Job Title: Special Education Teacher, 0.7 FTE / Permanent Sub, 0.30 FTE
Reports to: Division Head
Terms and Conditions: Part-time 0.7 FTE
Salary: Per Faculty Senate collective bargaining agreement
FLSA Status: Exempt
Please, no phone calls. Applications and all supplemental materials are only accepted through the District’s online application system. Any application materials provided outside this system will not be acknowledged. The respective hiring manager will review candidates once the job posting closes. If selected to move forward, you will be contacted by phone or email. After reviewing the job posting, if you have any questions, please send an email to hr@oprfhs.org.
OPRF – WHO WE ARE…
Oak Park and River Forest High School, or
OPRF, is a comprehensive public high school located in Oak Park, Ill., a suburb eight miles due west of downtown Chicago. We are a one-school district, with the majority of our students coming from two sender districts, River Forest Public Schools District 90 and Oak Park Elementary School District 97. We offer more than 200 courses, a variety of programs for students with special needs, 75 clubs and activities, and 29 competitive sports. We prepare our students well for post-secondary success, with an average ACT composite score of 24 and a 94% graduation rate.
Oak Park and River Forest are communities that highly value diversity. OPRF is a founding member of the national Minority Student Achievement Network, and our school is racially and economically diverse, with about 44% of our 3,300 students identifying as African-American, Hispanic, multiracial, or Asian. Our villages have long embraced the LGBTQ community, and we have a significant mix of homeowners and renters.
We seek faculty and staff who have high expectations for
all students, and who value student voice in education. As a school, we are particularly focused on closing opportunity gaps for our students of color.
OPRF is an equal opportunity employer that provides
equal employment opportunities to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
OPRF’s goal is to increase its representation of people of color.
Background:
Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 is a progressive district that is focused not only on our tradition of excellence but our future. The District prides itself in offering our students a comprehensive 9-12 college and career readiness curriculum and a rich arts education program. Our students are curious, creative, and they come ready to learn. More than 90 percent of our students go on to college.
Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 believes that we can “become an ever-improving model of equity and excellence that will enable all students to achieve their full potential.” We can accomplish this through dedicated teachers, staff, and administration who build relationships with students and have high expectations for themselves and their students. We believe in planning for and providing the academic and developmental support students need to meet those expectations. We further believe that every student can learn through exposure to academically challenging content, feedback during learning, and the educator’s knowledge and skill.
Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 is a great place for those who are interested in an environment that supports creativity, leadership at all levels, innovation, a focus on professional and curriculum development, and the best practices of instruction. We are currently seeking individuals to join our team where we enable all students to achieve their full potential every day.
Position Purpose
• Under the general supervision of the Director of Special Ed, to maximize the learning experience of students with special needs, in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
Essential Functions
• Instruct in a variety of settings to failitate student success and support students in meeting IEP goals.
- Conducts assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning issues, and recommending courses of action or corrective procedures to overcome issues and maximize learning.
• Participates in PPT's and assists in developing Individual Educational Plans ("IEP") for students.
• Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEP's and behavior management plans.
• Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed.
• Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with social work services.
• Serves as ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Assists in the orientation of new teachers, and provides in-service training in guidance.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
Additional Duties
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment
• Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.
Travel Requirements
• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
Skills, Knowledge, Abilities
• Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
• Works in standard office and school building environments.
Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.
Qualifications Profile
Certification/License:
• State Certification as a Special Education Teacher.
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
Education:
• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Masters Degree in Special Education.
Experience:
• Successful prior special education teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.
FLSA Status: Exempt