Organization Summary:
Russell Byers Charter School is a public elementary school located in Center City, Philadelphia, with over 710 students from 43 neighborhoods. We offer 4K (Kindergarten for 4-year-olds) through 8th Grade, a student/teacher ratio of 20:1, and an innovative hands-on academic program, expeditionary learning.

Russell Byers values academic excellence, civic responsibility and community service. Russell Byers Charter School is a learning community, built on the structures and principles of its educational model: Expeditionary Learning. In the Russell Byers community, students learn by doing. Academic goals are linked to adventure, service work, teamwork, and character development. Education becomes a partnership between student and teacher, as supported by enlightened school leadership and committed parents.

Russell Byers Charter School provides students roots, a safe, stimulating environment with a rigorous academic education grounded in expeditionary learning. Our students take responsibility for their learning to become powerful communicators, creative problem solvers and compassionate, engaged citizens. Russell Byers students develop wings to succeed in selective schools and embrace a love for learning.

Position Summary:
The Special Education Teacher role creates and administers a classroom program that is conducive to student learning and development. The Special Education Teacher uses a variety of classroom techniques for learning and implements interdisciplinary activities, educational technologies, and collaborative work with other teachers in grade bands. The ideal Special Education Teacher is flexible and committed to a continuous process for professional growth. The Special Education Teacher will report to the Principal.

Duties and Responsibilities:
 Drive student achievement and set high expectations for all students
 Assess the skill level of students and aligns classroom goals and activities to established state and local standards
 Implement rigorous and appropriate lesson plans, assignments, and assessments
 Provide instruction in respective subject area
 Teach inquiry techniques that encourage experimentation and alternative approaches to problem solving
 Create a classroom environment in which students have access to subject-related materials that address their needs and interests
 Work closely with school leaders to analyze student assessment data to measure progress and use data to inform instruction
 Collaborate in grade level teams to discuss student work and share best practices
 Engage families in their children’s education by building relationships and maintaining regular communication
 Demonstrate genuine interest, belief, and care for students’ personal and academic success
 Respond positively and effectively to challenges with a solutions-oriented resiliency
 Keep abreast of the latest developments and improvements in education as it affects the instructional program; attend faculty meetings to discuss school problems and teaching methods
 Maintain classroom discipline
 Maintain attendance, grade and other required records
 Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications:
 Commitment to Russell Byers mission and belief that all students can learn
 Knowledge of teaching methods, curriculum, and education programs
 Experience with using educational technologies
 The ability to communicate effectively with parents
 Demonstrated professionalism and responsibility, and a strong work ethic
 A positive, high-energy attitude, and a drive for personal excellence
 Flexible attitude, ability to work with urgency
 Strong problem solving and strategic thinking skills
 Willingness and desire to participate in unexpected projects
 The ability to establish cooperative working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and parents
 Strong organizational skills
 A comfort and excitement about working with children from diverse backgrounds
 A high level of interest in collaboration
 Commitment to professional growth
Education and Experience:
 Bachelor’s degree
 Classroom or site-based teaching experience in a specific content area
 Demonstrated expertise in subject area
 Experience teaching in an urban setting a plus
 PA Certification (K-12) and SPED Certification required

Physical Requirements:
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required
such as:
 Functioning in classroom space – walking, sitting, standing, reaching
 Must be able to sit for up to two hours looking at a computer monitor, using a keyboard/mouse and typing
 Must be able to stand for up to two hours instructing a classroom of learners
 Must be able to lift up to 25lbs on a frequent basis

Application Instructions:
Email resume and cover letter to Debbie Sperbeck at dsperbeck@byerschool.org.