Lead Special Education Teacher (Internal Candidates Only)

Lead Special Education Teacher

Full-time, Salaried, Exempt, 190 Contracted days

Reports to:  Special Education Coordinator

Organizational Overview

Grow Public Schools (GPS), founded by the Grimm Family Education Foundation opened its doors in August 2011.  Located in Arvin, California, Grow Academy is an independent public charter school where health and wellness is at the center of student success.  Grow Academy implements a rigorous blended learning model where students actively engage in a unique, diversified learning environment in our Learning Lab, music program, physical education, and Edible Schoolyard (ESY) program.  

In 2016, Grow Public Schools (GPS), formerly Grimmway Schools, was established as the Charter Management Organization (CMO) responsible for support and management of the academies.  Today, GPS is redefining academic excellence in Kern County as a multi-campus charter school operator.  GPS operates Grow Academy (GA) Arvin, and GA Shafter, both TK-8 schools with over 800 students.  We hold high expectations for our students, parents, teachers, and staff to ensure a supportive and successful learning environment to close the opportunity gap in some of the highest need communities in California.

Job Summary:   The Lead Special Education Teacher ensures the implementation of high-quality, legally compliant IEPs and attends and facilitates all IEP meetings in accordance with federal and state regulations. The Lead Special Education Teacher also reviews assessments and lesson plans and provides leadership on the development of high-quality instructional plans. 

Key Responsibilities: 

I. Compliance

• Manage all aspects of special education documentation (service logs, quarterly progress reports, Siras documentation of services, and IEPs),  ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.


• With assistance from the Special Education Clerk, coordinate all IEP meetings via Google calendar, communicate with parents to schedule IEP meetings,  process records requests, and maintain confidentiality.


• Comply with all federal, state, district, and campus policies and procedures related to special education services. 


• Participate in professional development to stay current on job responsibilities.

II. Assessment and Data Leadership

• Provides training on the administration and interpretation of educational assessments, such as the Woodcock Johnson and the Early Literacy Screening Tool, ensuring that all team members are proficient in using these tools to inform instruction.


• Collaborates with education specialists to interpret assessment data and make informed decisions that enhance student learning outcomes, including dually identified students.


• Analyze intervention data, identify gaps, and collaborate with the Educational Programs department to build, implement, and maintain multi-tiered systems, particularly related to SST, early literacy, and English learners.

III. Differentiation and Instructional Support

• Support peers in developing resources that increase access through differentiated instructional experiences.


• Collaborate with team members to design and implement effective accommodations (CAASPP, STAR, NWEA) that ensure access to grade-level content for all students with IEPs.


• Supports the development of targeted interventions for students based on data insights.


• Provide professional development.

IV. Communication and Collaboration

• Participate in weekly planning meetings.  


• Address the day to day needs of the Special Education Aides; keep the Special Education Coordinator informed.


• Maintain strong communication and relationships with students, families, and staff.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Knowledge of IEP procedures and the ability to oversee compliant, timely implementation


• Familiarity with student achievement data and assessments related to academic, behavioral, and emotional functioning


• Training in PBIS and behavioral intervention strategies


• Understanding of psycho-social development and its implications for learning


• Experience supporting students with diverse needs, including migrant and socioeconomically disadvantaged (SED) populations


• Strong consultation and collaboration skills with educators, families, and service providers


• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills


• Commitment to modeling a growth mindset and advocating for equitable access for students with disabilities
  

Requirements:

• A valid, clear CA Education Specialist credential


• 5 + years related teaching experience, preferably in full inclusion settings utilizing the co-teaching model 

Physical requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.

The employee frequently is required to stand; sit; walk; use hands to finger; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must have the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. The employee is occasionally required to push, move, lift or otherwise bear up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.  Specific hearing abilities are required by this job.

Work Environment: This position is in-person, in instructional facilities located in Kern County. Some travel is required to other work sites.