Special Education /MLL Coordinator K-5 (25-26 SY)

Who We AreSince its founding in 2010, Challenge Preparatory Charter School (Challenge Prep) has provided students and families with a successful academic program in Far Rockaway, Queens. We currently serve over 1200 scholars from Kindergarten to 12th grade across 3 sites. Our school’s mission is to prepare students from the greater Far Rockaway community to excel academically, to demonstrate mastery of the NY State Learning Standards, and to achieve their career aspirations. Challenge cultivates and supports the intellectual, aesthetic, social, emotional, and ethical development of its students and prepares them to be responsible 21st century citizens. To accomplish its mission, Challenge offers a rigorous instructional program in a safe, supportive, technology-infused and data-enriched and social-emotional learning sequence, authentic field experiences, career counseling, and college coursework.  It is understood that we are one organization with multiple sites, and it is expected that all members of the team collaborate to support all of our scholars.
 
Understanding the RoleEvery member of the Instructional Team at Challenge Preparatory Charter School plays a critical role in ensuring our students have the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose - college, career, and beyond. Our educators are passionate advocates for their students and their families, working tirelessly to ensure that our students have access to opportunities. We are especially committed to attracting and developing individuals who share the life experiences of our students because we believe the best work we do is grounded in the realities and experiences of our families and students. As a General Education Teacher, you will deliver exceptional instruction and assess scholar growth. You are dedicated to constant learning and proactively provide academic and cultural support to your school and team. This position reports to the principal.

Overall Job Goals And Responsibilities

• Instructional Leadership & Program Oversight:
• Lead the strategic implementation of special education and MLL programs to ensure all scholars receive appropriate supports and services 
• Coordinate school-wide systems for IEP co-development, implementation, and progress monitoring
• Oversee compliance with NYSED and NYC DOE policies related to SPED and MLLs, including service mandates, testing accommodations, and timelines.
• Monitor scholar data and response to intervention 
• Supervise and coach special education teachers, ENL teachers, and related service providers as applicable
• Provide professional learning opportunities for special education and ENL teachers directly and via external providers
• Collaborate with the Dean and Associate Dean of Scholars to ensure compliance with disciplinary procedures for scholars with disabilities.
• Committee on Special Education (CSE) Liaison:
• Serve as the primary liaison to the NYC DOE’s Committee on Special Education (CSE) and ensure timely and accurate communication regarding student needs
• In collaboration with the CSE team, schedule and co-lead school-based meetings related to IEP development, annual reviews, initial evaluations, and triennials
• Ensure the preparation of required documentation and ensure the school’s recommendations are well-reasoned and compliant
• Track CSE communications and timelines to ensure legal compliance and service continuity
• Multilingual Language Learner (MLL) Program Coordination:
• Oversee the identification, placement, and reclassification processes for MLLs using NYSITELL and NYSESLAT assessments
• Ensure the implementation of ENL instructional models in alignment with Part 154 regulations
• Support professional development for teachers on culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogy and ELL instructional strategies
• Serve as a liaison between the school and families of MLLs


• Family & Community Engagement:


• Communicate regularly with families of scholars with IEPs and MLLs to ensure understanding of supports, services, and student progress
• Provide translation or interpretation services, or coordinate access to such services, as needed.
• Additional duties assigned by Administration

Who We Seek

• Challenge Preparatory Charter School will consider candidates who can demonstrate: 
• Commitment to and alignment with the CPCS mission, vision, program goals, and curriculum
• Effective leadership skills that inspire teamwork and dedication
• Strategic problem-solving skills 
• Strong communication skills with students, families, staff, and community members
• Exceptional management and organizational skills
• Positive experience in taking the initiative, assuming accountability and being productive in attaining measurable goals and mission accomplishments
• Ability to plan strategically and effectively, as well as adapting to unforeseen situations
• Ability to create a positive school culture that is welcoming, fun, and conducive to learning

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• Master's degree preferred
• NYS certification preferred  
• Highly motivated to teach students from underserved areas and devoted to closing the achievement gap
• Teaching experience in an urban school setting preferred
• The ability to create a classroom setting where students of every academic level experience enjoyment, engagement, and enthusiasm in their learning
• Strong teamwork ethic
• Ability to use data to drive instruction

Benefits

• Challenge Charter School's staff members receive a competitive salary, paid time off, matching of retirement contributions up to 3%, and more.
• Comprehensive benefits package including four health plans to choose from, two dental plans, and vision insurance
• We also offer flexible spending accounts for health, dependent care, and transit
• Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision-making, development, and team-wide priorities
• Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment
• Opportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic planning
• Professional development: weekly PD, year-round trainings, and ongoing coaching by professionals
• This is a full-time position commencing mid-August through June 

School SitesGrades K-1: 1279 Redfern Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691 Grades 2-5: 710 Hartman Lane, Far Rockaway, NY 11691 
Selection Process  Phase I - Virtual Interview with the HR Recruiter Phase II - Demo, Panel Interview, and Interview with the Senior Director of Teaching and Learning K-5Final - Reference Check, Offer, and Contract
Work YearThis full-time position begins in mid-August and goes through the end of June.An Equal Opportunity Employer
Challenge Charter School is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, particularly in the Far Rockaway area, and committed to educating students. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our relentless work. Challenge Charter School offers a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Learn more about our mission, team, and the exciting things happening at Challenge by visitinghttps://challengecharterschools.org/