Secondary Teacher

The Austen Academy is a Special Free  school which will offer full time education and therapeutic support to 125 children aged 4 to 16 years old. The children at The Austen Academy all have a diagnosis of Autism and are  generally working at Age related expectations.  Pupils will be referred to the school by the local authority as part of their duties to arrange SEN provision. 

Job Description

We are looking for a teachers to work in our provision teaching students who have a diagnosis of Autism and SCN, in small groups. The work is intensive requiring flexibility, sensitivity, patience and resilience. An ability to work with and engage all students with creativity and passion towards learning is essential.

We are particularly interested in those teachers with experience in a mainstream secondary or primary school  who would like to learn more about working with young people with Autism /SCN.

Subject areas of particular interest are English, Maths with ability to teach to GCSE

You will be part of a small but effective team where communication and professionalism is paramount. The work, whilst challenging, is extremely rewarding. Primarily you will be required to teach, produce schemes of work and lesson plans. Building rapport with students/families/carers is key to this role and you will need to liaise with a variety of agencies to problem-solve student issues and barriers to learning.

• Salary: MPR / UPR dependent upon experience + SEN Allowance
• Contract: Full time - permanent
• Contract start date: September 2022 subject to clearances

As a Teacher in our school, your main accountabilities will include:

Teaching and learning:

• Creating an inspirational learning environment with high expectations of learner achievement. Respecting individual differences in culture and background and reflecting this in the environment of the classroom
• Overseeing and co-ordinating the development of your subject(s) area
• Planning, producing and updating schemes of work to meet curriculum, inspection, and accreditation requirements
• Preparing and delivering lessons/learning activities to individuals and groups of learners as required by the curriculum/timetable 
• Developing learning resources and learning routes that meet learner needs and the Catch22/commissioner requirements
• Preparing lessons for off-site students for support staff to deliver
• Implementing and maintaining systems for monitoring and evaluating learning activities to ensure they are effective and worthwhile and best practice is maintained.
• Identifying clear teaching objectives, learning outcomes and Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
• Supporting and guiding learners so that they can reflect on their learning, identify the progress they have made and set positive targets for improvement
• Maintaining a regular system of monitoring, assessment, record-keeping and reporting of student’s progress using targets, tracking and other school systems.
• Maintaining good order and discipline among the students, safeguarding their wellbeing
• Building effective and supporting relationships with students and families/carers. Liaising with outside agencies as appropriate
• Working as part of a team to ensure effective pastoral support for learners
• Ensuring the effective use of support staff within the classroom.

Other duties:

• Acting as a role model; champion Catch22 and the Education directorate’s vision and values. 
• Comply with Catch22 policies and procedures including safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.
• Undertake personal and professional development activities and liaise with other staff so knowledge and best practice can be shared.

Please click here  to view the full Job Description.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status
• Other relevant Degree Level Qualifications

Experience

• Experience of working with young people with autism or a desire to do so and  learn more
• Good  behaviour management experience with students who have complex needs and challenging behaviour.
• Relevant classroom teaching experience.
• Experience of delivery of curriculum to a range of pupils

Knowledge

• A clear understanding of the National Curriculum and its application.
• A robust knowledge of behavioural techniques and theories and their application.
• Knowledge of the statutory requirements of equal opportunities, discrimination, health and safety, safeguarding and child protection.
• A sound knowledge of planning and assessment techniques.
• A secure knowledge and understanding of subject(s)/curriculum area(s) and related pedagogy.
• An extensive knowledge and understanding of how to use and adapt to personalised learning to provide opportunities for all learners to achieve their potential.

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to learn how to work effectively with students with autism
• Ability to communicate effectively both in verbal and written form.
• Ability to effectively use a variety of teaching and organisational styles and resources, including ICT to deliver outstanding teaching and learning
• Ability to work as part of a team to deliver a holistic educational package.
• Ability to cope with emotionally demanding situations.
• Ability to manage your time effectively.
• Flexible creative and adaptable approach.
• Ability to build positive and professional relationships with students, colleagues, parents/carers and other stakeholders as appropriate.

Other

• A commitment to Catch22 MAT's vision and values
• An interest in working with young people with Autism
• A passion for achieving positive outcomes for young people and life long learning.
• A willingness to be involved in the wider life of the school.
• A personal commitment to professional development.
• Able to work flexibly to meet the needs of the school including some evening and weekend work.

Working Conditions include: 

• Working with children 5 – 16 years old
• Children with special needs and/or who demonstrate challenging behaviours
• Verbal abuse and/or aggression
• Physical Behaviour Management Techniques
• Lone Working

Unless otherwise stated, interviews will be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, so early application is strongly advised.

At Catch22 we value equality, diversity and inclusion. We are wholeheartedly committed to the principle of equality of opportunity, both as an employer and as a provider of services. Diversity and Inclusion is part of what we do every day, working to deliver our vision to build a strong society where everyone has good people around them, a purpose, and a good place to live.