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 the 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 an opening for a full-time Specialized Reading Teacher.  In this role you will develop differentiated daily lesson plans, assess and determine appropriate programs for each student.  You will use your experience and proficiency in recognized reading strategies to lead and collaborate best reading practices with colleagues. Northstar teachers are 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.

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 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.
• Participate in parent conferences of students.
• Follow class times designated by the master schedule.
• All teachers are responsible for providing supervision of students during lunch; and work arrival and dismissal a minimum of once per week.
• Each teacher will attend select school-wide extra-curricular activities.  (e.g. Homecoming, Baccalaureate, Graduation, Prom, Winter Show)
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School or Assistant Head of School.

 Required Skills/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.

Qualifications:

Requires general knowledge of the academic curriculum for assigned classes.    Demonstrated ability in decision making, problem analysis, conflict resolution, interpersonal relationships, and planning.

Requirements:

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.

 Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods standing and walking throughout school and classroom.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to assist students who have physical difficulties.
• Must be able to kneel, sit, stand, crawl, push, and pull to assist and teach children throughout the day.
• Prolonged periods sitting and working on a computer to complete necessary paperwork.

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