Student Support Program Director – The Mount Academy

Job Description

Unique Benefits of Working at Mount Academy:

• Culture: We believe that student culture is primarily a reflection of the culture of the adults on campus. Therefore, we take seriously the responsibility to serve as witnesses of the Christian gospel, modeling faith, hope, and charity in all that we do as faculty and colleagues. John 13:35 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 are our standards for every interaction we have, whether public or private. We believe that health and vitality in our collegial work will lead to health and vitality among our students.
• Curriculum: We are committed to a serious liberal arts curriculum that is rooted in the western tradition and focuses on proficiency in math, science, literature and history fundamentals. An ideal Mount Academy student is serious about academics and willing to engage in extracurricular activities, which include a competitive athletics program, music and the arts, vocational training, and a focus on service and environmental stewardship.
• Benefits: We offer a benefits package, which includes health insurance and a 401K retirement plan.

The Position

The Student Support Program Director position at Mount Academy is a combined leadership and teaching role embedded in a nonpublic high school setting. The program director is responsible for developing and implementing the processes to identify students whose abilities differ from their peers such that they need unique support and accommodation, designing developmentally appropriate accommodations and modifications for individual student needs, and directing, monitoring, and mentoring teachers in implementing these in the classroom. The position will also deliver individual or small group support services as needed. The ideal candidate will effectively network between students, teachers, parents, and principal to develop, document, and coordinate a student support plan enabling students to work to their full potential in the least restrictive environment.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Evidence of a deep commitment to support the religious mission and ministry of Mount Academy and demonstrate behavior consistent with Foundations of our Faith and Calling: The Bruderhof.
• Enthusiasm for teaching and working with young people.
• Master’s degree in special education or closely related degree (e.g. school psychology) from an accredited college or university.
• 3 years minimum experience in school setting.
• Knowledge and experience of a wide variety of student disabilities and exceptionalities, their impact on student learning and growth, and the array of tools and strategies to address these impacts.
• Proficiency in sound professional teaching methodologies and classroom management techniques.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including proficiency in communicating, both written and verbally, with faculty, staff, students, and parents.
• Competence as a positive role model for empathy, fairness, justice, integrity, and commitment.

Strongly Preferred:

• Experience interpreting Qualification Level B diagnostic assessments.
• Leadership experience in special education or student support in a school setting.

Responsibilities

• Teach and model Christian values consistent with those articulated in Foundations of our Faith and Calling: The Bruderhof, including its teachings regarding faith, family, sexuality, holistic education and service to others.
• Found and develop the student support program at Mount Academy, establishing the minimum processes and procedures for identification of students needing support and the development and implementation of support plans to be consistent with the values and vision of Mount Academy.
• Identify students needing special support and develop an integrated plan for the education of each of these students by collaborating with classroom teachers, parents, and school staff.
• Develop individualized learning plans (similar to IEPs) for each student, setting learning goals, outlining supports, services, and teaching strategies, and adopting modifications as necessary; ensure each student’s activities and lessons are planned and organized according to his/her abilities.
• Develop and teach lessons that provide engaging learning opportunities for small groups and individual students while meeting required specifications of individualized learning plans.
• Provide frequent and effective feedback to parents concerning students’ attainment of learning goals throughout the school year.
• Coordinate a variety of assessments and observations to determine the areas in which a student may need extra or modified educational services. Assessment areas may include academic performance, behavior, and social development.
• Design and conduct or coordinate faculty trainings regarding systems, processes, and best practices for student support.
• Collaborate with and supportively guide classroom and homeroom teachers to ensure each student’s needs are met and plans are followed.
• Contribute to the academic health of the school by providing data, analysis, insights and advice to the academic leadership team.
• Contribute to the growth of the school as a community of learners by participating in ongoing staff development and pursuing continued professional and personal growth.
• Maintain knowledge of special education teaching methods, research, and best practices through professional development and study.
• Maintain discipline in the classroom and promote a safe learning environment by using appropriate behavior management and decision-making skills.
• Attend and assist with after school activities and clubs and support the school community.
• Uphold standards of dress, disposition, and care for students and families per the vision, mission, and values of Mount Academy.
• Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to: substituting for other teachers as needed and undertaking a variety of non-teaching duties, including lunchroom, hall, and study hall monitoring or library supervision duties.

Base Annual Salary: $80,000

Relocation assistance available.

Inquiries should be directed to Grace Liffrig: gliffrig@arcadiaed.com.