This is an in person role in Salem, Massachusetts

Who We Are

Salem Academy Charter School (SACS) is a nationally ranked urban charter school north of Boston, MA offering a rigorous college preparatory program to nearly 500 students in grades 6-12.

For 17 years, SACS has been committed to serving the diverse population of Salem. Through a unique integration of rigorous college preparatory classes with service to the community, Salem Academy graduates informed, articulate and proactive individuals of strong character.

Learn more about Salem Academy Charter School here.

What We Believe

Salem Academy is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We seek to support a faculty and staff that reflects the rich diversity of our student body, creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and educating students.

Salem Academy values a school culture that celebrates learning, and we believe that the adult culture in the school is the foundation of the school’s success.

The culture is based on mutual respect, integrity, professionalism, a commitment to excellence, a collaborative spirit, and a sense of human kindness particularly as it relates to age-appropriate adolescent development.

What You’ll Do

The ideal candidate has experience with standards-based grading and is committed to raising student achievement through an integration of rigorous college preparatory classes with service to the community.

Learning Specialists (Special Educators) at SACS will be responsible for the following in addition to other duties as assigned by their manager :

Working with and for Students :

• Plan and execute differentiated, standards aligned instruction during Special Education Learning Center
• Provide student support across a variety of core content areas using a push-in inclusion model
• Support, plan and / or co-lead Service-Learning projects
• Co-teach Social-Emotional Learning curriculum once per week
• Develop and write Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
• Implement common academic and behavioral procedures to ensure a structured, respectful, and achievement-oriented environment conducive to student outcomes
• Input academic and behavioral data on the school data management system
• Analyze student data and monitor student progress through standards-based assessments

Working with and for Families :

• Participate in Parent / Teacher / Student Conferences three times per year
• Communicate regularly with families about academic and social progress
• Co-host IEP meetings

Working with and for Colleagues

• Build and maintain strong school culture centered on student achievement
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the success of the school mission
• Consult with and advise general education teachers and other staff on student needs and IEP implementation
• Participate in weekly professional development sessions
• Participate in weekly grade level team meetings

Who You Are :

You are a skilled educator. You have at least 1-3 years of experience teaching special education and understand the importance of culturally responsive education.

You are committed to standards based teaching and learning.

You are unapologetically focused on student outcomes. You work to build student-centered learning environments. You respond reactively and proactively to the academic and social-emotional needs of students in their classrooms.

You have a proven track record of achieving academic success with a diverse student body.

• You are values aligned. You are passionate about Salem Academy Charter School’s mission and vision.
• You bring people together and build community. You recognize the assets and community cultural wealth of all students, families, and staff.

You have experience fostering effective inclusion practices and a safe, positive, and respectful class and school culture.

You are caring, committed, and collaborative with colleagues and families.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrated subject matter competence (at least 1 year)
• Experience teaching secondary special education
• Possession of Massachusetts Teacher Certification or successful completion of relevant MTELs.
• Background clearance

Preferred but no required :

• Are multilingual including in Spanish and English;
• Have designed and successfully implemented culturally responsive curriculum;
• Have similar life experiences as our students;
• Have a Master’s, PhD or EdD degree;

Salem Academy Charter School values a school culture that celebrates learning, and we believe that the adult culture in the school is the foundation of the school’s success.

The culture is based on mutual respect, integrity, professionalism, a commitment to excellence, a collaborative spirit, and a sense of human kindness particularly as it relates to age-appropriate adolescent development.