Job Description

Who We Are

Our mission is to transform the lives of students – especially those who will be the first in their family to attend college – by preparing them for success in college, career, and life.

At Envision Education, we believe the current achievement gap reflects a systemic failure to understand how kids learn, what motivates them to learn, and what they need in order to learn well. We know that vibrant learning communities apply compassion and high expectations to inspire and empower students.  With a population that is 75% first-generation college bound, our approach is specifically designed to increase student engagement, deepen integration and understanding, promote active learning, and ensure college success.

Envision Education is a national model for using Performance Assessment to prepare students for success in college and in life.  Envision Education operates three small high schools and one middle school. Graduates go on to succeed in college at significantly higher rates than their peers: 99% attend college and 90% persist once they get there.

 

APPLY HERE: Envision Careers

LOCATIONS: City Arts and Technology High School, San Francisco – Envision Academy High School, Oakland – Impact Academy High School, Hayward – Impact Academy Middle School, Hayward

 

Our Approach

Our educators create project-based assignments and leverage technology in order to challenge students to think critically, solve problems resourcefully, and collaborate productively. Students have an opportunity to use these skills and show what they know through portfolio defenses. Envision students graduate by presenting a comprehensive defense of their high school education, demonstrating their readiness for college and career. Similar to a master’s thesis defense, these presentations are required to graduate and are invaluable in preparing for life after high school. They practice for these defenses through regular exhibitions and in-class presentations.  Read about our approach here: http://www.envisionschools.org/our-approach/

 

 

Position Description:

Within our community of professional practice, the role of Learning Specialist is that of co-teacher and collaborator who meets regularly with the general education team.  With opportunities to provide professional development, provide support to develop Response to Intervention (RTI), and collaborate with general education staff, the position of Learning Specialist is uniquely positioned for leadership development and growth within the organization. The Learning Specialist is a member of the teaching staff and reports directly to the Principal. Envision Education is looking for passionate Special Educators who are interested in being part of this innovative model and have a desire to support learning and postsecondary success for all students in the urban communities of the Bay area.

 

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provide instruction and support to students with special education needs to achieve IEP goals, as well as quarterly progress monitoring of each student’s IEP goals.
• Ensure access to learning in the core program and guide progress towards graduation standards and requirements.
• Develop individualized, appropriate academic, transition, and behavioral goals based on Envision Education Graduation Portfolio Standards, the 21st Century Leadership Skills standards, and secondary content standards.
• Knowledgeably identify, guide, and implement appropriate accommodations, and/or modifications to ensure students’ learning success in the general education classroom.
• Co-Teach with general education teachers in the general education classroom.
• Maintain a system of progress monitoring that informs and guides instruction and planning for your caseload.
• Regularly analyze student data to improve instruction, ensure equity and make program recommendations and improvements.
• Collaborate with a student’s advisor, testing coordinator and college counselor to provide, as required by a student’s IEP, appropriate documentation for participation with accommodations in standardized testing, SAT, ACT or other pre- college admission activities.
• With the student and family, develop “person-centered” transition plans beginning in 9th grade to cultivate college-going identity or post-secondary planning leading to successful high school graduation or completion.
• Maintain a record of all parent communication both informal and formal with relevant dates, times, and content. Parent communication should be recorded in SEIS.
• Assist with the monitoring of arrival, dismissal, and lunch according to an agreed upon schedule.
• Be the leader of IEP teams, facilitator of IEP meetings, conduct assessments, and prepare IEP reports. Understand guidelines for suspension and expulsion of students with IEPs and ensure procedural rights.
• Develop and implement appropriate Behavior Support Plans or behavior management techniques for use in instructional and interpersonal activities.
• Collaborate with administrators, teachers and instructional assistants in developing and monitoring the success of students in the general education program.
• Meet regularly with general education teachers to ensure access to learning in the core program and guide progress towards graduation standards and requirements.
• Develop positive relationships with parents, engaging them in the IEP process by conducting interviews and conferences with parents and discussing student progress on an ongoing basis.
• Develop, coordinate and provide ongoing professional development activities for general and special education teachers.
• Train and provide direction and guidance to assigned Instructional Assistants.
• Collaborate with other members of the special education team, such as SLP to integrate services and address the needs of the “whole student.”
• Create and maintain notifications, records, files, and reports as required by federal, state and SELPA regulations.
• Administer academic diagnostic tests and provide clear written reports of learning progress or need.
• Provide leadership as a member of the school-wide team to implement RTI.
• Maintain knowledge of current regulations and best practices pertaining to special education.

 

Qualifications

 

• Secondary Special Education experience
• California Teaching Credential with appropriate special education endorsement
• Knowledge of California Secondary Content Standards and Project-based learning
• Commitment to working with an ethnically, linguistically and economically diverse student body

 

Core Competencies

• Be committed to serving students in the Least Restrictive Environment
• Possess a positive, strong, warm demander stance
• Be results-oriented and approach students’ needs with a sense of urgency
• Employ best teaching practices
• Create a Learning Center environment that is structured, positive and organized. Know students well and communicate effectively with students and parents around goals and progress
• Mentor and support students and hold them to high academic and socio-behavioral standards
• Be a strong team member who is self-reflective, implements feedback, and consistently seeks to improve his/her practice

 

 

Compensation and Benefits: Competitive based on credential, education, and experience; Paid sick leave; Retirement system from STRS; Excellent health benefits package with employer contribution to benefits; Optional Flexible Benefits Plan; 403b Plan; Commuter Check Plans; Life Insurance at no cost to employee

 

 

How to Apply

    APPLY HERE: Envision Careers As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Job Categories: Full-Time. Job Types: Teacher.