EXCEL ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOLS 5th Grade Learning Specialist Salary in the United States

Organization Overview

Excel Academy was founded in 2003 with the mission to provide a high-quality education to students in East Boston and Chelsea. Over the years, we have grown from one middle school to a network of four schools with 1,400 students in grades 5 to 12. At Excel Academy Charter Schools, we believe that when a student has the support and tools to pursue a productive post-secondary pathway aligned to their personal identity and values, it can fundamentally change their life trajectory. 

We present our students with educational experiences that allow them to grow and discover their best selves so that when they leave our halls, they can successfully navigate all of the post-secondary options available to them. You can read more about the impact of the Excel Academy model here.

At Excel Academy we learn from our students, families, and staff and make improvements. We have increasingly adapted to provide a holistic education that values our community as collaborators in the learning process, social-emotional support, equity for diverse learners, and fosters identity development. We prioritize an approach that is both rigorous and inclusive. Our team of passionate, intelligent, driven, and loving staff are at the core of the work we do. 

Growth Happens Here.

About the Role 
Excel teachers are responsible for delivering effective, high-quality, rigorous college-preparatory instruction designed to foster the success of their students.  Teachers who thrive at Excel tend to be entrepreneurial instructors and hungry learners who crave frequent high-quality feedback on their practice. Out of the classroom and with the support of school administrators, the Middle School Special Education Teacher will manage administrative/regulatory aspects of the Special Education Program.

Duties and Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Instructional Responsibilities

• Teach daily instructional support lessons to students on caseload, utilizing time outside of core-academic classes;
• Serve as an inclusion teacher as needed to more effectively support the learning abilities of students with high needs;
• Work closely with general education teachers to differentiate curriculum, help create effective accommodations, and modify curriculum when appropriate; and
• Ensure that all work with students with special needs is aligned with the school’s academic goals for student achievement.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Write all IEPs of new Special Education students & revise/update existing IEPs;
• Coordinate outsourced Special Education testing and manage Special Education Consultants (i.e. Speech and Language Therapist; Occupational Therapist, etc.);
• Ensure that implementation of Special Education services is in compliance with federal and state special education regulations;
• Manage all paperwork (e.g. IEPs, 504s, Child Study Records of Accommodations, Teacher Input Questionnaires, IEP Progress Reports, subject-area checklists for MCAS, etc.) associated with Special Education cases, ensuring deadlines are met and information is accurately recorded;
• Maintain regular communication with students’ parents/guardians and families; and
• Create all CPR/CAP documents to ensure DOE compliance.

Team Member Responsibilities

• Enforce school-wide systems and procedures to effectively manage the classroom;
• Continually communicate with students and families regarding academic and behavior performance and progress;
• Serve as a homeroom teacher and student advisor; and
• Serve as a productive member of the Excel Community.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred;
• A commitment to and belief in all students and the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel’s values and educational model;
• A commitment to addressing racial and economic inequity in education;
• The ability to focus and thrive in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment;
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment and the willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work; and
• An openness to change, a willingness to problem-solve, and an interest in receiving feedback for continuous improvement.

Preference will be given to applicants who also:

• Have experience in a public or charter school setting
• Speak Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic fluently
• Can speak to the importance of rigorous classroom instruction and culture
• Can speak to the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion