Do you want to work with a team of dedicated and passionate educators and support staff? Do you want to make a difference every day? If you answered ‘yes’ to those questions then Northstar may be a great opportunity for you. 

Northstar is a private school that promotes educational excellence and career opportunities for students with disabilities who have academic, physical, or social challenges. Northstar has been serving young people with a wide variety of learning differences since 1996 - students in grades K-12 at the Academy and providing vocational training for young adults ages 16-24 through the Northstar Career Center.

Northstar has 2 openings for full-time 10 month History teachers. The Upper School History Teacher position requires a college degree in history or a related major. The Teacher is the core of the school providing enticing individualized lessons, collecting data, participating in meaningful IEP/IAP meetings, and providing information to develop IEP’s/IAP’s.  They plan, deliver and evaluate instruction based on the curriculum and individual needs of the student.

Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. NOTE:  Staff and data collection meetings are required and may extend beyond 3:30 p.m.  Select after hours school-wide activities are required and noted on the school calendar.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identifies the students’ needs, and develops and delivers daily lesson plans that provide engaging learning opportunities for small groups and individual students. Develop 5 stand-alone emergency sub plans; replacing as needed. 
• Communicate regularly, effectively, and respectfully with constituent groups including fellow Teachers, IEP/IAP Liaisons, School Counselor, families and the broader community such as service providers in a professional manner.
• Maintain confidentiality and keep appropriate documentation of family contacts.
• Collaborates with faculty and administrative staff to ensure each student’s needs are met and plans are followed. 
• Provide meaningful information to assist with developing IEP/IAPs and for developing annual and short-term goals.  Keep data documentation as required by student IEP/IAP and provide it at data collection meetings. 
• Complete grades and comments for interim reports and report cards adhering to the required timeline. 
• Teach a daily Advisory class and deliver lessons on social skills. 

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively engage with all constituent groups, including staff, students, families, and community stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to maintain a calm and patient demeanor with all students.
• Thorough understanding of various special education best practices and regulations as well as Section 504.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrates a commitment to professional growth by actively seeking out opportunities for continuing education and staying current with best practices, research, and trends in special education.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to maintain professionalism in high-stress situations.
• Proficient with Google Suite, school management software (gradebook), or related software. Knowledge of how to integrate assistive technology such as text to speech / speech to text a plus.

Requirements: 

•  Requires general knowledge of the academic curriculum for assigned classes.   
•  Demonstrated ability in decision making, problem analysis, conflict resolution,   interpersonal relationships, and planning. 
• College Degree in Education preferably Special Education and/or content area (required  for High School).
• Must hold a valid Virginia Teaching License. 

Experience: 

• Prefer at least 1-year teaching experience with students with disabilities. 
• Successful student teaching experience accepted in place of prior teaching experience. 

About Northstar Academy

Northstar Academy is a unique and highly successful private, non-profit school serving children ages 5-21. We promote educational excellence and career opportunities for students with disabilities who have academic, physical and social challenges.

Connections working at Northstar Academy