Special Education Teacher

ABOUT US:

Our mission is to prepare each student for college with an enhanced knowledge of the Ojibwe language, culture, leadership, and environmental stewardship.

The ultimate goal of the educational program at Endazhi-Nitaawiging is to create a school where our students can see themselves in all that they are learning. Endazhi-Nitaawiging will foster a learning environment for young people grounded in Anishinaabe culture that focuses not just on instruction in academics but also on social-emotional well-being. We are firm believers in the Indigenous genius that exists among our people.

The educational philosophy and school culture at Endazhi-Nitaawiging will be grounded in the Seven Values that inform the school’s Vision and Mission:

Manaaji’idiwin (respect)

Nibwaakaawin (wisdom)

Zoongide’ewin (courage)

Enigok izhichigewin (commitment)

Mashkawi’ayaawin (resilience)

Bagosendamowin (hope)

Niigaaniziwin (leadership)

We will teach our students to enjoy that natural curiosity about the world and to love learning about their place in the world. Our purpose as a school is to help all of our students learn their true inherent identities through a lens of Ojibwe language and culture and to build on a sense of who we are as a revitalized and thriving Red Lake community.

POSITION TITLE

Special Education Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY

At Endazhi-Nitaawiging, we understand ourselves to be obligated to support the unique genius of every individual student who enrolls in our school. We will engage each and every learner, meeting them where they come to us to take them as far as they can go. A Special Education Teacher at Endazhi-Nitaawiging is committed to academic and personal excellence for every student. He or she will understand what it means to be a lifelong learner and participate in ongoing professional development goal setting, learning and reflection in each school year. Endazhi-Nitaawiging will challenge every educator at the school to develop a thoroughly indigenized pedagogy, a way of teaching that reflects Ojibwe ways of knowing and that employs the Ojibwe language as the medium of instruction whenever possible. The Special Education Teacher will work as a team member and report to the Special Education Director and Head of School.

DUTIES AND RESPOSIBILITIES

• Provide research-based special education services identified on the Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) of students with disabilities
• Provide special education services in a variety of service delivery models such as pull[1]out, push-in, co-teaching, resource room, alternative instruction, level 3 specialized classrooms as assigned
• Comply with all state and federal special education rules and regulations
• Facilitate IEP meetings; schedule and hold IEP meetings within required timelines
• Collaborate with Special Education Lead and/or Special Education Director and IEP members to develop IEPs.
• Complete IEPs and progress notes in a timely manner
• Participate in the special education evaluation process, including complying with all state and federal special education rules and regulations, as assigned
• Be knowledgeable in the state standards, skills and content of their assigned curriculum areas of teaching
• Participate in school-provided training related to crisis intervention skills and techniques. Utilize approved verbal de-escalation skills and behavior management techniques during crisis intervention, including physical restraint in emergency situation as prescribed by school procedures, provided training, and Minnesota statutes.
• Prepare course objectives and outline for course of study following curriculum guidelines and state or national standards; implement and teach the core values established by our school as the focus of instruction and discussion when appropriate
• Use formative and summative assessment data to inform instruction
• Write, implement and evaluate his or her own professional development plans
• Teach rules of conduct; model the behavior expected of students; maintain order in classroom and on playground.
• Keep attendance and grade records as required by school. Utilize our Infinite Campus system and enter grades in a timely fashion
• Differentiate instruction to accommodate the needs of all students in the classroom
• Administer MAP, MCA and other assigned assessments as relevant to his or her area of teaching
• Analyze classroom data to inform his or her teaching and small group instruction
• Integrate technology into their teaching and professional activities
• Collaborate with teachers on curriculum, planning and student needs, attend house and staff meetings; attend and participate in professional development trainings
• Create and work toward ongoing communication with parents in a variety of forms
• Implement school policies and procedures
• Participate in and contribute to student planning and problem solving conferences
• Collaborate with other professionals/stakeholders working with the student; implement any planned and documented interventions
• Participate in and contributes to student 504 Plan meetings and IEP meetings. Collaborate with other professionals/stakeholders working with the student. Implement any accommodations and make any modifications for designated students as indicated in the students' Section 504 and Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Maintain familiarity with and be prepared to implement current school and building Emergency Procedures.
• Complete assigned student learning conferences
• Other duties may be assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND STRENGTHS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in education or an equivalent combination of education and experience permitting one to obtain appropriate licensure as a teacher by the Minnesota Department of Education.
• In-depth knowledge and experience working with the Minnesota Indian community including families/students, elders, and community organizations
• Demonstrated commitment to Native language revitalization and academic excellence for Indian children
• Respect for and uplifting of diverse cultural elements of language, tradition, citizenship status, customs, attitudes, migration stories, and humility as core values of the organizational culture.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, superb interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common journals, reports, and education related documents.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or concerns from students, caregivers, regulatory agencies, or members of the school community.
• Ability to write lesson plans and other materials that conform to commonly accepted style and format
• Ability to effectively present information to students, caregivers, management, and colleagues.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with staff, partners, volunteers, parents, and others.
• Knowledge and facility with various computer and educational software programs.
• Ability to travel in and out of state, obtains a valid MN driver’s license, and obtain current auto insurance.
• Must successfully pass pre-employment drug testing and State, Federal or International Background checks

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND STRENGTHS

• Valid Minnesota Teacher's License appropriate for the particular grades or subject matter assigned
• Knowledge of land-based learning and experiential learning
• Proficient in the Ojibwe Language
• Mediation and restorative justice skills
• Experience teaching Social Emotional Learning

Endazhi-Nitaawiging will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.