Quad Preparatory School

Lower School Special Education Head Teacher (2021-22 Anticipated Openings)

Updated: July 19, 2021


Classification: Exempt

Reports to: Assistant Head of School 


The Quad Preparatory School is an alternative, non-profit, K-12 college preparatory school dedicated to the education of twice-exceptional students, bright and creative children who learn differently. Quad Prep is a young, fast-growing school founded in 2013 that is a vibrant professional and collegial learning community for employees.


The Quad Preparatory School transforms the lives of twice-exceptional people – those who are gifted and learn differently – by redefining the experience of school. Our personalized model fully integrates social and emotional learning with challenging academics, empowering our students to rise to the level of their extraordinary talents. Through our innovative programs we are leading a larger movement in service of both twice-exceptional people and society at large.


Our teachers, clinicians, and staff joined together to craft our statement of values, which we are proud to share:


  • Quad Prep is a kind and joyful learning community where everyone is celebrated for who they are.


  • We ignite students’ strengths and passions and allow for safe academic pursuit at the highest levels by learning from mistakes.


  • We are trustworthy and steadfast, and our high academic expectations challenge students to grow uniquely as people and in the way they learn.


  • We widen our students’ perspectives, giving them the tools to know themselves and find success in the future of their choosing. 


  • We never give up on each other and are driven by the ethos of “not if, but how.”

 

As Quad Prep is rooted in the community of New York City, we commit, as a matter of justice and equity, that we shall work toward enrolling a student body and employing a staff that fully reflects the makeup of our community.

 

As education at Quad Prep is rooted in the idea that our neurodiverse students are to be proudly celebrated for their unique talents and potential, we commit that the whole self of every individual student, parent, and staff member shall be welcomed, valued, included, and treated always with the deepest respect and empathy.

 

And, as at Quad Prep our community is a single fabric supporting the development of all, we commit that every student shall benefit from the richness of the backgrounds and experiences that make up that fabric, so that they leave Quad fully prepared to engage with the exciting and wonderful diversity of this world.


The Quad Preparatory School is looking for special education head teachers (grades 4-6) in the 2021-22 school year. Teachers will provide academic instruction and social-emotional support to students in collaboration with our clinicians. We are currently looking for teachers who are comfortable teaching mathematics, and science to grades 4-6. Candidates who have experience working with students who require behavioral support and a structured environment are highly encouraged to apply.


Teachers have the opportunity to receive mentorship, coaching, and support from the clinicians as well as academic administrators. A benefit of this position is the amount of professional development one will obtain in working with twice-exceptional youth and in being mentored by veteran special education teachers, academic administrators, and clinicians. 


Expectations:

  • Plan and implement high-quality, engaging lessons that are differentiated to meet the learning needs of the students. 

  • Develop individualized educational plans for each student and maintain a constant structure and routine throughout the school day.

  • Collaborate with the clinical team to develop and implement behavioral plans for each student. 

  • Regularly assess the students and the curriculum, adapting content and instruction as appropriate; communicating assessment results to parents.

  • Subscribe to and implement the school’s philosophy of progressive and personalized education for twice-exceptional children. 

  • Collaborate with the psychosocial teacher in planning and implementing an integrated program for executive functioning within the academic curriculum. 

  • Map and evaluate curriculum.

  • Create and maintain an orderly and aesthetic learning environment that accounts for students’ social, emotional, and executive functioning needs. 

  • Maintain accurate records and carefully managed portfolios of student work to illustrate and record progress and achievement. 

  • Empower students to take charge of their learning by providing all necessary scaffolding, modeling, materials, and resources, and consistently maintain a high level of expectation for student success. 

  • Collaborate with other academic staff and psychosocial staff members to plan, integrate, and facilitate cross-curricular, inquiry-based projects. 

  • Communicate with parents and guardians to provide feedback on pupils’ academic and social-emotional progress through parent-teacher conferences, written reports, phone calls, and emails. 

  • Mentor and delegate appropriate tasks to the associate teacher, in collaboration with the other head teacher in the room. 

  • Follow the professional code and policies of the school and conduct oneself in a way that promotes the mission of the school. 

  • Utilize Google Suite, in particular Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets. 

  • Attend all faculty and staff meetings and required special events (e.g., open houses, Curriculum Night, Carnivale). 

  • Perform other duties as assigned. 


Competencies:

  • Passion for working with children
  • Desire and ability to work with students with special needs
  • Ability to connect with children 
  • Knowledge of various clinical interventions and use of a collaborative approach to meet the unique needs of each child
  • Effective oral and written communication skills
  • A solid understanding of late elementary children's academic, social, and emotional development
  • Attention to detail
  • Maintaining confidentiality and privacy
  • Ethical conduct
  • Time management and the ability to multitask
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Patience and flexibility

  • Work Environment: 

    This job operates in a school setting. The school is located on the fifth floor of a building with one elevator. This role requires working in various locations around the school and accompanying students to a local park for outdoor time.


    Physical Demands: 

    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and stooping all day. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items under 20 pounds. During fire drills, the employee, unless physically unable, will need to use the stairs to go to ground level from the fourth floor. Typing is required for composing emails and writing reports. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


    Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: 

    This is a full-time exempt position in an educational facility which is open eight hours a day. Teachers work ten months out of the year according to the academic calendar (late August to late June). Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required. In general, though, hours are Monday-Friday, 8 A.M.-4 P.M.


    Compensation and Benefits: 

    Compensation is dependent upon experience and degree obtained. 


    At Quad Prep you’ll have access to a full range of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; pre-tax transit and dependent care accounts; a 401K match and student loan repayment contributions (after one year of employment); and a range of professional development opportunities, including our First Year Support Program for all new facility and staff; our Leadership Development Institute for those wishing to gain supervisory experience; and a full tuition waiver for candidates wishing to participate in our annual Certificate Program in Meeting the Needs of Twice-Exceptional Students.

     

    You’ll engage with your colleagues in our ongoing staff wellness groups, relax at our game nights and happy hours, and collaborate in meaningful work as a valued member of our voluntary groups, including our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce; our Staff Ambassador Program; and our Peer Mentorship Program.


    Required Education and Experience:

    • Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, special education, or a related field.

    • Minimum one year paid experience teaching children in grades 2-5 as a full-time head teacher.


    Preferred Education and Experience: 

    • At least three years experience as a full-time Special Education head teacher.

    • Master’s degree in Special Education, or a related field.

    • Special education training, including training in the areas of gifted education, twice-exceptional youth and behavioral management

    • Special education teaching credential.

    • Experience teaching twice-exceptional youth.

    • CPI training


    AAP/EEO Statement: The Quad Preparatory School is based on an inclusive philosophy that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital status, creed, sexual orientation, familial status, citizenship, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law in its hiring procedures and policies.



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