Middle School Learning Specialist (Special Education Teacher)

As a Middle School Learning Specialist, or Special Education Teacher, at Harlem Children’s Zone, your primary responsibilities will revolve around providing individualized instruction and support to students with special needs. You will develop and implement personalized learning plans in line with students' IEPs, facilitate collaboration between general and special education teachers, monitor student progress, and celebrate milestones. This role also includes creating engaging, differentiated lessons to inspire curiosity and making learning accessible for all students.

To qualify for the position of Middle School Special Education Teacher at Promise Academy, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree and possess a valid New York State Teaching Certification in Students with Disabilities for Grades 1-6, 5-9, 7-12, or for all grades. Additionally, having at least two years of teaching experience in an urban school setting is essential.

The typical work schedule for a Middle School Learning Specialist at Harlem Children’s Zone is Monday to Friday from 7:40 am to 4:00 pm during a 10-month school year. There are also optional summer opportunities available for additional pay, allowing teachers to earn extra income while continuing their professional development.

Harlem Children’s Zone offers a highly competitive benefits package for Special Education Teachers, which includes generous paid time off, comprehensive no-cost health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision. Additionally, there is a $6,000 sign-on bonus for certified teachers, up to $30,000 in student loan forgiveness, a 403(b) retirement plan, annual performance-based bonuses, and access to modern teaching tools like Smartboards and tablets.

At Harlem Children’s Zone, we understand the importance of ongoing professional development for our educators. Special Education Teachers are supported through biweekly professional development sessions, access to academic coaches, deans, guidance counselors, and social workers, all dedicated to promoting teacher success and enhancing student outcomes.

In response to this question, highlight your understanding of IEPs and how you tailor your teaching to meet the unique needs of each student. Talk about your collaboration with other educators and parents to ensure effective implementation and the importance of continuous assessment.

This question is aimed at understanding your problem-solving skills. Discuss a specific scenario, the strategies you used to overcome the challenge, and what you learned from the experience that would benefit you as a Middle School Learning Specialist.

Emphasize the importance of teamwork in developing an inclusive classroom environment. Share specific strategies such as co-teaching models, regular communication, and professional development sessions that promote understanding and collaboration.

Describe your methods for assessing student learning, such as formative assessments, anecdotal records, and formal evaluations. Highlight how you use data to inform instruction and adapt lesson plans based on student performance.

Discuss your use of differentiated instruction, hands-on activities, and collaborative projects to keep students engaged. Mention how you tailor lessons to accommodate various learning styles and interests to foster curiosity in all students.

Talk about the different ways to engage families, such as regular communication through newsletters, meetings, and parent conferences. Highlight the importance of building strong relationships to support student success.

Express your belief in the benefits of inclusion for both students with special needs and their peers. Discuss experiences where you've successfully implemented inclusive practices and how they enhance the learning environment.

Share your commitment to professional growth by mentioning resources like conferences, workshops, and current literature in the field of special education. Talk about how you integrate new techniques into your teaching.

Discuss a proactive approach to managing behavior, including setting clear expectations, positive reinforcement strategies, and intervention techniques. Detail how you tailor your methods for individual students based on behavioral needs.

Convey your passion for education, commitment to social equity, and alignment with the mission of Harlem Children’s Zone. Share relevant experiences that demonstrate your skills and enthusiasm for supporting students with special needs.