2023-2024 Special Education Teacher

Yellowstone College Prep

Reports to:         Director of Special Populations

 

Qualifications:   Bachelor’s degree

Texas (or other state) special education teacher certification required
1-2 years’ experience in special education classroom

Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process

Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation

Organizational Overview

Yellowstone College Prep operates on a beautiful Third Ward campus, built in 1926, that is less than half a mile from downtown Houston. As part of its unique program, YCP is co-located with Yellowstone Academy, a private Christian school that serves students in preK3 through 5^th grade. This innovative public/private model is the first of its kind in the state of Texas. These two schools will operate through a shared services agreement as they leverage the Academy’s 20+ years of success and expand to serve nearly 750 students in pre-K through 12^th grade by 2026.

 

Primary Responsibilities

The Yellowstone College Prep teacher is the most important role on the Yellowstone campus. Through the teacher’s leadership, students will learn in a classroom environment that is academically rigorous, emotionally supportive, community-minded, and inspires excellence. Teachers must be knowledgeable in their content area, have a passion for working with students, and be ready to work hard on behalf of the Yellowstone College Prep mission and our families. The teacher’s core responsibilities include (but are not limited to) the following:
 

Student Academic Performance

• Set ambitious targets for annual student achievement and track student progress towards these goals.
• Develop appropriate assessments to measure student understanding, and, as needed, create lessons and assessments for reteaching concepts and objectives.
• Meet regularly with grade level teams and vertical planning teams to share best practices, develop intervention strategies, and collaborate on lesson plans and instruction.
• Manage a gradebook and a cycle of grading/assessments that provides an accurate reflection of student performance throughout the school year.

Instructional Strategies

• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
• Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
• Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities.
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
• Instruct students individually and in groups, adapting teaching methods to meet students' varying needs and learning styles.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects following guidelines established by the Texas Education Agency.
• Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials that align with the scope and sequence for each subject/grade level.
• Plan and conduct lessons with a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to learn, observe, question, and investigate.
• Use technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process.
• As needed, plan and supervise assignments for instructional aides and classroom volunteers.

Student Growth and Development

• Observe and evaluate each student's academic performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
• Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
• In addition to planning classroom lessons, organize and lead grade-level appropriate activities and field trips designed to promote academic, physical, mental, and social/emotional development.
• Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their student's progress, and to determine the priorities for their student’s growth and success.
• Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of all students.
• Manage student behavior in accordance with the Yellowstone Student Code of Conduct.
• Intervene in crisis situations and physically restrain students as necessary according to IEP.
• Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and campus facilities.
• Maintain a classroom that is orderly, organized, and promotes student learning.
• Create and foster an environment that is culturally relevant, supportive of inclusion, and emphasis on character

Professional Growth and Development

• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Keep informed of and comply with state and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
• Attend and actively participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as needed.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Participate in an instructional culture that values feedback, seeks out growth opportunities, fosters innovation, and always puts student achievement first.
• Perform other duties as required and assigned.

 

Yellowstone Values

Every employee at Yellowstone College Prep is committed to our PRIDE values:

 

Positivity: At Yellowstone, we smile first. We are a positive presence on campus and extend a good-natured grace and enthusiasm in all personal interactions.

 

Responsibility: We follow through on our promises and commitments. We own our actions and will never settle for less than our best effort.

 

Integrity: We demonstrate integrity in all circumstances and always put the best interests of the broader Yellowstone community first. We “walk the talk” and lead by example. 

 

Determination: We anticipate and overcome challenges. We are resilient in the face of obstacles and are committed to the success of every member of the Yellowstone community.

 

Excellence: We hold everyone (families, students, colleagues) to the highest standard of excellence and constantly look for ways to enhance the Yellowstone experience.

 

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

 

Application Process

Prospective candidates should apply at www.yellowstoneschools.org.  Qualified applicants will be contacted for next steps in the interview process.

 

YELLOWSTONE COLLEGE PREP IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IT IS OUR POLICY THAT ALL APPLICANTS BE CONSIDERED SOLELY ON THE BASIS OF QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITY, WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, RELIGION, COLOR, SEX, AGE, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY, GENETIC INFORMATION OR VETERAN STATUS.