Special Education Needs Teacher

Special Education Needs Teacher

A Special Education Needs Teacher at High Tech Academy is expected to ensure high quality education for all students in their care and to improve the quality of learning and standards of achievement. He/She will work closely with teachers to provide practical advice and support that enables them to deliver lessons that promote inclusion. The Special Education Needs Teacher will be responsible for working with groups of students with mild or moderate disabilities. He/She is responsible for helping develop an environment in which students are challenged, provided with a sense of purpose and an enthusiasm for learning. The Special Education Needs Teacher needs to be energetic and enthusiastic, have experience in working with students with learning needs, be sensitive to cultural differences, and be committed to equity and inclusion. He/She will build individual education plans tailored to students specific learning needs to help students make progress. The Special Education Needs Teacher should conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times to support and foster the aims of the PBL School.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Teaching and Learning 

• Develop and maintain a SEN work schedule for supporting students across the school based on priorities approved by the Dean of Students/Academic Vice Principal 
• Coach and mentor school professionals who work with children with disabilities, including teachers and psychologists, etc 
• Assist staff to supervise study groups when necessary 
• Lead professional development in best practices in learning support and differentiation 
• Guide teachers by providing a variety of instruction strategies that address student needs accordingly with the levels using our RTI system 
• Schedule appointments with teaching teams to advise on strategies and provide appropriate resources 
• Develop behavioural improvement plans (BIPS) for students identified through our Response to Intervention system. (RTI/MTSS) 
• Work with students on a one-to-one basis or in small or large groups, acting as a listener; facilitator for learning; encourager and motivator 
• Develop the system to identify gifted students and support the development of  resources and individual learning plans for these students 
• Help students who are underperforming in their subjects and look at why they are underperforming and what can be done to help their situation 
• Implement strategies and support students in self-esteem and confidence-building activities 
• Meet with parents who have children with learning needs to discuss progress and recommend strategies to support learners at home 
• Be part of the admissions process where required in order to ensure that students who need learning support are correctly placed 
• Collaborate with the senior leadership team, psychologists and teaching staff to ensure that students with learning difficulties receive the most appropriate support and resources 

Monitoring, Recording and Reporting 

• Liaise with teachers to identify students who would benefit from learning support  
• Administer appropriate diagnostic assessments to identify needs and to provide results of tests to teachers, parents, and school psychologists 
• Draw up agreed individual education plans (IEPs) for learners of concerns, review students action plans and up date when required 
• Provide support for teachers to modify test accommodations for students who need extra time, a laptop, scribe, etc 
• Monitor attendance and punctuality of students under supervision 
• Manage a caseload of referrals for which you are responsible for in terms of monitoring, recording and reporting 
• Attend Student Support Intervention meetings held by Dean of Students to support  staff  who teach students with learning the needs   
• Develop and maintain systems for keeping pupil records, ensuring information is accurate and up to date 
• Analyse school data and develop appropriate strategies and interventions 
• Provide regular updates on student progress through written reports and meetings with parents 
• Contribute to parents meeting days when parents request a meeting 
• Be familiar with the referral process for learning support, and the identification and assessment of learning difficulties  
• Refer students for further assessment to other appropriate professionals, e.g. educational psychologists and therapists outside of school

General Requirements 

• Support students to develop a growth mindset and take responsibility for their own learning 
• Contribute to staff development on the most appropriate strategies, approaches and resources for students with learning difficulties 
• Response to Intervention procedures and the School Inclusion Policy to reflect modifications. 
• Understand the importance of confidentiality and be aware of child protection and safety procedures 
• Be familiar with health and safety practices and positive behaviour management approaches 
• Participate in meetings at school, which relate to the curriculum for the school or the administration of the school 
• Present an annual order of budgeted resources and supplies for the following school year 
• Have high levels of communication and listening skills to relate to young people and fellow professionals in English as well as in Russian languages 
• Have a working knowledge of school policies and procedures 
• Keep up-to-date with current educational developments and practice for inclusion in schools

High Tech Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and those connected to the school to share this commitment.

PERSON SPECIFICATION: 

• Relevent Degree and a teaching qualification 
• Qualification in Inclusive Education, Special Needs Education or Learning Support 
• Experience of teaching learners with diverse learning needs 
• Good knowledge of current special education topics and methodologies 
• Able to work independently and use initiative as well as willing to work as part of a team 
• ICT literate with a willingness to develop skills as the use of technology changes 
• Capable of detailed record keeping  
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written 
• Able to communicate in both English and Russian languages 
• Have a patient, resourceful, and resilient personality 
• Strong organisational, problem solving and time management skills 
• Able to work effectively with students, parents, colleagues and outside agencies

Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening including reference checks with previous employers and provide criminal record checks or equivalent.

To apply please complete the TES online application form and for further details please contact the HR Manager at hr@hta.kz

Interviews will be held online.

The closing date for applications is:  28th February 2022 but the school reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date.