New Liberty Innovation School is a small high school within the Salem Public School district. We accept students' ages 14 to 22, who live within and outside of Salem. We are a competency-based school, which means that learning happens anytime and anywhere. Our program works beyond the scope of traditional high school education by providing students with small class sizes, real-world learning opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom, and personalized learning--the ability to focus on topics and projects of interest to each student. In addition to academic opportunities, New Liberty staff provides students with wrap-around supports and coaching, which enables students to engage in their learning and make academic and social-emotional progress. At New Liberty, we believe our three pillars (academics, essential habits, and career-readiness) are interlocking and help develop engaged citizens for success after high school. Whether a student is looking to restart their quest for a high school diploma, or simply looking for a more personalized and flexible learning environment, New Liberty offers opportunities to all students!

We are currently seeking a Special Education Teacher for the 2018-2019 School Year, who shares this mission and has an entrepreneurial spirit. We are looking for someone who understands the lives of urban youth and who can provide kind, patient, and appropriate support to our students, while still holding high expectations for their academic success. Our special education teacher will push into classes (humanities and math), possibly co-teach classes, and teach a C-grid academic support class. They will also assist with writing and gathering evidence of progress on student IEP goals and serve as a resource for all staff on best-practices related to teaching students on an IEP.

There are approximately 50 students at NLIS, with about 40-45% on an IEP, usually for a learning disability. Since our class sizes are small, and we provide a great deal of social-emotional support, we find that special education students usually thrive at our school. A Team Chair organizes most aspects of coordinating IEP reviews and other Team meetings. We have one Special Education Teacher at NLIS.

Responsibilities include:

• Design and successfully implement project-based units and lessons that align to the CCSS; ability to assist co-teachers with making real-world connections
• Differentiate curriculum to meet the needs of all learners
• Plan and coordinate curriculum, lessons, and assessments with other classroom teachers.
• Work in both inclusion settings with general education teachers and in small group special education specific classes, such as reading instruction, executive functioning planning, academic support, and specific math instruction.
• Work with students independently and in small groups to support their particular areas of need, as well as their emotional growth.
• Administer special education-related assessments and evaluate and monitor progress based on test results.
• Collaborate with school personnel, parents/families, and various community agencies for the purpose of improving the quality of student outcomes, developing solutions, planning curriculum, collecting data and creating Individual Education Programs (IEP) for students.
• Collaborate with NLIS Team Chair
• Prepare for and participate in IEP meetings
• Create opportunities for students to practice independent learning and decision making as they transition into adulthood.
• Work with the district Transition Coordinator.
• Promote a positive classroom environment that celebrates the diversity of the student population and fosters a love of learning (culturally competent instruction)
• Manage student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and an optimal learning environment
• Assist new students in learning school routines, culture, and norms
• Co-run an Advisory with another teacher
• Communicate regularly and proactively with parents and families in a culturally proficient manner
• Participate in district-wide and school professional development
• Willing to be trained in our behavioral intervention system—Collaborative Problem Solving (Think: Kids) over the summer of 2018
• Willing to be trained in Competency-based grading at the BDEA REAL Institute over the summer of 2018
• Must be willing to agree to the contractual autonomies outlined in our school's Innovation Plan, including teaching multiple different classes each trimester
• Work under the general supervision of the principal
• Additional duties may be assigned

The ideal candidate MUST have:

• A Massachusetts Teaching License in Special Education, Moderate Disabilities 8-12 required
• The SEI Endorsement
• The ability to meet the expectations of the Massachusetts Standards and Indicators of Effective Teaching Practice
• At least 1 year of relevant experience
• A growth-mindset; ability to build off of student strengths not deficiencies
• Be flexible, adaptable, and self-aware
• Be collaborative, hard working, and student-centered
• Current authorization to work in the United States

Preferred but not required:

• Experience working in an urban setting
• Experience working with English Language Learners
• Familiarity with competency-based education
• Co-teaching experience
• Dual license
• Fluent in Spanish

Compensation is offered according to the Salem Public School salary scale.

This is a union position within the AFT.

New Teacher Orientation for all first year teachers and all teaching staff new to the Salem Public Schools for the 2018/2019 School Year will be held on August 21st and 22nd, 2018. This is a required commitment of all new teaching staff. Professional Development for all teaching staff (new and returning) will begin on August 28, 2018. The full 2018/2019 School Year Calendar can be found on the Salem Public Schools' website.

Position Type: Full-time

Equal Opportunity Employer
Salem Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Contact Information
Liza Bento, Director of Human Capital
29 Highland Avenue
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Phone: 978-740-1115
Fax: 978-740-1279
Email: humancapital@salemk12.org