Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Special Education Head Teacher - Upper School
Supervisor: Associate Head of School - Upper School
Regular Daily Schedule: 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Calendar to Follow: 10-Month Academic Calendar
Status: Exempt
Term: 10-Month Agreement
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities
The Special Education Head Teacher is responsible for providing the meaningful and effective educational program for all students assigned a self-contained setting. In this capacity, it is expected that the Head Teacher will establish collaborative relationships with parents, students and Cooke colleagues to ensure successful classroom instruction for Cooke students. Head Teacher responsibilities include:
Instruction and Assessment
Head Teacher will be responsible for classroom activities that promote the healthy emotional, social, intellectual, and physical development of all students
Through the use of diagnostic tests, informal assessments, class observations, and integration of NY State Standards and Progress Report goals, the Head Teacher will determine the learning style and individual needs of each student to direct and create meaningful instruction
Demonstrate an understanding of academic expectations for all students which includes the use of appropriate assessment materials
Utilize a variety of instructional strategies, materials, and resources to implement instruction
Document three (3) Progress Reports educational evaluations for each Cooke student based on formal and informal assessments, classroom observations and portfolio assessments
Develop weekly and daily written lesson plans appropriate to the needs of each student
Deliver lesson in an engaging and interesting manner and reflect on lessons taught to modify future instruction plans
Provide students with appropriate support for success in their inclusion experiences
Organize furniture, materials and resources in an inviting and safe manner
Set appropriate limits for student behavior and use management strategies to maintain these limits
Planning and Record Keeping
Maintain observations/anecdotals on each student, including descriptive records of class behavior and interventions and examples of each student’s class work
Maintain a portfolio of student work to monitor student mastery of skills and content taught
Develop a consistent daily routine and structure of the day
Maintain records and contacts with parents, professionals, and outside agencies
Maintain current attendance records and emergency information
General Professional Responsibilities
Arrive at school in a timely fashion
Hold frequent regularly scheduled planning meetings each week with relevant staff and related services providers. Share knowledge, techniques and strategies with staff so they may be encouraged to implement them themselves
Provide direction for assistant teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers
Attend and participate in site and school wide meetings and training programs
Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance
Properly train students in procedures to be followed during emergencies
Utilize supervisor for guidance, discussion, collaboration, professional and self-growth
Develop professional growth goals with supervisor and create and implement a plan to reach the agreed upon goals
Requirements
Teacher Certification
Master’s Degree preferred
Prior experience with Students with Disabilities preferred.
Physical Requirements
Able to maintain the physical capacity required to navigate the school environment and to ensure the safety of the students; the ability to…
walk, run, sit, and stand
move rapidly forward, backward, and laterally
bend and stoop
push, pull, and lift
Professional Development
All Cooke staff are responsible for developing a professional growth plan with their supervisor. Staff training is an integral part of the Cooke school and as such is a requirement of the job. All staff must at a minimum: attend all scheduled Staff Development activities throughout the year and participate in staff orientation scheduled for the last week in August.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement
The Cooke School and Institute provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Cooke complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
The Cooke School and Institute expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Cooke’s employees to perform their expected job duties is not tolerated.
Company Description
Cooke envisions a world in which all people with special needs are included as valued members of their communities, leading independent and purposeful lives.
Cooke envisions a world in which all people with special needs are included as valued members of their communities, leading independent and purposeful lives.