K-8: Substantially Separate Lead Teacher - Boston, MA (2025-2026)

The Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teacher sub-separate classroom (specialized program) will be responsible for instructing a small group of students in some or all core content areas (Math, Reading, Humanities and Science) along with other classroom support including aides and/or other teachers, as appropriate.  The Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teacher will also be responsible for working collaboratively with classroom teachers to support students' during inclusion opportunities. Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teachers ensure that all of our students are growing and achieving by providing students with a variety of supports in the areas of social/emotional skills and academic skills.  Additionally, Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teachers are case managers for a group of Special Education students, which includes writing and managing IEP paperwork and meetings, communicating with families about student progress, advocating for students as needed, and assisting teachers in creating and managing accommodations and modifications for particular students.This multifaceted role is ideal for flexible and creative teachers who are passionate about serving our highest-need students and are excited by the challenge of determining the root cause of challenging behaviors and using positive supports to help students build social/emotional skills and independence. Prior experience in working with students with moderate to severe disabilities and/or who present with challenging behavior and/or social/emotional needs is preferred. Prior experience with Special Education laws and paperwork is a bonus, but is not required for the role; Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teachers receive training and assistance from our regional Special Education team. Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teachers are empowered to use their expertise to do whatever it takes to help our students succeed.  KEY RESPONSIBILITIESClassroom ResponsibilitiesBe the lead teacher for 1 to 4 content areas and/or instruction based on IEP goals (included but not limited to: content, functional skills, etc. depending on the cohort of students) for a small group of students. In doing so, the Special Education Sub-Separate Lead Teacher will:Create and internalize daily aligned lesson plans, unit plans, rubrics and assessmentsModify standards across 1-4 content areas to meet the needs of students in the programEnsure modified grading scale is implemented as needed per IEPsSet specific, ambitious goals with all students and identify and leverage all necessary resources to ensure they meet themUse best practices for special education to execute engaging instruction at a level rigorous and accessible for all studentsInfuse core values into daily lessons and every school practiceComplete Functional Behavior Assessments (with BCBA guidance), as neededProvide healing-centered instruction and create a healing-centered environment as part of the classroom cultureCollaborate with psychologist to develop and run trauma-informed, social-emotional, and life skills groupEnsure that all children feel affirmed, valued, and challenged every dayExecute of MCAS Alt portfolios (for applicable students)School and Professional ResponsibilitiesObtain required MTEL and SEI endorsements with financial support from KIPP MA within the first year of employment  (please review this doc to see requirements). Preferred: Obtain special education licensure as soon as qualified to do so.When needed, provide secondary support in content areas where not leading the classroom or contentDesign, execute, and refine the vision for student culture alongside school leadersOngoing progress monitoring of student progress towards academic and social-emotional functioningLead the 504 and IEP process for all students in the classroomWork collaboratively with counselors and other members of the team to create and implement Behavior Support PlansParticipate in school-wide and individual professional development, including pre-service training over the summer and weekly during the academic yearTake ownership for the development of your craft and seek feedback from your coach (meet 1x/1-2 weeks with coach, implement feedback, engage in co-planning and active practices, participate in live coaching, etc.)Perform necessary support duties including (but not limited to) coverage, bus, lunch, and dismissal dutiesDevelop strong relationships with families through participating in school events and consistent phone calls homeBe willing to offer support and receive constructive feedback from colleagues in order to create a professional working atmosphere that is conducive to accountability, change, and improvementCollaborate with grade level and content teams to tackle common challenges and implement grade-wide systems, sharing responsibility for all studentsCollaborate with related service providers and general education teachers Dependable attendance according to our school calendarGeneral Requirements and ResponsibilitiesEmbody KIPP MA’s Code of Conduct by acting with integrity, leading with humanity, centering self-awareness and critical consciousness, taking personal responsibility, and engaging productivelyParticipate and engage in regional professional development and community events as requiredDemonstrated ability to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and make reasonable judgments and decisions in a timely manner in accordance with the needs of the schoolSelf-awareness, flexibility and emotional intelligence to navigate a setting with students who express diverse needsThe consistent use of interpersonal and self-management skills to effectively support behavioral and emotional needs of students to ensure a safe and inclusive environment, as well as build relationships and manage conflict with students, staff, and caregiversEffective communication skills to perform assigned duties and to meaningfully exchange information with students, staff, families and others in person, through written communication, in front of groups, and on virtual platformsPhysical mobility to move self in various positions in order to execute duties effectively, which may include kneeling, walking, pushing/pulling, squatting, twisting, turning, bending, stooping and reaching overheadPhysical strength sufficient to periodically lift and/or carry 20 pounds of materials or supplies and to physically restrain a student to keep from harming themself and/or others in an emergency situationManual dexterity sufficient to perform repetitive hand/wrist/arm motions and to operate a computer and office equipmentKIPP MA teachers are supported in their demanding work by experienced and dedicated leadership and staff who have themselves proven successful in the teaching role. Our leaders maintain consistent school-wide systems and procedures - academic, behavioral, cultural, logistical - designed to permit teachers to do their best work. In addition to the responsibilities listed above, there will occasionally be other duties as assigned that teachers will engage in to help promote a positive and calm learning environment and culture.