Life Skills Teacher, High School Special Education

Would you like to teach in a setting where you can improve students’ learning, promote their resilience and confidence, and make a genuine difference? Ignite Achievement Academy is a private, accredited school serving students in grades K-12 with special needs and learning differences

The FLAME Program (https://igniteachievementacademy.com/academics/flame) at Ignite Achievement Academy is seeking a dedicated and dynamic Life Skills Teacher for a self-contained special education high school classroom. The ideal candidate will have a passion for supporting students with diverse learning needs, providing them with the essential skills for independent living and successful entry into the workforce. This position requires teaching functional academics and vocational skills, as well as providing off-campus job experience within the local community.

This program spends mornings off-campus working in the community for hands-on life skill experience, and afternoons back on campus focused on functional academics. Students also have access to utilize life-skills learning labs on campus that include a grocery store, apartment, and office to practice the skills they learn about in real and meaningful ways! This position is supported by a teacher assistant. 

Our teachers rarely need to take work home, and our culture is different than any other school you've likely worked for in the past!

Responsibilities:

• Develop/Utilize the provided and implement a curriculum that integrates functional academics with real-world applications, focusing on practical skills for independent living and entry-level employment.
• Provide instruction in financial literacy, including budgeting, making change, and understanding personal finances.
• Teach reading and writing skills tailored to crafting effective communication for job-related scenarios, such as resumes and cover letters.
• Conduct cooking lessons to instill self-sufficiency in meal preparation and nutrition.
• Instruct students in basic cleaning skills to maintain a clean and organized living space.
• Incorporate social skills training to enhance verbal and non-verbal communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Teach basic computer skills relevant to the workplace, including email communication and basic data entry.
• Plan and facilitate field trips to expose students to various workplace environments and career opportunities.
• Drive students to and from off-site locations in the school's bus/van. Currently, the teacher assistant is the primary driver.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and health benefits package
• 401k matching up to 4%
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Collaborative and supportive work environment
• Paid time off

Ignite Education Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education or a related field (Master's degree preferred);
• Valid teaching license/certification in Special Education, or equivalent experience;
• Ability to pass both a criminal and motor-vehicle background check;
• Experience working with students with diverse learning needs, particularly in a vocational or life skills setting;
• Possess the desire to work 1-on-1 and in small groups with students to ensure instruction is appropriate for their individualized needs;
• Possess a passionate belief that all students are capable of success and learn in unique ways;
• Possess a deep understanding of the challenges facing students with special needs;
• Exemplary written and oral communication skills;
• Capability to perform tasks involving physical activities, including standing, walking, and bending;
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team.

Ignite Education Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.