Start date: August 2025

About the Lower School Special Education Position:

Academics West is searching for Special Education Teachers for our Lower School. Teachers will be responsible for direct instruction designed to address goals and objectives specified in the student's Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and/or follow the NYS Common Core guidelines. The ideal candidate is bright, energetic, and motivated to help children with learning and emotional challenges.

The teacher’s primary function is to educate our students using the most up-to-date pedagogy. Teachers will collaborate with the educational clinicians to develop and execute the appropriate classroom management plans. We encourage all Teachers to go beyond the classroom and model the Academics West mission. Staff will be coached in the foundational knowledge of our CIA model and how to implement it within the confines of our classrooms. Teachers will directly report to the Associate Director of Education.

About Us:
Located in the heart of Lincoln Center-NYC, Academics West is a high-support college preparatory program that services up to 88 students from kindergarten through 12th grade who exhibit social-emotional challenges and/or learning differences. Our small student-to-teacher ratio (typically 5:1:1 but can be slightly higher) allows us to work more intensively with students, achieving positive outcomes. Clinically Informed Academics (CIA) is an approach infused throughout the curriculum that considers the whole student to formulate effective individualized learning strategies. This approach combines clinical knowledge with academic interventions to help students improve beyond what traditional methods can achieve.

Responsibilities:

  *   Prepare and implement lesson plans that scaffold the needs of your students.
  *   Model and implement consistent classroom management techniques for all students.
  *   Collaborate with the educational clinicians to ensure consistent expectations.
  *   Review and assess student data to drive instruction in the classroom.
  *   Crisis Prevention Institute (“CPI”) strategies to de-escalate students.
  *   Welcome potential new students and engage them as they complete trial days. 
  *   Author bi-weekly progress reports for each student in their core academic subjects.
  *   Inform student instruction, review and become familiar with each student’s learning profile.
  *   Attend IEP meetings as needed, and submit supporting documentation as requested.
  *   Attend all required student and staff meetings throughout the school year.
  *   Attend all Professional Development Days.
  *   Assess student progress throughout the academic year.
  *   Oversee the assigned Teaching Assistant in your classroom.

Qualifications:

  *   Bachelor's degree or Master’s Degree in Special Education
  *   1-3+ years of experience teaching students with special education needs
  *   New York State (or other US state) Certification in Special Education
  *   Prior behavior management training preferred (CPI, or other methods)
  *   Prior experience working with students who exhibit emotional challenges preferred