Learning Specialist SpEd Teacher SY 2025-2026

About Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School

Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter Schools mission is to offer a quality Montessori education infused with culturally inclusive principles to guide children to develop to their fullest potential.

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Position Summary:

Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS (SSMA) is seeking a Learning Specialist /Special Education Teacher for students in grades PK 3 6. The role of the Special Education Teacher/ Learning Specialist at SSMA is to support students with different learning styles by providing individualized evidence based developmentally appropriate Common Core State Standards aligned and relationshipbased intervention and remediation; coplan with and support teachers in their efforts to advance students with different learning needs within the classroom; collaborate with parents students and outside professionals in order to better support students with exceptional and special needs.

The Learning Specialist /Special Education Teachers broad area of responsibility is to ensure that each student will learn and flourish academically socially and emotionally in a nurturing and responsive Montessori learning environment. Each student guided by the Learning Specialist is expected to achieve at a high academic and personal level according to his/her potential. The

The Learning Specialist/Special Education Teacher is a member of the schools Special Programs instructional staff and Academic Unit. Please note : The position may require supporting students both in/person and virtually.

The Learning Specialist /SPED teacher is a 10month position. Typical working hours are MondayFriday 8:00am4:30pm .

Essential Functions & Accountabilities:

• Develops solid knowledge of the Montessori Learning Standards Curriculum Maps Scope and Sequence and all other gradelevel curriculum in each content area taught including the essential information concepts and skills so as to better support students and assist classroom teachers.
• Prepares and submits to the Director of Special Programs and Principal weekly lesson plans.
• Uses Special Programs Data System to create documents and complete all casemanagement tasks in compliance with IDEA and OSSE laws and regulations.
• Coplans and differentiates instruction as needed (in content process product and environment).
• In cooperation with classroom Guides/Teachers and Director of Special Programs creates an individualized educational plan (IEP) for each student requiring special needs support.
• Implements each students IEP in the inclusion special needs setting and in support of and in cooperation with the classroom Guide/Teacher(s).
• Assists teachers in classrooms to help adjust modify and enrich curricular approaches and improve pedagogy.
• Collect data to monitor and document student progress.
• Works in conjunction with SSMA Director of Special Programs and to recommend tutors psychoeducational evaluators etc.
• Implements the schools strategic plan for ongoing prevention intervention and remediation in our PreK36th grade program.
• Seeks out new and innovative curricula texts and technological applications for implementation in our classrooms
• Assists with the testing of incoming students and current students with IEPs and 504 plans
• Meets with the appropriate teacher(s) and the Director of Special Programs to ensure the easy and comfortable assimilation of all new students.

• Remains current with accepted and appropriate instructional theory practice and research. Including engaging in regular and strategic professional development to advance the role of the Special Education Teacher Learning Specialist (including local and national seminars and conferences).
• Provides skillful classroom management practices (routines and procedures) to ensure a safe orderly positive enjoyable and productive learning environment.
• Uses formative and summative assessment and documents student progress and achievement; assesses and analyzes student strengths and needs; designs and implements appropriate instruction to facilitate learning and growth.
• Establishes and maintains frequent communication with parents about their childs academic social and emotional progress and needs. This includes Report Cards phone calls Class Newsletters RenWeb email blasts etc. Makes recommendations for home interventions
• Attends meetings and collaborates with the Director of Special Programs to ensure compliance for all assigned students receiving Specialized Instruction.
• Gives input to teachers regarding student Progress and Report Cards as deemed appropriate and necessary.
• Attends and participates in weekly faculty meetings committee meetings school functions and professional development activities during and after school hours as needed appropriate and assigned.
• Uphold the philosophy principles policies and procedures of Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS.
• Represents Shining Stars Montessori Academy positively in the school community and the wider community.
• Adheres to strict student confidentiality.
• Performs other tasks as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Principal and Director of Education.

Required Competencies & Qualifications:

• Maintainconfidentiality
• Excellent listening and communication skills
• Work collaboratively
• Use special programs platforms with proficiency and/or attend OSSE trainings
• Model Montessori grace and courtesy curriculum
• A passion for teaching and working in and with diverse communities
• A passion for growing independent confident and intellectually curious children
• Ability to provide services to all children and families with respect and dignity
• Flexibility
• A love of children self and a sense of humor

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree is required; a masters or evidence of advanced training is highly preferred
• MUST hold a valid teachers license/certification in special education or be eligible to qualify for one in the District of Columbia
• Passing score in PRAXIS preferred
• Masters degree in special education with course work specialization in reading (K6 and/or working with children with autism and moderate to severe emotional and or behavioral disabilities highly preferred. Appropriate license or license eligible in the District of Columbia
• Knowledge of relevant adaptive and assistive technology
• Ability to administer formal and informal screening and assessment programs (ASQ Brigance Wilson WoodcockJohnson OrthoGilliam others)
• 24 years of experience in a public public charter and/or Montessori school in a special education teaching position preferred.

Benefits:

• Paid personal time off sick leave short/long term disability life insurance family leave bereavement leave all federal holidays and religious holiday leave.
• Comprehensive health dental and vision insurance.
• Free after school for child enrolled at SSMA
• Retirement plan options
• Up to $10000 funding for Montessori teacher training advanced degrees and conference participation

Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race color religion (creed) gender gender expression age national origin (ancestry) disability marital status sexual orientation or military status in any of its activities or operations. These activities include but are not limited to hiring and firing of staff selection of volunteers and vendors and provision of services.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority